“These 15-minute plays are likely to be short, sharp and in some instances even shocking."
Lyn Gardner, Guardian Guide”

Nominated for a Manchester Theatre Award 2014

Following the critically-acclaimed, sell-out success of previous cycles, Box of Tricks launches the first cross-regional Word:Play, championing the next generation of playwriting talent in the North West and South West of England.

Six emerging playwrights – three from each region – rise to the unique challenge of writing a 15-minute play inspired by a single word. For this cycle, the word is “division”.

Supporters:

“A stylish cohesive production… Word:Play/NWxSW achieves its ambitions with a series of plays of which all are successful and some are exceptional.”

★★★★ What's On Stage

“Terrific reminders of the self-contained power of the one-act genre... Four actors breathe dramatic life into the theatrical equivalent of the short story, with a simple re-arrangement of chairs providing a seamless segue between each tale - a neat directorial touch that unifies rather than divides six authors in search of their characters.”

The Stage

“Innovative Box of Tricks... Excellence of writing throughout... Acting of this quality is not always guaranteed from productions with far greater budgets - and much higher ticket prices. First-class theatre”

British Theatre Guide

“[Box of Tricks is] a talented bunch. Not only are they fine actors but their playwriting skills are top of the game... Superb acting setting the rich scenes.”

Do More Magazine

“An engaging and stimulating assortment of work... Word:Play/NWxSW works well within its self-imposed parameters. The simple staging is particularly effective, using just chairs to evoke airport lounges, hospital waiting rooms and Dartmoor tors... We remain immersed in these small snippets of other lives.”

★★★ Exeunt

“[Bringing] acting and writing talent from the North West together with the South West in a positive union that can only be praised. Fans of new writing should definitely check this show out; there is something to suit everyone in it.”

★★★ Public Reviews