Adult Script Writing Workshop - Adrian Poynton
Workshop Details:
Ideal for beginners and intermediate level writers. An introduction to the core concepts of scriptwriting - including structure, character, dialogue, and format - across all mediums like stage, film and radio. The aim by the end is for students to have completed their own short script for stage or radio (no monologues), ideally for them to submit to INK for festival consideration.
AGE: 18+
DATES:
Weekley starting Thursday 14th May. For 6 weeks ( 14th, 21st, 28th May, 4th, 11th, 18th June).
Then special actor table read of scripts on 25th June.
TIME: 19:30 – 21:00
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please only apply if you have NOT attended an INK writing course before.
Please send a short email about yourself and your experience (if any) as a writer, and a PDF sample of your work (even if it’s a scene written specially for the submission) to poyntonsubmissions@gmail.com.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Friday 24th April.
TUTOR:
Adrian Poynton is an award-winning writer and occasional performer of both comedy and drama. He wrote and created BBC comedy White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Joel Fry. It ran for two series on BBC Three (before being repeated on BBC One). He then successfully adapted the show for America’s ABC network/Disney as Family Tools which stared JK Simmons and Leah Remini and ran for 10 episodes. He has also written scripts for BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney, CBS and Sony to name but a few. Adrian is also known for his award-winning play A Very Naughty Boy about the working relationship of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman and John Cleese which toured the UK before a month long run at London’s Soho Theatre to huge critical acclaim.
Adrian Poynton
Award-winning writer and occasional performer of both comedy and drama. He wrote and created BBC comedy White Van Man starring Will Mellor and Joel Fry. It ran for two series on BBC Three (before being repeated on BBC One). He then successfully adapted the show for America’s ABC network/Disney as Family Tools which stared JK Simmons and Leah Remini and ran for 10 episodes. He has also written scripts for BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney, CBS and Sony to name but a few. Adrian is also known for his award-winning play A Very Naughty Boy about the working relationship of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman and John Cleese which toured the UK before a month long run at London’s Soho Theatre to huge critical acclaim.
ADULT COMEDY SCRIPT WRITING WORKSHOPS - Helen Serafinowicz
Workshop Details:
Story structure. Character development. How to craft a comedy scene. How to write a pitch.
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
AGE: 18+
DATES:
Stage Two Theatre Royal : July 14, 21 & 28
The Playhouse: August 4
LOCATION: Norwich
Stage 2: Theatre Royal, Theatre St, Norwich, NR2 1RL
The Playhouse: 42-58 St Georges St, Norwich, NR3 1AB
TIME: 18:00-20:00
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send a short email about yourself and your experience as a writer to: kitty@inkfestival.org with subject title: Helen Serafinwyxz workshops
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
June 1 2026
Helen Serafinowicz
BAFTA award-winning screenwriter who co-created and wrote the hit BBC comedy series Motherland, and its equally successful spin-off, Amandaland. She also created and wrote the CBBC series, Nova Jones. Helen’s play The Legend of Rooney's Ring premiered in Liverpool last year.
ADULT short play writing WORKSHOPS - ROB jOHN
Workshop Details
Writing a Short Play:
INK Festival produces more new plays than any other platform in the UK. Most of those plays are short-form pieces many of which last only fifteen minutes of stage or airtime. This practical hands-on course will explore the skills and strategies needed to tell stories, develop characters, create tension, reveal and conceal plot developments and reach resolution … all in fifteen minutes! The objective here is that by the end of the course each writer will have a short play ready to submit to INK Festival 2027. At the last session course members will have the opportunity to hear their plays read by professional actors.
Free in-person Adult Scriptwriting Workshops
Level : Open to all-comers irrespective of previous experience
Age : 18+
Dates:
5th September, 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October.
Times:
10 am to 1pm
Venue :
Halesworth, Suffolk - venue To be arranged
Application Process:
Please send a short email (75 words max) about yourself and why you would like to do this course to tutor Rob John rzjohn@btinternet.com
Application deadline: August 1st
Tutor
A former teacher, Rob John is a playwright, script-writer and theatre director. His published stage plays include The Spaceman, For Ever and Ever and Living with Lady Macbeth which has been performed in over thirty countries worldwide. Rob is a co-founder of fEAST Theatre for which he has written ten plays including The Canada Boys, Rosa Mendoza and most recently, Tales from the Motherland. Rob has written several plays for BBC Radio 4 and numerous scripts for BBC School Radio and television. His A-Z of World War One won a Royal Television Society Award. Last year Rob was commissioned by INK Festival to write a play aimed at teenage suicide prevention. The Drummer Boy was performed in 17 Suffolk schools in the summer 20025 and again at INK Festival earlier this year.
Tutor
Rob John
A former teacher, Rob John is a playwright, script-writer and theatre director. His published stage plays include The Spaceman, For Ever and Ever and Living with Lady Macbeth which has been performed in over thirty countries worldwide. Rob is a co-founder of fEAST Theatre for which he has written ten plays including The Canada Boys, Rosa Mendoza and most recently, Tales from the Motherland. Rob has written several plays for BBC Radio 4 and numerous scripts for BBC School Radio and television. His A-Z of World War One won a Royal Television Society Award. Last year Rob was commissioned by INK Festival to write a play aimed at teenage suicide prevention. The Drummer Boy was performed in 17 Suffolk schools in the summer 2025 and again at INK Festival earlier this year.
INK FESTIVAL 2027
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2027 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Downton to Darkest Peru - a behind the scenes tour
HUGH BONNEVILLE: Downton to Darkest Peru - a behind the scenes tour
The actor, wit and gentleman pin-up gives a rare stage interview to the producer and director Paul Schlesinger. Those lucky enough to have seen Hugh Bonneville on stage know there are many more sides to this actor than the quintessential English aristocrat, Robert, Earl of Grantham, he plays so brilliantly in the ITV period classic Downton Abbey. The bemused conviction with which he played Ian Fletcher in the BBC comedy series Twenty Twelve and again in W1A revealed a terrific aptitude for comedy cemented by his role as Mr Brown in the trilogy of Paddington films. Hugh is about to reprise the role of Ian Fletcher in John Morton’s highly anticipated Twenty Twenty Six a six-part mockumentary series focusing on the chaotic organising committee behind this year’s World Cup.
Paul Schlesinger has produced and directed a stack of award-winning series on both radio and television including Power Monkeys (Channel 4), Funny Women (Sky), Still Up (Apple TV Plus), Twenty Twelve, W1A and People Like Us (all BBC). He regularly directs plays for the INK Festival and is one of our treasured trustees.
Hugh Bonneville will be signing copies of his childrens’ novel Roy Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room in the foyer after the show.
Lewis Buxton: Mate Arias
Buxton’s poetry is an average guy’s guide to the problem of making friends while grappling with sport, sit coms and social anxiety. The title refers to his collection of poems recently published by The Emma Press. Book signing afterwards.
ENCHANTED BEACH with Esther Freud & Emma Chinnery
CHILDRENS WORKSHOP - ENCHANTED BEACH with Esther Freud & Emma Chinnery FREE event
Meet the illustrator and author for a draw-along of the little dog and reading from the Enchanted Beach, with both writer Esther Freud and illustrator Emma Chinnery.
Drawing and story time will run for 45 mins.
Doors Open :13:00
Duration: 13:30 to 14:15
Conversations from a Long Marriage by Jan Etherington
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
The beloved BBC Radio 4 comedy classic returns for a special one-off performance,
with an introduction by the multi-award winning creator and writer of the series, Jan Etherington. The inimitable Angus Deayton and INK’s guiding light Helen Atkinson Wood play the ageless husband and wife who, against some very tall odds manage to stay together, laugh together and love together. A rare chance to see, in the flesh, the two roles made famous on the wireless by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam.
Book signing in the Foyer afterwards.
Sunday Funday
INK Sunday Funday is a special event running alongside the INK Festival designed for all ages, featuring a lively mix of family-friendly activites, storytelling, comedy, music, and interactive workshops. It’s a chance for audiences to experience the joy of live performance in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Adrian Poynton: WRITING COMEDY
Workshop - Adrian Poynton WRITING COMEDY
Writing Comedy - An interactive workshop to help progress your comedic writing skills for TV, film and stage. A fun dive into dialogue, situation and character within comedy writing.
Doors Open: 10:30
Duration: 11:00 to 1:00
IMPROV COMEDY: Joe McArdle
Workshop - IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOP with Joe McArdle
Improvisation Comedy Workshop with Joe McArdle. Ready to think fast, laugh hard, and unleash your inner comedy genius? Join award-winning comedian, writer, and master improviser Joe McArdle for a fun, and fast-paced improv workshop that will sharpen your wit, boost your confidence, and help you own the stage like a pro. Whether you’re a budding comic or just want to break free from overthinking, this session is all about quick thinking, big laughs, and zero pressure. Get out of your head and into the moment—because in improv, there are no mistakes, only punchlines!
Workshop Leader Joe McArdle is a twice BAFTA-nominated comedian, writer, and improviser who has made waves across stand-up, TV, radio, and film. A seasoned performer, he has toured the UK with his stand-up, delivering sharp, quick-witted comedy that leaves audiences in stitches. Off-stage, Joe is a prolific writer, crafting comedy for Channel 4, BBC, BBC Radio 4, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. As a co-writer for award-winning satirist Munya Chawawa, he’s helped create viral, razor-sharp sketches that have amassed over 1 billion views worldwide. His work spans theatre, radio, television, and film, proving his versatility in the ever-evolving world of comedy. With a deep understanding of what makes people laugh—whether on stage or behind the scenes—Joe is the perfect guide to help you boost your confidence, sharpen your comedic instincts, and embrace the unpredictability of improv.
Doors Open: 9:30
Duration: 10:00 to 12:00
Dead Ringers Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw
Dead Ringers Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw
An evening with Jan Ravens and Jon Culshaw - The Stars of Radio 4's Dead Ringers as part of the INK Festival in Halesworth.
Running time approx: 7.30pm - 9.30pm with a 20 minute interval
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium and the bar will be open during the interval
Carers go free.
Parental Guidance advised for under 13s.
Luke Wright’s Later Life Letter (14+)
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads and the one he might have done. What’s it like to stumble across your birth mother on Facebook? How do you honour the parents who raised you while sating the desire to know where you come from? Is it telling that you married a social worker? The poet prince Luke Wright has a magical chemistry with words that has made him one of the best performance poets in the world. This frank account of what it means to be someone else’s child is his most personal poetry to date, told with wit that cuts like a knife and pathos that draws tears. Expect a little smattering of drum ‘n bass amidst the Sturm und Drang. Book signing in the Foyer afterwards.
Lucy Fennell: Pouched and Padded Intimacy Coordinator
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Everything you want to know about sex on screen and stage is revealed in this illustrated presentation by Lucy Fennell, a top professional Intimacy Coordinator whose working life is spent ensuring actors are consenting and comfortable in scenes of simulated sex, nudity and shock moments of vulnerability. Find out how this relatively new role has evolved from someone who has worked at very close quarters on bodice-rippers such as Bridgerton, The Witcher, All of Us Strangers and True Detective. With audience Q&A’s.
Ashley Hickson-Lovence: Buses, Belonging & About to Fall Apart
Hickson-Lovence’s show includes readings from his verse-inspired novel About to Fall Apart. A journey through identity, masculinity, grief and survival told with humour, anger and hope. Book signing afterwards.
Nicola Werenowska: TELLING UNTOLD TALES
Workshop with Nicola Werenowska TELLING UNTOLD TALES
Led by award winning neurodivergent playwright & creative writing tutor, Nicola Werenowska, this creative writing workshop is for writers of all levels and all genres. Whether you have a burning story you’re keen to explore or an idea you’re not quite sure about, Nicola will invite you to discover and explore the stories that matter to you through a series of fun group and individual exercises, drawing on her own storytelling experience and on her current play STAR SISTERS about the lives of Jane and Anne Taylor, two Colchester sisters who wrote the lyrics to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star nursery rhyme in 1806 in Colchester's Dutch Quarter.
Doors Open:10:30
Duration: 11:00 to 13:00
INKlings drama day
INKlings Day of Drama with MissAdventures Theatre Company!
Do you have a dramatic 6-8 year old that would love the chance to come and experiment with all things theatre? Do you have a little one at home in need of a boost in confidence and a fun, creative day with no pressure to perform?
MissAdventures Theatre Company are delighted to be joining INK Festival 2025 for the 4th year running, bringing their own brand of dramatic whimsy designed especially for ages 6-8 years.
With drama games, a huge collection of hilarious costumes, props & hats plus loads of theatrical stimuli to get the creative ideas flowing - this special workshop day will be jam packed full of theatre-making fun!
This class is the perfect gentle introduction to drama with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere but also great for those already used to flexing their theatrical muscles.
Send your young actors our way on Saturday 18 and/or Sunday 19 April from 10am - 3pm for a dramatic day of fun.
Date: Saturday 18 and/or Sunday 19 April
Venue: Holton Village Hall
Ages: 6-8 years Time: 10am - 3pm
What to bring: Comfy clothes, soft shoes, packed lunch, and water bottle.
Please click on the link and complete the registration form - your child's place on the workshop will only be confirmed on completion of the form
https://www.inkfestival.org/missadventures-registration
FREE
Any queries, please contact tor@inkfestival.org
Alistair McGowan - 3 in 1
Alistair McGowan - 3 in 1
Following the success of his Sony album reaching No 1 in the Classical charts, Alistair McGowan reinvents himself as a three-in-one master impressionist, comedian and classical pianist. He’s also something of a poet after publishing a collection last year Not What We Were Expecting. Expect the comedy and impressions for which Alistair is famous with musical gems by Debussy, Satie, Bryce Dessau and Amy Beach accompanied by a twist or two of very clever poesie.
“Alistair McGowan’s impressions are faultless” The Sunday Times
“He plays the piano splendidly” The Observer
“You don’t get to be a great impressionist without a feel for rhythm and rhyme and pitch. These are terrific, truthful poems” Sir Richard Stilgoe
Nick Hutchison Shakespeare: A New Writer - Whose Shakespeare is it anyway?
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Actor, director and theatre Renaissance man, Nick Hutchison, is a leading expert on the many weird and wonderful stagings of Shakespeare. His interactive talk explores how even the greatest plays have been altered, adapted and augmented across the centuries. He speaks from experience having directed, acted, or indeed, written about them. Nick works regularly with drama schools, universities and major theatre companies around the world.
Rhian Brooke: Poet-Rhi Is...
A performance poet from Norwich. Her poetry is eclectic, mixing funny, intricate wordplay with a quirky performance style. Her debut spoken word album ‘We Met On The Stairs Of A Bungalow’ has had multiple tracks played on BBC Radio and is available on vinyl as well as all streaming platforms.
SUFFOLK SHORTS
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Suffolk Shorts presents a vibrant selection of outstanding short films by East Anglian filmmakers. This year’s programme is notably diverse, featuring a love letter to Dunwich captured on a single unedited Super 8 roll, a surprise party that spirals into chaos, a stop‑motion music video set in Halesworth, a charity shop comedy and an award‑winning coming‑of‑age drama.
Skelter Director: Max Morgan (11:00)
Filthy and Wrecked Director: Blythe Paynter (04:40)
Where r u mate Director: Ted Bracewell (13:10)
So Far, So Good Director: Beth Perkin (05:09)
Surprise Director: Dave Gardner (10:30)
Abby ’n Crabby Director: Olivia Stevens (01:58)
A Smile for Her Director: Daniel Keeble (07:15)
The Lost City Director: Amy Marie Gladding (03:15)
Easy Sell Directors: Ken Anglia, Ash Meshkati (07:10)
Last Night in Town Director: George Farrow-Hawkins (03:39)
Rob John: Absolute Beginners
Workshop with Rob John - Absolute Beginners
Two hours
Always fancied writing a play but didn’t know where or how to start? This practical hands-on workshop will give you some of the tools you might need to open up your first dramatic script. Everyone has to start somewhere. Here’s a safe, friendly place to take that first step.
Doors Open: 10:00AM
Duration: 10:30 to 12:30
Five of the Best from BBC National Short Story Awards
Five of the Best from BBC National Short Story Awards
Di Speirs, latterly BBC Radio's Books Editor and founder and now chair of the BBC National Short Story Award, introduces a special showcase of work by five writers that reflects the sparkling variety of this challenging form. Now in its 21st year, the Award is the biggest and most prestigious prize for a single short story in the UK. Renowned for its celebration of short form fiction, this specially curated selection of excerpts from the stories will be read live on stage with a stellar cast. This is a brand-new collaboration with INK.
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium and the bar will be open during the interval.
Carers go free.
Parental Guidance advised for under 13s.
The River Witch: family play
brand new free family play - the river witch
INK Festival presents a brand new family play.
The River Witch by Phoebe Segal
When the local river starts behaving strangely, a curious child sets out to uncover the mystery of the river witch and her chorus of creatures. Features puppets, music and a magical world. Suitable for all ages.
Director: Phoebe Segal
Cast:Sophie Blythe
Anna Buttery
Dawn Finnerty
Benedict Hastings
Music: Troy Sowerbutts
Sound Design: Merlyn Haycraft
The play is free to attend but spaces are limited so we recommend booking your tickets in advance.
Paul Brown: The Invisible Man
SPECIAL EVENT - INCLUDED IN FESTIVAL TICKET
Chances are you’ve never heard of Paul Brown but he tells you all sorts of things whether you want to hear them or not. He has one of the most famous voices in the country but you wouldn’t know him from Adam. Is this a blessing or a curse? Paul is, of course one of the most successful voice-over artists in the world, describing everything from classy hatchbacks to luxury holidays via the usual terms and conditions. For a brief illustrated hour, Paul will explore the mystery of the voiceover in 3D. Steven Toast, eat your heart out.
Jimmy Livingstone: And another thing
Livingstone’s spoken word poems are reflections on cruel times and strange places. His ‘in yer face’ rhymes are scattered with dark wicked wit, adult themes and sinful laughter.
Sir Tony Robinson in conversation with Helen Atkinson Wood
SPECIAL EVENT - included in festival ticket
There are travellers and then there are time travellers. No one, with the possible exception of
Dr Who, has careered through our past as madly as Sir Tony, first as the hapless Baldric in Blackadder and then as the Ulrika Jonsson of archeology in Time Team and latterly The Worst Jobs in History. Our patron saint Helen Atkinson Wood talks to him about his extraordinary life.
Easter Holiday Workshops for 12-16 year olds
EASTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP for 8-11 years. A new initiative to encourage young performers on creative workshop course. Young writers and performers come together to create a short stage play for performance at the INK Festival. Devising and rehearsing the piece during the Easter holidays, then refine their performance during the festival weekend.
Led by Tassa Deparis & Beth Keys- Holloway
Participants should bring their own drinks/snacks and packed lunch. Wear suitable loose clothing and footwear for ease of movement.
FREE
A Night At The Theatre
A review in words and song
A fundraising evening celebrating 10 YEARS of INK!
Featuring performances by Vinvent Franklin, Hilary Greatorex, Rob Gildon, Madeleine Holmes and Gretel Dowdeswell.
Bar and 'Salty Smackers'.
Directions to Henham Barns.The entrance is from the A12, north of the Southwold turning.
2026 INK Festival - Suffolk auditions
We’re looking for talented performers ready to bring fresh stories to life on stage. Whether you’re an experienced actor or new to the spotlight, this is your chance to be part of the vibrant energy that makes INK Festival unforgettable.
To download Auditions Sides please click here and select the POD/S you have been given.
2026 INK Festival London auditions
We’re looking for talented performers ready to bring fresh stories to life on stage. Whether you’re an experienced actor or new to the spotlight, this is your chance to be part of the vibrant energy that makes INK Festival unforgettable.
To download Auditions Sides please click here and select the POD/S you have been given.
The Big Fright Night
The Big Fright Night Double Bill
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
A couple of American hitch-hikers decide to explore the Yorkshire moors… thus begins one of the greatest horror movies of all time. Sly, witty and nostalgic, John Landis’s film redefined the werewolf movie in the 1980s. The macabre special effects still look extraordinary (Academy Award for Best Makeup). But what makes the film an enduring classic is the unexpected sense of humour he brings to the myth. A young and beautiful nurse, Jenny Agutter, conducts one of the most unlikely romances in the chequered history of the NHS. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne provide the fresh meat. Enjoy.
Rated 18
97 mins
Written and directed by John Landis
Cast: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine, Brian Glover, Lila Kaye, Frank Oz and Rik Mayall
It wouldn’t be an INK event without a terrifyingly good short film to accompany the main feature… so meet
FINLEY
25 mins, 2019
Directed by J. Zachary Thurman
Written by J. Zachary Thurman and Maddison Stroud
With Alexa Leigh Fletcher, Keith Dowsett and Brooke Wallace
This marvellous horror has won over 20 film awards for the way it subverts expectations. Three American college students move into a house and discover a creepy ventriloquist doll in the attic… what could possibly go wrong? The clever comedy here is that nothing goes quite right for the would-be psycho puppet. But as ever there’s a twist…
INK is immensely grateful that J. Zachary Thurman has given permission for his film to be screened at our Fright Night special. We believe this marks the UK’s first public screening of the film.
Films are Rated 18
Doors Open at 6:45PM
From 7:30PM to 9:30PM
Antiques Roadshow Style Evening
Bring your treasure, hear its story and discover what it's worth!
Doors open: 18.30 Event starts: 19.00
What's included?
A professional valuation of your item
Delicious local fish & chips supper
What else?
Licensed bar with wine and beer
Ticket price £25
Susie.kramers@gmail.com for further information.
This is a fundraising event to help fund all the amazing work we do all year, including our 5-day festival. We rely heavily on the generosity of our sponsors, friends and the public – so your support really makes a difference. Whether you’re curious about your antiques or simply fancy a great evening out, join us and be part of keeping INK thriving.