Staged Readings

We are looking for new plays on a historical theme or that crossover between the present and the past (thus containing both historical and current elements) that haven’t been produced before. We are particularly keen to receive work set before 1900 but anything pre 1961 will be of great interest.The play should reflect on current socio-political issues but, beyond that, we’re open to any period or subject.

If the play is accepted you will work with a director to develop the text and it will be produced as a script-in-hand performance by professional actors with basic set, costumes and props. It will be a public performance and you will have the chance to invite industry representatives to view your work. Audiences will be asked to give their impressions after the performance.

We are looking for plays to be read a part of the upcoming Smoke Festival but also for ongoing readings. This is an opportunity to get feedback from both professionals and the public on your script; there is also the potential for your script to be picked up for future development.

Please send your completed historical scripts to info@outofordertheatre.co.uk




*Examples of existing historical plays include Silence (Moira Buffini), Battle Royal (Nick Stafford), The Art of Success (Nick Dear), Her Naked Skin (Rebecca Lenkiewicz) and A Man For All Seasons (Robert Bolt). Examples of crossover plays include Love Play (Moira Buffini) and England People Very Nice (Richard Bean) or any other play that combines both strong historical and strong contemporary scenes."