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New Writing

The Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham is inviting playwrights to submit original, unproduced plays for consideration to be staged as part of our 2027-28 season. We are seeking bold, imaginative, and engaging scripts that will connect with audiences and showcase exciting new voices in theatre.


What We're Looking For

We welcome submissions from both emerging and established playwrights.


We will accept submissions of either original full-length plays, or one-act plays that might be performed as part of a double bill with another work.


The work will be staged in our studio theatre, an intimate space above the main auditorium, seating fifty. We are therefore looking for submissions that are suitable for this space. Ideally, the work should require a fairly small cast, and be suitable for production with very simple staging and with the audience in very close proximity to the actors.


There are no limits on theme or form.


We encourage submissions from writers of all backgrounds and levels of experience.


Submission Requirements

Please submit:


Key Dates

Submissions Open: 15 June 2026

Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026

Shortlisted Writers Notified: November 2026

Final decision: December 2026

Production Dates: Likely to be Spring 2028


How to Submit

Please email your submission to newwriting@lacemarkettheatre.co.uk, with the subject line:

New Play Submission – [Play Title]


Selection Process

Scripts will be read anonymously by a panel of theatre practitioners and readers, chaired by the LMT Artistic Director for the 2027-28 season, Chris Sims. A shortlist may be invited to discuss their work with the selection panel before a final decision is made.


The panel's decision will be final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit?

Anyone aged 18 or over on the deadline date (30 September 2026) may submit a script. Writers do not need to be based in Nottinghamshire.

Does the play have to be unpublished?

No. However, the play must not have received a full professional or amateur production previously. Readings and workshop performances are acceptable.

Can I submit more than one play?

Writers may submit up to two scripts.

What length should the play be?

Either:

  • A full-length play of approximately 80–120 minutes running time, or
  • A one act play of approximately 45-60 minutes running time, which might be suitable to be paired with another play as a double bill.

Are adaptations eligible?

Yes, provided the writer owns or has secured the necessary rights at no cost to the Lace Market Theatre.

Are musicals eligible?

Given the limited staging capabilities of the space, it is unlikely that a musical would be suitable.

How many cast members should the play have?

There is no strict limit, but we recommend a small cast. Most shows in the studio have casts of 1-4 people, though slightly larger is possible.

Will writers receive feedback?

Due to the anticipated volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee individual feedback on every script.

Will the selected playwright receive payment?

Any production agreement, royalties, licensing arrangements, and expenses will be agreed with the selected playwright before final selection.

What rights am I granting by submitting?

Writers retain copyright of their work at all times. Submission grants the Lace Market Theatre permission to read and evaluate the script for programming purposes only.

How will the selected play be produced?

The chosen script will be produced by the Lace Market Theatre, working collaboratively with the playwright wherever possible throughout the rehearsal and production process. The director will be selected by inviting LMT’s resident directors to submit expressions of interest. Casting will be done by a process of open auditions. The technical crew will be drawn from our in-house teams.


The winning play will be selected with the intention of including it in our 2027-28 season; however, selection does not guarantee that a full production will be mounted and the Lace Market Theatre reserves the right to withdraw the production for any reason.

Questions?

If you have any questions not covered above, please contact Chris Sims here.


We look forward to reading your work and discovering exciting new voices for our stage.