Scripts Playwriting Festival returns to Birr

Scripts, the thrilling programme of live theatre and workshops which celebrates the best of contemporary Irish theatre, returns for its 10th outing in Birr this week, from July 11 - 14.

Audiences will be treated to a diverse lineup of staged readings, full productions, and engaging workshops, all helmed by talented Irish artists.

Some of the theatre highlights include The Dead House, written and performed by Martin Warde, which will be performed at a very unique venue, Boyd’s Funeral Home, this Thursday July 11.

Comedy drama Truth, Love or Promise by internationally-acclaimed writer and actor Nuala McKeever and Sugar, a comedy with a big heart set in the Mallow sugar factory prior to its closure will be performed at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre across the weekend.

For those interested in developing their writing skills, there’s an impressive lineup of workshops across the festival: Time for Action with David Horan, Artistic Director at Bewley’s Café Theatre, as well as others on topics like Promoting Female Writers, The Role of AI in the Creative Process and Where The Stage Meets the Digital Age.

There is also a gorgeous range of events for children and families: Family Yoga at Birr Library, Light’s Up Children’s Theatre Workshop and a performance of the family-friendly, The Monster Making Machine on Saturday July 13 at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.

This year's selected writers are Dee Roycroft, Conor Montague, and Áine Ryan. They will work with mentor, Eugene O’Brien, for a week to further develop their final plays, which will be performed as rehearsed readings with professional actors and directed by Fishamble’s Jim Culleton at Nurtured New Works this Sunday July 14, when the overall winner will be announced.

Speaking ahead of the return of Scripts, co Artistic Director, Angela Ryan Whyte said: “With our commitment to fostering fresh voices and bold storytelling, Scripts not only enriches Ireland’s cultural landscape but also offers a unique platform for playwrights to develop their craft and connect with enthusiastic theatregoers. We hope you will join us for an unforgettable journey through the power and passion of live theatre at Scripts: Ireland's Playwriting Festival.”

Emma Nee Haslam of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre spoke to the exciting restructuring the festival has come through: “Birr Theatre & Arts Centre is delighted to be deepening our commitment for this tenth edition. Thanks to Arts Council support, we have been able to be part of the sustenance of the festival via a new theatre residency which will extend the level of artist support the festival offers. This shift has allowed for the evolution of the festival and we are excited for the opportunities this will create for theatremakers.”

A number of events are already fully booked, so advance booking is advised.

Book now: www.scriptsireland.com or call Box Office (057) 91 22911 - Open Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm.