Stage Write Playwright Development Programme

Let’s get them laughing

Stage Write Playwright Development: Comedy Special Supported By BBC Comedy

The stage is set. Are you ready to write?

To apply please complete this form and send a ten-page example of your work to phil@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com

At Liverpool’s Royal Court we’ve got two decades of experience of comedy theatre. Every year, we produce six or seven brand new shows, giving opportunities for new writers to get their first big break. With a mission to put Liverpool Lives on Stage, we do theatre with a Scouse accent, and comedy is at its core.

Now we want to see what you can do to make us laugh!

The 2027 Stage Write programme will be a brand-new edition, a Comedy Special supported by BBC Comedy.

It’s the same Stage Write Development Programme led by Liverpool’s Royal Court Stage Write team with the help of professional writers and directors, developing existing writing skills, however, this year we’ll be guiding participants towards developing a full-length comedy script for stage.

This is part of BBC Comedy’s legacy from the 2026 BBC Comedy Festival, which we were incredibly proud to host. It’s time to nurture the next generation of comedy writing talent.

Over the last seven years our Playwright Development Programme has welcomed over 140 writers, each completing, in many cases, their first full length script. Writers on the course have learnt how to hone their craft, met like-minded writers and discovered how the business really works. Up to now, they have been free to write about whatever they wished, but for 2027 we will host a Comedy Special version of the programme, with writers expected to produce a comedy play by the end of the course. The sessions, readings list and guest speakers will be tailored towards theatre comedy writing, with additional material on TV and radio comedy.

Meeting two evenings a month for nine months, the programme is completely free and is open to writers living or studying in the Liverpool City Region. The course is facilitated by Karen Brown, a professional screen, stage and radio writer and the course is aimed at those who have some writing experience and are looking to move to the next level.

There have been quite a few success stories since the course began. Six writers have had productions in the Royal Court Studio and one in the main house. This year, two of the five shortlisted writers for the prestigious Alfred Bradley Bursary Award are Stage Write Playwright Development Programme graduates. Last year Chrissy Jones won the same award for the play that she developed on the course. EJ Fisher was runner up in the Evening Standard Story Awards. Stage Write writers were also well represented at Channel 4’s New Writing North Awards 2023 with Joe McNally and Liz Redwood picking up two of the three Writing for Television Awards. Ste Mc was awarded the Derek Jacobi award for playwriting in 2026. Several Stage Write alumni have also gone on to secure work in theatre and TV or have been signed up by literary agents.

Applications are now open. You will be asked to complete an application form and submit a 10-page sample of comedy writing.

The deadline for applications is November 23rd. Shortlisting and interviews will be take place in early December.

Click here to Apply

Here is what some past participants had to say:

I still can’t get over the fact that the theatre offered this opportunity for free, and I’m so looking forward to maintaining the relationship with the Royal Court going forward. I’m so grateful to Karen and to Jess, and to everyone at the Royal Court and the Courtyard who always made us feel so welcome. Thank you!

Conor McReynolds

This has been one of the best learning experiences of my life. It is an incredibly generous thing that the StageWrite programme even exists; if I’d had to pay to be part of it, it would’ve been worth far more than I could actually have afforded! As well as Karen’s immense teaching and support, to have Jess and Kevin’s support as well was actually a bit humbling. Huge thanks.

Ed Barrett

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to be a professional scriptwriter. In just 9 months my writing and professional practice have completely transformed. Thank you Karen! I’m a better writer because of you and this course!

Sarah O’Hara

The Stage Write Playwright Development Programme has been an incredible experience and one that I have valued profoundly. Having the opportunity to spend the last 7 months sharing a creative space with such a wonderful group of writers has been a privilege. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the fabulous team at The Royal Court Theatre. Thank you for providing opportunities for creatives to thrive and develop and well as being committed to nurturing new/ local talent.

Bobbie Lee Scott

I can highly recommend this course, which transformed my approach to play-writing.
From the very first session, I felt that the Royal Court was investing in us all and keen to develop our potential as writers. It was instructive to hear professional writers sharing their knowledge of their craft and to learn how to put into practice the skills required to join their ranks.
It was good fun to be in such a supportive and cohesive group, but hard work, too, with numerous deadlines to meet – as would be expected of a professional writer.
In addition to learning the skills required to write plays, we were also given very useful, practical guidance on how to pitch what we had written, to achieve the ultimate objective of seeing our work performed.
Nick Broadhead

As a new writer, I found the course and all the advice I received along the way to be truly invaluable. It was really great getting to hear from people who work in the theatre industry, fellow writers and the other members of the programme on what they thought of my own writing and having the opportunity to discuss their work in a truly supportive group of peers. To sum it all up in Scouse, the course was BOSS!
David Holmes

I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity and most definitely feel that I gained a great deal from doing the course. Having the opportunity to read others work and exchange feedback really has been invaluable to me, so thank you.
Laura Lees

Thank you all so much. What a wonderful opportunity. I was thrilled when I heard I’d made it onto the Liverpool Royal Court script writing course. I am even more chuffed that at the end of it I have a full length play, made possible by the support and encouragement of you all. The course structure and Karen’s teaching approach was challenging but inspiring. I feel the course has elevated my writing to a higher level and allowed me to explore new territory.
Pauline Morris

An excellent and in-depth course that covers all aspects of play writing. Hugely supportive during a difficult year.
Ste Mc