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19th Annual WriteFest

Progress Theatre's annual new writing festival

18 Mar 2026-21 Mar 2026

What is Writefest?

It’s a joyful theatrical lucky dip 

Every year we pick six short plays and bring them to life with a mad mix of writers, directors and performers - some seasoned, some brand new, all brave enough to say “yes, let’s try this”.

Expect:

  • Big laughs
  • Unexpected feels
  • Ideas you won’t see anywhere else
  • The occasional glorious risk

Writefest isn’t always about polish - it’s about possibility.

From first-time directors to seasoned Progress favourites, Writefest is where experience and experimentation collide - usually in the best possible way.

This year's plays are: 

  • Dead Annoying by Adam Wells
  • Curious Incident of the Man in the Bowler Hat by Liz Carroll
  • Indefinite Edibility by Dan Clark
  • Ye Gods by Liz Carroll
  • World of Pain by Peter Roan
  • Shambridge by Melanie Roan

Writefest is where we take risks — and occasionally unleash zombies.

Our WriteFest Writers

5 photos of our writers on a black background