Middle Child have announced the full programme for the 2025 edition of Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival, taking place in Hull’s Fruit Market from 19-20 July.
The festival includes:
- Script-in-hand performances of work-in-progress plays, commissioned for the festival, by Ellen Brammar, Jim Norris, Samuel Sims and Jay Grainger, Noor Sobka, Sean Climie, Michelle Kelly and Laura Wilson
- Rehearsed readings of scenes by the Middle Child Writers’ Group and an excerpt of Middle Child’s 2026 production of Isabelle by Marc Graham
- Writing workshops led by Bruntwood Prize winner Nathan Queeley Dennis, Hull-born EastEnders and British Scandal writer Lydia Marchant, playwright Javaad Alipoor, Fringe First award-winner Holly Beasley-Garrigan and Middle Child Writers’ Group leader Tom Wells
- Industry talks about transfem rage on stage, making political work in an unstable world, reviewing new plays and making verbatim theatre
- Keynote speeches by Ola Animashawun, National Theatre Connections dramaturg founder of the Royal Court Writer’s Group, and Maureen Lennon, the Hull playwright behind Mary and the Hyenas.
Each event is individually ticketed, with plays, workshops and talks all costing £3-10, pay what you decide.
Tickets are now available through the Fresh Ink website: freshinkhull.co.uk
Paul Smith, artistic director of Middle Child, said: “Fresh Ink was our favourite weekend of 2024, with two joyous days bringing people together to celebrate big ideas and bold new writing.
“We’re delighted to return for a second year, thanks to our ongoing partnership with co-founders Wykeland and the support of the J F Brignall Charitable Trust, University of Hull and Hull City Council.
“This year’s line-up is incredibly exciting, platforming plays by established and emerging writers, brought to life by a company of brilliant actors and supplemented by a workshop programme led by some of the sector’s most interesting artists.
“Fresh Ink’s second edition comes at a moment of continued challenge for the arts and new writing in particular. We’re proud to once again invest in new voices and untold stories, proving that ambitious, locally relevant work is the beating heart of the UK’s renowned theatre scene.
“Many of last year’s featured plays have already secured full commissions, proving that Fresh Ink shapes stories that will soon be seen on major national stages.
“We’d love to see you there, watching some plays, learning some new skills and soaking up the sunshine.”
Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland, said: “Middle Child delivered an outstanding debut festival last year and we are delighted to continue our partnership as sponsors and co-founders of Fresh Ink.
“Wykeland was thrilled with last year’s festival which showcased the breadth of the region’s talent, alongside a world-class programme of workshops and talks.
“This year’s line-up builds on the high standard set in 2024 and we can’t wait to see the festival spark ideas, conversations and future artistic collaborations.
“The fact that many of last year’s selected writers have since gone on to receive commissions across the country is testament to Middle Child’s talent in nurturing artists and the value of local businesses partnering with Hull’s vibrant culture sector.
“We are immensely proud of all the work that goes into Fresh Ink, and we look forward to welcoming the festival back to the Fruit Market next month.”
Ellen Brammar and Jim Norris have both written a 70-minute play, Samuel Sims and Jay Grainger have written a 30-minute piece together, alongside Noor Sobka, while Sean Climie, Michelle Kelly and Laura Wilson have each written a short monologue.
A company of actors will perform second drafts of the respective scripts in a marquee on Stage@TheDock, an outdoor amphitheatre by the river Hull.
Paul Smith, Hull director Rabbey, The Herd Theatre artistic director Ruby Thompson and Hull Truck Theatre artistic director Mark Babych will direct the plays.
Workshops and talks will be hosted in a pop-up warehouse space on Pier Street, a three-minute walk away.
Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival debuted in 2024 and has already become a springboard for Hull writers to create and develop new plays in the city.
Marc Graham was awarded a 30-minute commission at last year’s festival and his script, Isabelle, will now receive a full production with Middle Child in 2026.
Meanwhile, Hannah Scorer’s full-length play at last year’s festival, Can We Be Friends?, has now been commissioned by Hull Truck Theatre, with the play’s next outing at the theatre’s Grow Festival in July.
Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival is produced by Middle Child and sponsored by co-founders Wykeland, supported by J F Brignall Charitable Trust, Hull City Council, the University of Hull, Hull Truck Theatre and Garrick Charitable Trust.
Visit freshinkhull.co.uk for more information about the festival and to book tickets.