Author: Mike Heath
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The Big Things – a long-awaited revival at GMFringe 2025
16th, 17th & 23rd July 2025Kings Arms Theatre, Salford When we speak about the big things in life, we often imagine dramatic, seismic events—the moments that define who we are. But sometimes, the truly life-changing things slip by quietly: a pause in conversation, the smell of toast in the morning, a glance across a crowded…
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Big Impact, Small Cast: Why Two- and Three-Handers Pack a Theatrical Punch
In an era when theatres are tightening belts and companies are looking for creative ways to do more with less, the virtue of plays with a small cast is clearer than ever. As a writer, director, and teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how two- and three-hander plays generate not just lean productions but rich, emotionally charged…
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Playwriting tips: The Power of Silence in Theatre
In playwriting, we often become fixated on words—on their rhythm, their subtext, their ability to push the narrative forward. But theatre is not just about dialogue. In fact, some of the most electrifying moments in a play happen when nothing is said at all. Silence is where the subtext lives. It’s the space between words…
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What happens at a playwriting summer school?
Find out all about the WriteForTheStage playwriting summer schools running from June to Aug this year.
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Playwriting tips: How to Get Beyond the 10-Page Sift
If you’ve ever submitted a play to a competition or writing opportunity, you’ve been subjected to the 10-page sift. And you’re likely familiar with the dreaded thanks-but-no-thanks email, and that email can hurt (and follow you around, tauntingly, for days or even weeks). And one of the reasons it hurts so much is that, chances…
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Playwriting Tips: Playwriting Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination
Are you an aspiring playwright looking for inspiration? Do you want to kick-start your creativity and write compelling scenes that captivate your audience? You need playwriting prompts that help release the barriers that hold you back. Look no further! This comprehensive guide explores a collection of playwriting prompts and writing exercises that could ignite your…
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Playwriting tips: Character Objectives – : A Deep Dive into Wants and Needs
Do your stories feel like they’re treading water? Are you finding it tricky to progress to the next plot point? Does it feel like your characters are driven by a plot that doesn’t suit them? Perhaps your character objectives need some clarity. In the realm of storytelling, character objectives are pivotal to a narrative’s success.…
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Playwriting tips: How long should a scene be?
How long should a scene be? How short is too short? And is it possible to make it too long? I get asked these questions almost daily while I’m teaching, whether at WriteForTheStage or university. And the question I always give is: make the scene earn its place. And while that doesn’t directly answer the…
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Playwriting Tips: Where Do Playwrights Get Their Ideas?
Are you stuck? Perhaps you’re suffering from the dreaded writer’s block? Maybe you have many ideas for a play but are unsure how to get them out of your head? You need some playwriting tips from playwrights who have fought their way through the block. Indeed, every playwright struggles now and then. You finish one…
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A Comprehensive Guide to Playwriting Competitions in the UK
The UK’s thriving theatre scene is renowned for its diversity, creativity, and innovation. And whether you’re a first-time playwright or an experienced scribe, entering playwriting competitions can provide an excellent platform to showcase your work and boost your career. This guide will explore key playwriting competitions in the UK, offering insights into submission guidelines, prizes,…