ONE OF Reading’s most celebrated professional theatre companies is hosting a competition to discover new writers ahead of a busy year of national productions.
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.
Charlie Lloyd, professional actor and RABBLE Career Development Beneficiary said: “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.”
Those interested in taking part can email: writers@rabbletheatre.com
Applications should include a CV, explain a bit about themselves and why the opportunity is of interest, and confirm that they are at least 17 years of age.
Entrants must be available to compete on Sunday, February 1, with an application deadline of midnight on Wednesday, January 28.
RABBLE’s 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.
