RABBLE Theatre announces writing competition for Off the Block #14
Reading’s award-winning professional theatre company, RABBLE, has an enviable reputation for producing new writing. Their current play, Glitch - The True Story of the Post Office Scandal (written by Zannah Kearns) is soon to embark on a national tour of the UK and Henry I (written by Beth Flintoff) was named a Top 5 UK show by esteemed critic, Dominic Cavendish.
These writers, however, did not start their careers at this high level and it is thanks to RABBLE’s commitment to supporting emerging talent that aspiring professionals have reason to hope.
“For me, the most incredible part of it was being given the opportunity to work with a professional theatre company on a live production. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I will treasure it forever.” Charlie Lloyd, professional actor and RABBLE Career Development Beneficiary
In line with this commitment, therefore, RABBLE have announced a competition to discover new writers; The RABBLE Writers Competition.
Entrants of RABBLE Writers Competition will be competing for the opportunity to write one of the four twenty minute plays at RABBLE’s annual sell-out event, Off the Block, which will be held at Reading’s South Street Arts Centre on Friday 20th March, 2026.
For the competition, applicants will have 6 hours to write a five minute play on Sunday 1st February 2026, inspired by a clue given to them by the producers that morning. All entries must be submitted by 4pm of the same day and shall then be read by RABBLE’s team. The winner will then join the professional team of writers, whose plays are performed on Friday 20th March 2026 at Reading’s South Street Arts Centre.
The annual event, which engages over 30 professional theatre makers, is now in its 14th year and has proven a great way for the company to meet and develop new creative professionals. One past participant is RABBLE’s associate writer, Beth Flintoff, recently appointed writer in residence at London’s Royal Court Theatre.
If you would like to be considered for the competition, then all you have to do is..
- email writers@rabbletheatre.com by midnight of Wednesday 28th January.
- Attach your CV
- Explain a bit about yourself and why this opportunity is of interest
- Be prepared to compete on Sunday 1st February
- Confirm that you are aged 17yrs or over
Good Luck!