Before The INK Dries Podcast
Welcome to Before The INK Dries. An entertaining and enlightening podcast with writers who all write for performance. Each episode a different guest. Join Helen Atkinson Wood and Vincent Franklin as they speak with writers sharing their trade secrets, loves, hates and inspirations with us all!
New episodes out the first Thursday of every month.
BISCUIT CLUB 2026 - selecting scripts for INK Festival 2027
INK script reading to be held primarily at:
The Coop Community Room - Saxons Way, Halesworth, IP19 ALU - free parking
OR, where marked:
The Angel Hotel Stables – The Thoroughfare, Halesworth, IP19 8AH
(The Angel may be subject to change. If possible, we will inform you in advance, but the new location will be close plus details will be either posted on the Stable door or at the Angel bar.)
Or just once at:
Smoke and Fire Tiles, Darsham. The Granary, Main Road, Darsham, Saxmundham, IP17 3PL
No need to contact Julia or Kitty to say if you are coming or not. Just turn up on the day if you feel like it. You will not be asked to read any script out loud. Just mark a script between 1- 5 as you think fit. We value your opinion. There is no right or wrong! Scripts are also read by at least two members of the INK team, so your opinion alone will not damn a play to the rejection pile!
Any questions: Kitty@inktheatre.org
TIME: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
SEPTEMBER
3rd Thur @ The Coop Community Room
9th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
10th Thur @ Smoke and Fire
16th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
17th Thur @ The Coop Community Room
23rd Wed @ The Coop Community Room
24th Thur @ Angel
30th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
OCTOBER
1st Thur @ The Coop Community Room
7th Wed @ Angel
8th Thur @ Angel
14th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
15th Thur @ The Coop Community Room
21st Wed @ The Coop Community Room
22nd Thur @ Angel
28th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
29th Thur @ Angel
NOVEMBER
4th Wed @ Angel
5th Thur @ Angel
11th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
12th Thur @ Angel
18th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
19th Thur @ The Coop Community Room
25th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
26th Thur @ Angel
DECEMBER
2nd Wed @ The Coop Community Room
3rd Thur @ The Coop Community Room
9th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
10th Thur @ Angel
16th Wed @ The Coop Community Room
17th Thur @ The Coop Community Room
Wanted Freelance Event Coordinator
Event date: Sunday 18 April 2027
Event hours: 11am - 4pm
Location: Halesworth Market Place
Organiser: INK
About Sunday Funday
Sunday Funday is a free, family-friendly community event bringing people together for a day of creativity, entertainment and shared experiences.
Running during the Sunday of the INK Festival, the event welcomes 500-700 people to Halesworth Market Place to enjoy an imaginative and inclusive programme of activities and entertainment, all free to attend. It provides an opportunity for families and the wider community to come together, try something new and enjoy a fun-filled day in a welcoming environment.
We want Sunday Funday to be creative, accessible and inclusive, offering something for a wide range of ages and interests while celebrating theatre with the local community.
The opportunity
INK is looking for a creative, organised and self-sufficient freelance Event Coordinator to take full responsibility for planning, managing and delivering Sunday Funday 2027, this years theme is Kings and Queens.
You will lead the event from initial planning through to delivery and breakdown on the day. You'll be responsible for developing an engaging programme, coordinating suppliers and participants, managing the event budget and ensuring all practical, operational and safety requirements are in place.
We are looking for someone who can combine imaginative thinking with excellent project management, taking ownership of the detail while keeping sight of the overall experience we want to create for the community.
Information and details from previous 3 Sunday Fundays will be available to help inform your planning and provide a starting point for developing the 2027 event.
Key responsibilities
Event planning and delivery
Take overall responsibility for planning, coordinating and delivering Sunday Funday.
Develop and manage an event timeline, identifying key milestones, deadlines and requirements.
Coordinate all aspects of event preparation, set-up, delivery and breakdown.
Creative programming
Develop an imaginative, engaging and inclusive programme of free activities and entertainment for families and the wider community.
Work closely with INK to ensure the programme aligns with the organisation's ethos and complements its wider work.
Identify and coordinate suitable performers, activity providers, community groups and other participants.
Budget management
Manage the event delivery budget, monitoring expenditure, coordinating payments and ensuring the event is delivered within the agreed budget.
Obtain quotes, manage supplier costs and ensure value for money.
Maintain clear budget records and communicate any potential overspend or financial risks to INK
Licensing, permissions and road closures
Identify and coordinate the necessary licence applications, permissions, approvals and notifications.
Manage the road closure application process and liaise with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Ensure requirements and deadlines are identified early and appropriate arrangements are in place ahead of the event.
Site planning and logistics
Develop the site layout and coordinate equipment, infrastructure, signage, access and other logistical requirements.
Liaise with suppliers and contractors to ensure all elements are delivered and installed as planned.
Consider the needs of attendees, performers, suppliers and the local community throughout the planning process.
Health, safety and accessibility
Coordinate risk assessments and appropriate event safety documentation and arrangements.
Ensure relevant safeguarding considerations are addressed.
Plan for accessibility and inclusion, helping to create a welcoming experience for a broad range of attendees.
Identify potential issues and put suitable contingency arrangements in place.
Marketing and communications
Work with INK on event promotion and communications.
Provide the information, programme details and imagery needed to support marketing activity.
Liaise with participants and partners to ensure information is accurate and deadlines are met.
Event-day management
Act as the lead coordinator on the day, overseeing set-up, delivery and breakdown.
Coordinate suppliers, participants and the wider event operation.
Respond to issues as they arise and ensure the event runs safely and smoothly.
About you
We are looking for someone who is confident taking ownership of an event and has the experience and initiative to manage it independently.
You will ideally have:
Experience independently planning and delivering public events, festivals or community activities.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Experience managing budgets, suppliers, contractors and event logistics.
An understanding of public event licensing, permissions, road closures and health and safety requirements.
A creative approach to programming activities and entertainment for families and diverse audiences.
A commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community participation.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
A proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to make decisions and resolve problems.
The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with INK.
Budget and fee
INK has an event delivery budget to cover the costs of delivering Sunday Funday. This budget is separate from the freelance coordinator's fee.
How to apply
If you have the experience, creativity and enthusiasm to deliver Sunday Funday, we'd love to hear from you.
Please email:
A current CV
a few lines about why you would be good for this role
Email: marketing@inktheatre.org
Closing date: 16 November 2026
Christmas Cracker Online Auction
A Christmas Cracker!
Looking for that extra-special Christmas gift?
Join INK for our festive online auction, packed with fantastic gifts, unique experiences and plenty of Christmas surprises!
Hosted by leading Suffolk auction house Clarke & Simpson, this is your chance to find something special while supporting INK and its work.
Bidding opens 21 November - auction link coming soon!
A Night At The Theatre
A review in words and song
Join us for a special fundraising evening in support of INK, celebrating the power of words, music and performance.
An entertaining evening bringing together wonderful performers for a mix of readings, songs and theatrical moments, with something to delight everyone.
Featuring performances by Vincent Franklin, Hilary Greatorex, Rob Gildon, Madeleine Holmes and Gretel Dowdeswell, this promises to be a memorable night of talent, creativity and entertainment.
Whether you love theatre, music, literature or simply enjoy a great night out, come along and enjoy an evening of exceptional performances while helping to support INK and its work championing new writing and bringing original stories to life.
Gather your friends, enjoy the entertainment and help us raise vital funds for INK.
A wonderful evening for a wonderful cause!
INK FESTIVAL 2027
SAVE THE DATE!
15 - 18 April 2027
INK Festival returns for its 11th Festival - celebrating the very best in new writing with an exciting programme of 70 new short plays, comedy, talks and much more.
Four days. Fresh voices. Brilliant stories. Unforgettable performances.
Keep your eyes peeled… there’s plenty more to come!
INK youth FESTIVAL 2027
Following on from the main INK Festival, the INK Youth Festival is designed especially for local schools, giving young people the chance to step into the exciting world of theatre, all for FREE. Through performances, workshops and creative experiences, pupils can spark their imaginations, build confidence and discover the joy of storytelling. As part of INK’s commitment to education and community engagement, the Youth Festival aims to inspire the writers, performers and theatre-makers of tomorrow.
For futher informtion contact jane@inktheatre.org
Sips & Scripts
SIPS & Scripts
An evening of short plays and new writing
Join us at Southwold Arts Centre for an evening of script readings, featuring a selection of short plays performed by local actors.
Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm
St Edmunds Hall - Southwold Arts Centre
In collaboration with INK Theatre
Tickets on sale soon for just £7.50 - southwoldartscentre.co.uk
Wanted Actor / Drama Facilitator
Wanted Actor / Drama Facilitator
INK seeks an experienced, creative and energetic freelance Actor/Lead Drama Facilitator able to deliver exciting and stimulating drama workshops to young people.
You should:
· Have experience working with young people of all abilities
· Be creative, adaptable and confident, with the ability to think quickly on your feet
· Create engaging, imaginative and inclusive workshops
· Have a good understanding of playwriting, structure and storytelling
· Be confident in directing and developing performance work
· Have excellent organisation and communication skills
· Hold an Enhanced DBS
· Have a full driving licence and access to your own car
You will lead INK’s successful Pen to Performance Schools’ Project in the region’s secondary schools, develop extended holiday courses with the opportunity for further community engagement projects.
If you’re passionate about theatre, inspiring young people and creating memorable performance experiences, we’d love to hear from you! For further information please send your CV to Jane@inktheatre.org
ADULT short play writing WORKSHOPS - ROB jOHN
Workshop Details
Writing a Short Play:
INK produces more new plays than any other platform in the UK. Most of those plays are short-form pieces many of which last only fifteen minutes of stage or airtime. This practical hands-on course will explore the skills and strategies needed to tell stories, develop characters, create tension, reveal and conceal plot developments and reach resolution … all in fifteen minutes! The objective here is that by the end of the course each writer will have a short play ready to submit to INK Festival 2027. At the last session course members will have the opportunity to hear their plays read by professional actors.
Free in-person Adult Scriptwriting Workshops
Level : Open to all-comers irrespective of previous experience
Age : 18+
Dates:
5th September, 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October.
Times:
10 am to 1pm
Venue :
5 September - The Angel Halesworth IP19 8AH
19 September - The Angel Halesworth IP19 8AH
3 October - Focus Organic (upstairs) 14 Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AH
17 October - The Angel Halesworth IP19 8AH
Application Process:
Please send a short email (75 words max) about yourself and why you would like to do this course to tutor Rob John rzjohn@btinternet.com
Application deadline: August 1st
Tutor
A former teacher, Rob John is a playwright, script-writer and theatre director. His published stage plays include The Spaceman, For Ever and Ever and Living with Lady Macbeth which has been performed in over thirty countries worldwide. Rob is a co-founder of fEAST Theatre for which he has written ten plays including The Canada Boys, Rosa Mendoza and most recently, Tales from the Motherland. Rob has written several plays for BBC Radio 4 and numerous scripts for BBC School Radio and television. His A-Z of World War One won a Royal Television Society Award. Last year Rob was commissioned by INK to write a play aimed at teenage suicide prevention. The Drummer Boy was performed in 17 Suffolk schools in the summer 20025 and again at INK Festival earlier this year.
Tutor
Rob John
A former teacher, Rob John is a playwright, script-writer and theatre director. His published stage plays include The Spaceman, For Ever and Ever and Living with Lady Macbeth which has been performed in over thirty countries worldwide. Rob is a co-founder of fEAST Theatre for which he has written ten plays including The Canada Boys, Rosa Mendoza and most recently, Tales from the Motherland. Rob has written several plays for BBC Radio 4 and numerous scripts for BBC School Radio and television. His A-Z of World War One won a Royal Television Society Award. Last year Rob was commissioned by INK Festival to write a play aimed at teenage suicide prevention. The Drummer Boy was performed in 17 Suffolk schools in the summer 2025 and again at INK Festival earlier this year.
INK at edinburgh fringe
Every August, INK's influence reaches the world's biggest arts festival as plays, artists and creatives connected to INK head to the Edinburgh Fringe.
From productions that began life at INK to writers, directors and performers who have developed their work with us over the years, there's always a wealth of INK talent to discover across the Fringe. Whether it's a play making its Edinburgh debut, an alumnus premiering a new show or familiar faces taking to the stage, we're proud to celebrate the incredible journeys of our creative community.
If you're heading to Edinburgh, keep an eye for people and performances with an INK connection. It's the perfect way to support emerging artists and see where new writing can take you.
The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show - https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/big-bite-size-breakfast-show
NUDE - https://www.thespaceuk.com/shows/2026/nude
A Man Proposes to a Balloon, or Possibly Something Worse - https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6723/
Tom Hartwell, Artistic Director of Bite-Size Plays, said:
"We were once again blown away by the quality of the writing from INK."
The success doesn't stop there. Familiar faces from the INK community can be found across the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
Frequent INK performer Isabella Inchbald stars in The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show.
INK performer and writer Ed Jones brings The Scaring to the Fringe with his company Crybabies, collaborating with Fleabag producer Francessca Moody.
INK actor Molly McGeachin is producing Giraffe and The Kingmaker, while INK 2026 writer and director Phoebe Segal presents her new one-woman show Nude at Space on the Mile, featuring INK actor Hattie Chapman.
Meanwhile, Mark Daniels, winner of the INK Festival 2025 Award Writer Award, takes his latest play, A Man Proposes to a Balloon, or Possibly Something Worse, to Gilded Balloon Patter House.
ADULT COMEDY SCRIPT WRITING WORKSHOPS - Helen Serafinowicz
Workshop Details: fully bOOKED
Story structure. Character development. How to craft a comedy scene. How to write a pitch.
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
AGE: 18+
DATES:
Stage Two Theatre Royal : July 14, 21 & 28
The Playhouse: August 4
LOCATION: Norwich
Stage 2: Theatre Royal, Theatre St, Norwich, NR2 1RL
The Playhouse: 42-58 St Georges St, Norwich, NR3 1AB
TIME: 18:00-20:00
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send a short email about yourself and your experience as a writer to: kitty@inkfestival.org with subject title: Helen Serafinwyxz workshops
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
June 1 2026
Helen Serafinowicz
Two-time BAFTA award-winning screenwriter who co-created and wrote the hit BBC comedy series Motherland, and its equally successful spin-off, Amandaland. She also created and wrote the CBBC series, Nova Jones. Helen’s play The Legend of Rooney's Ring premiered in Liverpool last year.
CASTING CALL – THE DRUMMER BOY
INK is casting The Drummer Boy for a short 3-week tour this October.
We're looking for three versatile professional actors with stage experience to join the production:
Actor 1
A male-presenting actor to play Jake, the lead character, aged 11–17.
Actor 2
A female-presenting actor to play Jake's mum, girlfriend, and a football commentator.
Actor 3
A male-presenting actor to play Jake's friend, teacher, football scout, and several other schoolboy roles.
Interested? Please get in touch with Julia at julia@inktheatre.org for more information.
Student Script submissions for INK Festival 2027 are OPEN!
Got an idea for a play? We'd love to read it.
Whether you're studying drama, theatre or creative writing, or you're simply passionate about telling stories, INK wants to hear from you.
We're always looking for fresh voices and original ideas. If you've written a short play - or have one you've been meaning to finish - now's the perfect time to share it.
Submission deadline: 31st October
Find everything you need to know, including submission guidelines here
Script submissions for INK Festival 2027 are now OPEN!
Have a story that needs to be told? Whether you're an emerging playwright or an experienced writer, we'd love to read your work.
INK champions new writing and brings fresh voices to the stage, so if you've got a draft sitting in a drawer, now's the time to share it.
Submission deadline: 30th September
Find everything you need to know, including submission guidelines here
Adult Script Writing Workshop - Adrian Poynton
Workshop Details:
Ideal for beginners and intermediate level writers. An introduction to the core concepts of scriptwriting - including structure, character, dialogue, and format - across all mediums like stage, film and radio. The aim by the end is for students to have completed their own short script for stage or radio (no monologues), ideally for them to submit to INK for festival consideration.
AGE: 18+
DATES:
Weekley starting Thursday 14th May. For 6 weeks ( 14th, 21st, 28th May, 4th, 11th, 18th June).
Then special actor table read of scripts on 25th June.
TIME: 19:30 – 21:00
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please only apply if you have NOT attended an INK writing course before.
Please send a short email about yourself and your experience (if any) as a writer, and a PDF sample of your work (even if it’s a scene written specially for the submission) to poyntonsubmissions@gmail.com.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Friday 24th April.
TUTOR:
Adrian Poynton is an award-winning writer and occasional performer of both comedy and drama. He wrote and created BBC comedy White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Joel Fry. It ran for two series on BBC Three (before being repeated on BBC One). He then successfully adapted the show for America’s ABC network/Disney as Family Tools which stared JK Simmons and Leah Remini and ran for 10 episodes. He has also written scripts for BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney, CBS and Sony to name but a few. Adrian is also known for his award-winning play A Very Naughty Boy about the working relationship of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman and John Cleese which toured the UK before a month long run at London’s Soho Theatre to huge critical acclaim.
Adrian Poynton
Award-winning writer and occasional performer of both comedy and drama. He wrote and created BBC comedy White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Joel Fry. It ran for two series on BBC Three (before being repeated on BBC One). He then successfully adapted the show for America’s ABC network/Disney as Family Tools which stared JK Simmons and Leah Remini and ran for 10 episodes. He has also written scripts for BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney, CBS and Sony to name but a few. Adrian is also known for his award-winning play A Very Naughty Boy about the working relationship of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman and John Cleese which toured the UK before a month long run at London’s Soho Theatre to huge critical acclaim.
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Downton to Darkest Peru - a behind the scenes tour
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Downton to Darkest Peru - a behind the scenes tour
The actor, wit and gentleman pin-up gives a rare stage interview to the producer and director Paul Schlesinger. Those lucky enough to have seen Hugh Bonneville on stage know there are many more sides to this actor than the quintessential English aristocrat, Robert, Earl of Grantham, he plays so brilliantly in the ITV period classic Downton Abbey. The bemused conviction with which he played Ian Fletcher in the BBC comedy series Twenty Twelve and again in W1A revealed a terrific aptitude for comedy cemented by his role as Mr Brown in the trilogy of Paddington films. Hugh is about to reprise the role of Ian Fletcher in John Morton’s highly anticipated Twenty Twenty Six a six-part mockumentary series focusing on the chaotic organising committee behind this year’s World Cup.
Paul Schlesinger has produced and directed a stack of award-winning series on both radio and television including Power Monkeys (Channel 4), Funny Women (Sky), Still Up (Apple TV Plus), Twenty Twelve, W1A and People Like Us (all BBC). He regularly directs plays for the INK Festival and is one of our treasured trustees.
Hugh Bonneville will be signing copies of his childrens’ novel Roy Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room in the foyer after the show.
Lewis Buxton: Mate Arias
Buxton’s poetry is an average guy’s guide to the problem of making friends while grappling with sport, sit coms and social anxiety. The title refers to his collection of poems recently published by The Emma Press. Book signing afterwards.
ENCHANTED BEACH with Esther Freud & Emma Chinnery
CHILDRENS WORKSHOP - ENCHANTED BEACH with Esther Freud & Emma Chinnery FREE event
Meet the illustrator and author for a draw-along of the little dog and reading from the Enchanted Beach, with both writer Esther Freud and illustrator Emma Chinnery.
Drawing and story time will run for 45 mins.
Doors Open :13:00
Duration: 13:30 to 14:15
Conversations from a Long Marriage by Jan Etherington
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
The beloved BBC Radio 4 comedy classic returns for a special one-off performance,
with an introduction by the multi-award winning creator and writer of the series, Jan Etherington. The inimitable Angus Deayton and INK’s guiding light Helen Atkinson Wood play the ageless husband and wife who, against some very tall odds manage to stay together, laugh together and love together. A rare chance to see, in the flesh, the two roles made famous on the wireless by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam.
Book signing in the Foyer afterwards.
Sunday Funday
INK Sunday Funday is a special event running alongside the INK Festival designed for all ages, featuring a lively mix of family-friendly activites, storytelling, comedy, music, and interactive workshops. It’s a chance for audiences to experience the joy of live performance in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Adrian Poynton: WRITING COMEDY
Workshop - Adrian Poynton WRITING COMEDY
Writing Comedy - An interactive workshop to help progress your comedic writing skills for TV, film and stage. A fun dive into dialogue, situation and character within comedy writing.
Doors Open: 10:30
Duration: 11:00 to 1:00
IMPROV COMEDY: Joe McArdle
Workshop - IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP with Joe McArdle
Improvisation Comedy Workshop with Joe McArdle. Ready to think fast, laugh hard, and unleash your inner comedy genius? Join award-winning comedian, writer, and master improviser Joe McArdle for a fun, and fast-paced improv workshop that will sharpen your wit, boost your confidence, and help you own the stage like a pro. Whether you’re a budding comic or just want to break free from overthinking, this session is all about quick thinking, big laughs, and zero pressure. Get out of your head and into the moment—because in improv, there are no mistakes, only punchlines!
Workshop Leader Joe McArdle is a twice BAFTA-nominated comedian, writer, and improviser who has made waves across stand-up, TV, radio, and film. A seasoned performer, he has toured the UK with his stand-up, delivering sharp, quick-witted comedy that leaves audiences in stitches. Off-stage, Joe is a prolific writer, crafting comedy for Channel 4, BBC, BBC Radio 4, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. As a co-writer for award-winning satirist Munya Chawawa, he’s helped create viral, razor-sharp sketches that have amassed over 1 billion views worldwide. His work spans theatre, radio, television, and film, proving his versatility in the ever-evolving world of comedy. With a deep understanding of what makes people laugh—whether on stage or behind the scenes—Joe is the perfect guide to help you boost your confidence, sharpen your comedic instincts, and embrace the unpredictability of improv.
Doors Open: 9:30
Duration: 10:00 to 12:00
Dead Ringers Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw
Dead Ringers Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw
An evening with Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw - The Stars of Radio 4's Dead Ringers as part of the INK Festival in Halesworth.
Running time approx: 7.30pm - 9.30pm with a 20 minute interval
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium and the bar will be open during the interval
Carers go free.
Parental Guidance advised for under 13s.
Luke Wright’s Later Life Letter (14+)
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads and the one he might have done. What’s it like to stumble across your birth mother on Facebook? How do you honour the parents who raised you while sating the desire to know where you come from? Is it telling that you married a social worker? The poet prince Luke Wright has a magical chemistry with words that has made him one of the best performance poets in the world. This frank account of what it means to be someone else’s child is his most personal poetry to date, told with wit that cuts like a knife and pathos that draws tears. Expect a little smattering of drum ‘n bass amidst the Sturm und Drang. Book signing in the Foyer afterwards.
Lucy Fennell: Pouched and Padded Intimacy Coordinator
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Everything you want to know about sex on screen and stage is revealed in this illustrated presentation by Lucy Fennell, a top professional Intimacy Coordinator whose working life is spent ensuring actors are consenting and comfortable in scenes of simulated sex, nudity and shock moments of vulnerability. Find out how this relatively new role has evolved from someone who has worked at very close quarters on bodice-rippers such as Bridgerton, The Witcher, All of Us Strangers and True Detective. With audience Q&A’s.
Ashley Hickson-Lovence: Buses, Belonging & About to Fall Apart
Hickson-Lovence’s show includes readings from his verse-inspired novel About to Fall Apart. A journey through identity, masculinity, grief and survival told with humour, anger and hope. Book signing afterwards.
Nicola Werenowska: TELLING UNTOLD TALES
Workshop with Nicola Werenowska TELLING UNTOLD TALES
Led by award winning neurodivergent playwright & creative writing tutor, Nicola Werenowska, this creative writing workshop is for writers of all levels and all genres. Whether you have a burning story you’re keen to explore or an idea you’re not quite sure about, Nicola will invite you to discover and explore the stories that matter to you through a series of fun group and individual exercises, drawing on her own storytelling experience and on her current play STAR SISTERS about the lives of Jane and Anne Taylor, two Colchester sisters who wrote the lyrics to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star nursery rhyme in 1806 in Colchester's Dutch Quarter.
Doors Open:10:30
Duration: 11:00 to 13:00
INKlings drama day
INKlings Day of Drama with MissAdventures Theatre Company!
Do you have a dramatic 6-8 year old that would love the chance to come and experiment with all things theatre? Do you have a little one at home in need of a boost in confidence and a fun, creative day with no pressure to perform?
MissAdventures Theatre Company are delighted to be joining INK Festival 2025 for the 4th year running, bringing their own brand of dramatic whimsy designed especially for ages 6-8 years.
With drama games, a huge collection of hilarious costumes, props & hats plus loads of theatrical stimuli to get the creative ideas flowing - this special workshop day will be jam packed full of theatre-making fun!
This class is the perfect gentle introduction to drama with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere but also great for those already used to flexing their theatrical muscles.
Send your young actors our way on Saturday 18 and/or Sunday 19 April from 10am - 3pm for a dramatic day of fun.
Date: Saturday 18 and/or Sunday 19 April
Venue: Holton Village Hall
Ages: 6-8 years Time: 10am - 3pm
What to bring: Comfy clothes, soft shoes, packed lunch, and water bottle.
Please click on the link and complete the registration form - your child's place on the workshop will only be confirmed on completion of the form
https://www.inkfestival.org/missadventures-registration
FREE
Any queries, please contact tor@inkfestival.org
Alistair McGowan - 3 in 1
Alistair McGowan - 3 in 1
Following the success of his Sony album reaching No 1 in the Classical charts, Alistair McGowan reinvents himself as a three-in-one master impressionist, comedian and classical pianist. He’s also something of a poet after publishing a collection last year Not What We Were Expecting. Expect the comedy and impressions for which Alistair is famous with musical gems by Debussy, Satie, Bryce Dessau and Amy Beach accompanied by a twist or two of very clever poesie.
“Alistair McGowan’s impressions are faultless” The Sunday Times
“He plays the piano splendidly” The Observer
“You don’t get to be a great impressionist without a feel for rhythm and rhyme and pitch. These are terrific, truthful poems” Sir Richard Stilgoe
Nick Hutchison Shakespeare: A New Writer - Whose Shakespeare is it anyway?
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Actor, director and theatre Renaissance man, Nick Hutchison, is a leading expert on the many weird and wonderful stagings of Shakespeare. His interactive talk explores how even the greatest plays have been altered, adapted and augmented across the centuries. He speaks from experience having directed, acted, or indeed, written about them. Nick works regularly with drama schools, universities and major theatre companies around the world.
Rhian Brooke: Poet-Rhi Is...
A performance poet from Norwich. Her poetry is eclectic, mixing funny, intricate wordplay with a quirky performance style. Her debut spoken word album ‘We Met On The Stairs Of A Bungalow’ has had multiple tracks played on BBC Radio and is available on vinyl as well as all streaming platforms.
SUFFOLK SHORTS
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Suffolk Shorts presents a vibrant selection of outstanding short films by East Anglian filmmakers. This year’s programme is notably diverse, featuring a love letter to Dunwich captured on a single unedited Super 8 roll, a surprise party that spirals into chaos, a stop‑motion music video set in Halesworth, a charity shop comedy and an award‑winning coming‑of‑age drama.
Skelter Director: Max Morgan (11:00)
Filthy and Wrecked Director: Blythe Paynter (04:40)
Where r u mate Director: Ted Bracewell (13:10)
So Far, So Good Director: Beth Perkin (05:09)
Surprise Director: Dave Gardner (10:30)
Abby ’n Crabby Director: Olivia Stevens (01:58)
A Smile for Her Director: Daniel Keeble (07:15)
The Lost City Director: Amy Marie Gladding (03:15)
Easy Sell Directors: Ken Anglia, Ash Meshkati (07:10)
Last Night in Town Director: George Farrow-Hawkins (03:39)
Rob John: Absolute Beginners
Workshop with Rob John - Absolute Beginners
Two hours
Always fancied writing a play but didn’t know where or how to start? This practical hands-on workshop will give you some of the tools you might need to open up your first dramatic script. Everyone has to start somewhere. Here’s a safe, friendly place to take that first step.
Doors Open: 10:00AM
Duration: 10:30 to 12:30
Five of the Best from BBC National Short Story Awards
Five of the Best from BBC National Short Story Awards
Di Speirs, latterly BBC Radio's Books Editor and founder and now chair of the BBC National Short Story Award, introduces a special showcase of work by five writers that reflects the sparkling variety of this challenging form. Now in its 21st year, the Award is the biggest and most prestigious prize for a single short story in the UK. Renowned for its celebration of short form fiction, this specially curated selection of excerpts from the stories will be read live on stage with a stellar cast. This is a brand-new collaboration with INK.
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium and the bar will be open during the interval.
Carers go free.
Parental Guidance advised for under 13s.
The River Witch: family play
brand new free family play - the river witch
INK Festival presents a brand new family play.
The River Witch by Phoebe Segal
When the local river starts behaving strangely, a curious child sets out to uncover the mystery of the river witch and her chorus of creatures. Features puppets, music and a magical world. Suitable for all ages.
Director: Phoebe Segal
Cast:Sophie Blythe
Anna Buttery
Dawn Finnerty
Benedict Hastings
Music: Troy Sowerbutts
Sound Design: Merlyn Haycraft
The play is free to attend but spaces are limited so we recommend booking your tickets in advance.
Paul Brown: The Invisible Man
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Chances are you’ve never heard of Paul Brown but he tells you all sorts of things whether you want to hear them or not. He has one of the most famous voices in the country but you wouldn’t know him from Adam. Is this a blessing or a curse? Paul is, of course one of the most successful voice-over artists in the world, describing everything from classy hatchbacks to luxury holidays via the usual terms and conditions. For a brief illustrated hour, Paul will explore the mystery of the voiceover in 3D. Steven Toast, eat your heart out.