Creative Writing for Live Performance: Level 2

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Read our terms and conditions

Ages 18+

Course Dates & Times

Wednesday evenings on 24 September, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29* October, 5, 12** November 2025
7pm-9pm*
*The session on 29 October will last 2.5 hours.
** The session on 12 November will take place online 

About Creative Writing for Live Performance: Level 2

This eight-week course is for any writer who has made a start on an idea (from a synopsis to a first draft) and the focus will be on developing and redrafting this piece.

This is the perfect next step for writers looking to complete a solid first or second draft of their script. There will be an opportunity for the participants to see their work performed by actors in one of the sessions.

The course will focus on dialogue development, structure, redrafting, character development and tone.

Who is this course for?

• This course is for writers or writer/performers who have some writing experience or have participated in the Level 1 Creative Writing for Live Performance course.
• Whilst Level 1 is all about getting out of your head and onto the page, and seeing your work performed for the first time; Level 2 is for anyone who wants structure, inspiration and deadlines to push them to the next stage in their writing journey.

What can I expect?

Throughout the eight weeks, you will work on dialogue development, structure to enhance your story, redrafting, detailed character journeys, using form to elevate your question and tone. Midway through the course there will be a Q&A with an established, visiting playwright who will offer insight and advice on their craft and how to break into the industry.

On week six the participants will have their work performed by actors and in week eight, the course tutors will offer individual feedback.

The aim is for you to leave the course with a solid first draft of something that you can move forward with.

Do I need anything for the course?

Ideally you will have a basic understanding of writing, either by completing the Creative Writing for Live Performance, Level 1 course or have created work in the past. To get the most out of the course, we recommend you come with an idea/play you are already developing. No full drafts are expected but some decisions should have already been made. We will need something for you to be able to use and redraft from week 1. 

You will need to be available for all the sessions and bring either pen and paper or laptop to the sessions, whichever you feel more comfortable with. 

Course Fee

£390

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
• Read our terms and conditions

Eligibility

• We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course 
   

About the Course Tutors

This course is taught by Maddie Rice and Tom Machell.

Maddie Rice is known for her work on Fleabag (2016), Every Blank Ever (2018) and Handy (2019).

As a writer she is currently developing television projects with Apple TV, NBC Universal, AMC, Mammoth Screen, HatTrick, Rocliffe and STV and her first pilot HANDY was aired on RTE in April 2019.

Maddie is currently under commission to write a new play for SOHO Theatre and Drywrite as one of the SOHO SIX.

Her debut play Pickle Jar won the 'Three Weeks Editors award' in Edinburgh, transferred to SOHO Theatre and is now being developed for television with NBC Universal.

As an actress Maddie most recently won critical acclaim starring in the smash-hit Fleabag UK and Australian tour. She writes and performs with comedy groups zazU and Lead Pencil. 

Tom Machell is an award-winning writer/performer from Newcastle upon Tyne. His debut BBC Radio 4 sitcom ’Tom and Lauren are Going OOT!' begins August 2024 starring Julian Clarey, Lauren Pattison, and himself. He is currently optioned by Conde Nast Entertainment LA, Candle & Bell with NE Screen and The BFI, and Roxo on television projects. His new play Toast F**K directed by Tessa Walker will premiere in 2024.

He won the UK Film Festival, Los Angeles Motion Picture Film Festival & Changing Face International Film Festival's ‘Best Short Script’ 2021 award for his short film A Spoonful. The film script was a shortlisted finalist at 12 other festivals around the world. He was selected for BAFTA Connect 2022-2025.

PlayDead Press published Tom’s debut play Ticker which ran at The Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to Alphabetti Theatre & Northern Stage and the Turbine Theatre to rave reviews. His first comedy short 'Junior Doctors Padz' was made for Channel 4 in partnership with FNA films and North East Comedy Hot House. Alongside his individual work, Tom has been working with his award-winning comedy troupe zazU, who have had four sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre respectively, and are developing their work for screen and audio.

As an actor Tom has recently appeared in Vera (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4), Emmerdale (ITV), Our Friends In The North (BBC Radio 4), The Emily Atack Show (ITV 2), Every Blank Ever (Comedy Central) as well as several Features, Shorts and Off-Broadway /Off West End Productions including Life According to Saki (New York Theatre Workshop) & Atticist’s office nominated Outlying Islands by David Greig.

Praise for Ticker

★★★★★ A Younger Theatre - Machell’s creation does not miss a beat from one moment to the next; he has all the gifts of a fireside storyteller, tempered with the poise and control of a great tragedian.