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 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 Productions including Life according to Saki (New York Theatre workshop) & Atticist’s office nominated Outlying Islands by David Greig.
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