Live Writes
Live Writes
“A North East that writes its own story and fights for a more creative future” - Live Theatre vision
Live Writes is Live Theatre’s brand new series of new writing showcase and development events spread throughout the year with Open Calls for North East based Writers, Directors and Actors. A whole host of opportunities for Theatre creatives of all experiences to flourish in a safe and supportive space of feedback, networking and championing of the amazing artists of our region.
Each Live Writes event will see four writers have their work directed by four directors and performed by a group of actors - all of whom will be selected from our open windows for writing submissions, director applications and actor auditions. Not only that, we will be opening all of these opportunity windows to North East creatives four times a year.
All rehearsals, tech and performances are happening over one crazy day and this is a chance to see the next up and coming writers and performers in one evening, with four 10 minute showcases for just £6!
We can’t wait to see your creativity hit our stage!
Never Trust a Man With Thin Lips
Written by Simon Sayers-Franklin
Performed by Meena Al-Nawrasy, Andrew Dawson, Kieron Michael & Connor Reece Read
Darren and Ethan are modern husbands, looking for a bit of spice in their marriage. Darren introduces Max as a third in the hope that he can have his cake and eat it too. Max does spice things up initially but he quickly becomes unpleasant and cruel. Something doesn’t sit right with Ethan, who wants to support his husband but senses something is very wrong. On this date night we see how Max's dark intentions push everything to breaking point.
Viral
Written by Sarah Davy
Directed by Katherine Newman
Performed by Meena Al-Nawrasy, Eireann Devlin & Angela Rose
Abbie has spent her childhood being seen. Online, uncompromised. And now that she's escaped, she wants to start again. But the shadow of her mam and the life she was forced to live looms large, and the more she tries to find herself, the more she has to confront about what was done to her, and what she did to escape.
Healing by the Hem
Written by Sarah Rumfitt
Directed by Zoe Murtagh
Performed by Naomi Atkinson, Susan Jayne Robinson & Jake Fergus Wilson Craw
In the rhythm of her work at Streetlight homeless charity, Libby interviews Catrin, a polished and eager-to-help newcomer... but the interview takes an unexpected direction when Rowan bursts in. Magnetic and beaming with life, Rowan, a familiar face around the charity, seeks more than a change of clothing - His presence bringing about relief through open, honest, conversation and genuine connections that cuts through the pain of the past.
Tied
Written by Luke Maddison
Directed by Jake Murray
Performed by Ben Gettins & Elka Lee-Green
Molly and Jack share a flat. Best friends since childhood. Molly is a switched on talented woman who hasn't quite gotten where she'd like to be yet. Chasing her dreams and keeping Jack on track proves to be quite the challenge. Jack has been let go from his dead end job and finds himself stuck in a rut, unable to pull his weight out from under him. Distracting himself day to day hoping something will miraculously change much to the annoyance of Molly. Molly and Jack have a spark between them. But it is buried deep under how well they now know each other. Just as things begin to click a new obstacle is presented for the pair to overcome enabling them to make bad decisions in a climate that won't allow for it. With lives to create and rent to pay, they fumble through the fundamentals of being in your early twenties tied together.
Meena Al-Nawrasy
Meena Al-Nawrasy is a Kurdish actor born and raised in Newcastle. She is a recent graduate of Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Project A with her final production being Julia Darling’s musical A Manifesto For a New City. Her recent work includes; Peas Puddin’ Sandwiches (Live Theatre), Lasses Kicking Ass and Feeling Gassed (Alphabetti Theatre), My Little Princess (Gala Durham), Neon Brown(Alphabetti Theatre)
Naomi Atkinson
Naomi trained originally in musical theatre before transitioning into acting. She attends the local group The Actors Forge and has completed short courses with RADA and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is also signed with Zenith artist Management, based in Manchester. Naomi has been involved in small stage, film and commercial productions so far, and is auditioning for tv, film and stage at present. She is also due to be in The Taming of The Shrew at The Royal Conservetoire of Scotland.
Andrew Dawson
Andrew is a local actor from South Shields and a 2020 graduate of the Manchester School of Theatre.
Andrew has previously performed at Live Theatre as part of the Elevate festival with ‘The Twenty Seven Club’. His recent credits also include seasons 3 and 4 of Sky comedy ‘Brassic’ and ‘The Enchanted Snowglobe’ with Tree Stump Theatre.”
Eireann Devlin
Eireann, a Cumbrian actress, is a 2022 graduate of the Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company. Her credits to date include ‘Holodad’, Alphabetti Theatre, ‘DNA’, New Wolsey Theatre and several research and developments at Theatre By The Lake.
Ben Gettins
Ben Is a 24 year old Actor/Writer from Sunderland, his recent credits include Down The Lines and This Is Makina at the Customs House, Sugar Baby and Disco Pigs at Alphabetti. Your Voice Your Future: North East at Live. He recently wrote a play of his own which premiered at The Customs House in South Shields called “Wearmouth” He is delighted to be back performing on Live’s stage
Elka Lee-Green
Elka is very happy to be taking part in Live Writes and loves the excitement of working on new writing in a quick turnaround time. She has taken part in several One Play One Day events with Reload Theatre Company to help raise money for charities such as Andy’s Man Club, National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline and buying food for the homeless. She has also been in several independent feature films – Learn to Loathe Yourself (Introspective Productions) most recently, and when she’s not acting can be found walking, boarding and generally spoiling other people’s dogs for a living!
Kieron Michael
Kieron Michael is an actor, singer and writer from the Northeast. His recent roles include Claudius in Hamlet for Speakeasy, Meatballs in the Customs House Panto and his play Super Trouper had a sell out run as part of Blowin a Hooley’s writing development scheme. He is buzzing to be working with Live Theatre on bringing these new short plays to life.
Connor Reece Read
Connor Read is a LGBTQ+ comedian from Newcastle upon Tyne. Starting out at Live Theatre’s Youth Theatre, Connor has went on to become Felt Nowt ‘New Act of the Year’ 2022, shortlisted for the BBC Comedy Awards 2023, and provided Tour Support for Olga Koch in 2024.
Susan Jayne Robinson
Susan Jayne Robinson has been acting professionally since 2018 and is represented by Alex Priestley Talent. Her recent credits include 'Vera- Fast Love' as Alison Rahim (which can currently be seen on ITV) and 'Toxic Town' (soon to be aired on Netflix). Theatre credits include 'Meet Me at Dawn ' by Zinnie Harris (Hope Mill Theatre) and 'After The End' by Dennis Kelly (Troublehouse Theatre).
When not acting Susan can be found working towards her Level 1 exam in British Sign Language and is trying to conquer her fear of heights by learning Aerial Hoop.
Susan is looking forward to working with the team at Live Theatre Newcastle and can't wait to start working on Healing By The Hem by Sarah Rumfitt.
Angela Rose
Born and raised in Middlesbrough, Angela spent two decades as secondary school drama teacher (and mum) before her students encouraged her to return to her ambition to be an actor during the pandemic . Ang has since graduated from LIPA with distinction, performed in several plays and has toured up and down the country. Theatre credits include Josef K in The Trial, LIPA, Deborah in The Hunger, Black Bright Theatre, Eve in The Last Motel, Sheepish Productions/ Rural Arts, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Less is More and Lady Capulet in Theatre Space North East’s Romeo and Juliet.
Jake Fergus Wilson Craw
Jake Wilson Craw is an actor and writer from Newcastle. His recent credits include 'Never Look Back' with Roots Mbili at The Crucible, 'Santa at Live' at Live Theatre, 'Ducks & Dragons' at SIRF Festival and 'Wind In the Willows' with Northumberland Theatre Company. He's a regular player with Shakespeare's Speakeasy, Roll For Initiative, improvises with The Suggestibles, clowns with The Good Name Cabaret and most recently wrote and performed in sold-out sketch show 'Is This Anything?'.
