“An all-day new-play extravaganza of Northern theatrical talent!”

Box of Tricks invites you to join us for the 2025 PlayMakers Takeover – bringing together Northern writers and theatre-makers to connect, collaborate and create.

The PlayMakers Takeover is a highlight in the Box of Tricks calendar. We plan to kick off the New Year in the best way possible – by filling HOME Mcr with local theatremakers and having big chats about the things we’re passionate about. And we want YOU to be part of it!

The 2025 Takeover will feature our regular drop-in Culture Café, a Blood Beats mixer for LGBTQ+ writers and artists, a PlayMakers Offstage workshop and a showcase of brand spanking new scripts penned by writers on our Accelerate programme.

So, pick up a pen and shake off those January blues – we’ll save you a seat!

Takeover Schedule

10:15-11:15 PlayMakers Culture Café

A space for local writers and offstage creatives to connect, find community and talk shop. The Box of Tricks team will be on hand to update you on our PlayMakers Network and answer any questions about our productions and programmes. In short – drop by, grab a brew, and say hello!

11:30-13:00 PlayMakers Offstage: Physical Play Workshop

Jump into a movement-based workshop with movement director Aiden Crawford and explore how physical play can help build an ensemble and create a world. Discover practices useful to actors, directors, writers and movement directors alike. This workshop will be suitable for all bodies and abilities so don’t let the word “Movement” scare you. Just come wearing something you can move in and be ready and open to play and create.

14:30-15:30 Blood Beats Social

Blood Beats is Box of Tricks’ trans-led, interdisciplinary LGBTQ+ writers’ group. This year they’re holding space for LGBTQ+ writers and artists to network and socialise. Expect an update on their current zine making project, First Press – and an exclusive first look at some of their work-in-progress!

16:00-18:30 Accelerate Showcase

Accelerate is Box of Tricks’ new development programme for Northern playwrights aged over 35. Twelve writers have been supported to develop the first draft of a new script and make a step change in their creative practice. The Accelerate Showcase will feature extracts from 12 diverse, funny, surprising, bold, brand spanking new stories. You don’t want to miss it!

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