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.
ADULT short play writing WORKSHOPS - ROB jOHN
Workshop Details
Writing a Short Play:
INK Festival 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, - tbc
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 Festival 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.
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.
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
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
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
ADULT SCRIPT WRITING WORKSHOPS
Workshop Details:
A beginners’ introduction to the core concepts of scriptwriting - including structure, character, dialogue, and format - across mediums like stage, film, and radio. The aim by the end is for students to have completed their own (5 - 10 minute) script for stage or radio, for two to four characters. (no monologues).
Weekly from Monday 15 September for 7 weeks at 19:30 - 21:00
Application Process:
Apply to: poyntonsubmissions@gmail.com with a brief email about yourself, and two sides of a script. This can be either the first two sides of a script you’ve already written OR a new two side piece OR a story you’ve written.)
Application Deadline:
Friday 29 August at 23:59
Course Structure:
Week 1: What Is Scriptwriting?
A look at how scripts (and therefore the storytelling within them) are different from other written media.
Week 2: Story Structure & Idea Development
How to build stories with a clear structure and emotional impact.
Week 3: Character Building
How to make compelling characters with distinct voices and goals.
Week 4: Dialogue & Subtext
Week 5: Editing, followed by Outline/Draft Workshop
A session seeing where everyone is at, talking through outlines and possible first drafts we will hopefully have shared together.
Week 6: First Draft Workshop
A session giving thoughts and notes on everyone’s first drafts.
Week 7: Table Reads (with actors), Feedback & Next Steps
Hear the writers’ scripts read by actors (always an amazing feeling). Then give feedback on each other's work.
Tutor
Adrian Poynton
Adrian 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.
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. He has also written for Sky One’s Trollied and Big Finish’s Doctor Who Range starring Tom Baker and David Tennant and many more.
He is currently developing both drama and comedy projects in the UK and US.
Adult Script Writing Workshop
Workshop Details :
A short course aimed at intermediate scriptwriters who want to take their writing to the next level. The course will be shaped around the participants, but we will consider experimental structures; complex characters and world building; how to hook your audience; redrafting; and dramatic action.
By the end of the course, attendees will write a short script of no more than 15 minutes for stage or radio.
Dates
Tuesdays 18:30 - 20:00 on 2, 9,16, 23, 30 September and October 7
Performance
Tuesday 28 October - a longer showcase session with professional actors reading the scripts.
Application Process
Please submit your expression of interest and up to 800 words of an original theatre or radio script by completing this quick form.
Application Deadline:
Sunday 17 August at 23.59.
Tutor
Martha Loader
Martha is an award-winning writer, actor and producer. Her work has been performed across the UK and internationally. She won the Judges Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, 2022.
She is currently working on commissions with the Almeida Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Menagerie Theatre Company and recently undertook the prestigious 4Screenwriting and BBC Voices programmes. She was nominated as a writer at The Stage Debut Awards 2024 for her play Bindweed.
How to get Noticed - Martha Loader
Join Martha Loader for a practical workshop on how to get your play noticed by the industry. From script competitions to approaching new writing theatres, how can you make your work stand out from the crowd? We’ll look at how to hook in your initial reader; those crucial first 10 pages; who to approach with your work; how to go about self-producing; and how the process of script development works. An informal and playful deep dive into the nuts and bolts of playwriting as a profession.
Martha is an award-winning writer, actor and producer. Her work has been performed across the UK and internationally. She won the Judges Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, 2022.
She has been involved with INK for many years as an actor, writer and facilitator. Even winning their ‘Promising Young Playwright’ (in the days she could still claim to be ‘young’). She is currently working on commissions with the Almeida Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Menagerie Theatre Company and recently undertook the prestigious 4Screenwriting and BBC Voices programmes. She was nominated as a writer for The Stage Debut Awards 2024 for her play Bindweed.
Improv Comedy with Joe McArdle
Improv 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 free, fun, and fast-paced improv workshop that’ll 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! Free workshop
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.
Writing for Radio with Jan Etherington
THE PLEASURES AND PITFALLS OF WRITING FOR RADIO
Jan Etherington has spent 40 years writing multi award winning radio and television comedy, often with her husband Gavin Petrie. Their first Radio 4 series SECOND THOUGHTS began in 1988 and Jan's latest solo success is CONVERSATIONS FROM A LONG MARRIAGE, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. A 6th series begins on Radio 4 next month. Jan will share her advice...including how to avoid Harry the Explainer... and answer your questions, on how to write comedy for her favourite medium...Radio!
workshop with James McDermott
A Screenwriting Workshop with James McDermott
Shorts, Features and TV: A Screenwriting Workshop with James McDermott In this interactive writing workshop, you will learn skills to help you create, plan, write, redraft and pitch projects for short films, features and TV. Participants will also get a chance to workshop their ideas and receive advice on funding, agents, self-producing and much more besides. The workshop will be led by scriptwriter James McDermott whose short plays for INK include 'Beached', 'Steam', 'Love Me Tinder' and 'Mixed Up'. James's plays published by Samuel French include 'Jab' (Finborough Theatre), 'Time & Tide' (Park Theatre/Tour) and 'Rubber Ring' (Pleasance Islington/Tour). James has written multiple episodes of 'EastEnders' and his short film 'Clause', nominated for Best East Anglian Film at Norwich Film Festival 2023, was part of the official selection at British Shorts Berlin 2023, Italy Lover's Film Festival 2023 and Queer Wave Cyprus LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2023. James is an Arvon writing tutor and lecturer in creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
script Writing Workshop - ipswich
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
beginners Workshop - online
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
intermediate Workshop - online (Copy)
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.