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Writing a Solo Show
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help you create a one-person performance from scratch.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026
- Course times:
- 10am–5pm
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Writing
- Fees:
- £285
- Deadline:
- Bookings close at 5pm on Monday 30 March 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Easter Courses
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Monday, 30 March 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April 2026
10am–5pm
About Writing a Solo Show
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help you create a one-person performance from scratch. Whether you have a story, a character, or simply the desire to perform your own work, this intensive course will guide you from idea to page — and ultimately to stage.
Over two days, you’ll gain a practical toolkit for creating and putting on your work, in a supportive group of like-minded creatives.
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to write a solo show to perform.
- Writers who have always wanted to perform
- Performers who have always wanted to write
- Actors ready to take creative control
What can I expect?
A practical and inspiring course that equips you with the skills to write a one-person show.
Do I need anything for the course?
Just yourself, a pen, paper or a laptop, and your ideas.
Course Fee
£285
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Monday, 30 March 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- View 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
The course is taught by award-winning writers and performers 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! began in 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 premiered 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 pProductions including Life according to Saki (New York Theatre workshop) & Atticist’s office nominated Outlying Islands by David Greig.