Writing a Two-Hander
Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea or just a desire to write, this course will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a compelling two-character play.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Mon 20 – Fri 24 July 2026
- Course times:
- 10am–5pm
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Drama | Writing
- Fees:
- £675
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- In-person | Summer Schools
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August)
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 2026
10am–5pm
About Writing a Two-Hander
Writing a Two-Hander is a hands-on, energising new five-day course designed to take you from first spark to first draft plan. Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea or just a desire to write, this course will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a compelling two-character play.
Over five days, you’ll develop a clear blueprint for your script and gain the confidence to take it forward — all the way to the stage. You’ll also connect with fellow creatives and leave with tools you can use again and again.
Who is the course for?
This course is open to anyone aged 18 and over, interested in writing a two-hander — whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced writer looking to explore a new format.
What can I expect?
You can expect a lively mix of theory and practice, with a strong focus on keeping creativity flowing. We won’t get bogged down in heavy theory — instead, each concept is quickly applied through writing exercises and discussion.
The course aims to give you the tools to write with confidence while enjoying the process.
Do I need anything for the course?
Just yourself, a pen, paper or a laptop, and your ideas.
Course Fee
£675
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- 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 actor and award-winning writer-performer, nominated for the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2026 (Best Comedy Performance) and Best Writer at the NE Culture Awards 2025 for his BBC Radio 4 sitcom Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT, co-starring Lauren Pattison and Julian Clarey.
As an actor, his recent screen credits include Daddy Issues (BBC), Vera and Emmerdale (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4), and regular sketch roles on The Emily Atack Show (ITV) and Every Blank Ever (Comedy Central). Theatre highlights include an Off-Broadway debut in the Carol Tambor Award-winning Life According to Saki, Offie-nominated Outlying Islands (King’s Head Theatre), Hand to God (English Theatre Frankfurt), and multiple runs of News Revue.
As a writer, Tom is a BAFTA Connect member and winner of Best Short Script at the UK Film Festival, Los Angeles Motion Picture Film Festival, and Changing Face International Film Festival for A Spoonful. He wrote and starred in the Channel 4 comedy short Junior Doctors Padz and is a core member of award-winning comedy troupe zazU, with four sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre. His debut play Ticker was published by PlayDead Press and received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe.
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