Submit your short script
We’re now accepting submissions for the 2026 Festival - an exciting opportunity for writers to showcase bold, original storytelling on stage. Whether you're an emerging writer or an experienced playwright, we want to read your work.
Submissions should be original short plays written for the stage, with the potential to be performed as part of the festival. We’re particularly interested in scripts that are fresh, thought-provoking, and well-suited to small-cast productions.
We welcome submissions from writers of all ages and levels of experience. As part of our commitment to inclusivity and representation, we particularly encourage submissions from people from the Global Majority, D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ communities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or other underrepresented groups.
CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSIONS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Open to anyone resident in the UK and Ireland, and to UK and Irish nationals living abroad
Entries must be new writing or never professionally performed in the UK
YOUR SCRIPT SUBMISSION:
Each writer may only submit a maximum of two scripts
Plays should preferably have a minimum of two actors and a maximum of four actors. Actors could always play multiple roles
SUBMISSION CATERGORIES:
PLAYS FOR RADIO:
1, OPEN TOPIC
20-minute or under play on a subject of your choice. We are delighted if the script includes the potential for imaginative lighting, projection and staging.
2, 10
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the INK Festival, 20-minute or under play which includes the number 10.
3, COMEDY
20-minute or under comic play in partnership with Aldeburgh Comedy Weekend.
4, PLAY ON A BUS
20-minute or under play, for two characters, set in and performed on a 16-seater static Hoppa Bus. Movement for the actors is restricted to the front of the bus and the aisle, with the audience seated on each side. The actors can sit, if necessary, but only briefly as this restricts visibility to most of the audience. Windows are not blacked out and there isn’t capacity for sound or lights. There is an entrance at the front and rear of the bus.
5, PLANET INK
Do you feel the world shifting beneath your feet? Here in Suffolk it literally is. The insatiable appetite for energy, houses, roads, jobs, cars and commercial space is reshaping the coastline and our rural future. Is the cost of progress a price worth paying? Can you paint the big picture in a 20-minute or under play?
6, VOICES FROM THE LARDER
20-minute or under play that will be performed in a food bank.
7, WICKED WITCH OF HALESWORTH
The title for a 45-minute FAMILY play. Please initially submit just 4 pages, (i.e. 8 sides), along with a 50-word synopsis. If we like the script, we will ask for the full-length version.
8, 18 OR UNDER - on 31 October 2025
As Alex ran out of the room, Micky exclaimed, “Once you go through that door …” 15-minute or under play, for 2 or 3 characters, that includes the above dialogue somewhere in your script.
PLAYS FOR RADIO:
1, LONG RADIO:
45-minute radio play on a subject of your choice. Please submit just 4 pages, (i.e. 8 sides), along with a 50-word synopsis. If we like the script, we will ask for the full- length version. Please DO NOT send the full-length LONG RADIO script when you initially submit
2, RADIO COMOEDY
20-minute or under comic radio play that will amuse!
INK at Endinburgh
INK at Edinburgh
From Suffolk to Scotland - two INK plays have been cherry-picked by The Pleasance for a five-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of their Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show.
Food Bank by Simon Nye
Top Flight by Catriona Duggan
Premiered at INK 2025, now on stage at one of the worlds biggest arts festivals.
script reading sessions
Interested in helping us select plays for INK Festival 2026?
Come and join INK’s Biscuit Club.
Script entries for INK Festival 2026 will soon be pouring in … we need your help!
We will be reading scripts at:
The Coop, Saxons Way, Halesworth IP19 8LU - Near the Rifle Hall. (The Community Room is inside the Coop on the left before the cafe.) Free parking and free drinks but sadly no payment.
Just turn up on the day. You will not be asked to read any script out loud. Just mark a script between 1- 5 as you think fit. Maybe discuss it. We value your opinion. Each script is also read by at least 2 members of the INK artistic team so don’t worry your decision alone won’t send a script to the rejection pile!
Please check the website just in case we have had to alter a time or date. This rarely happens.
BISCUIT CLUB DATES 2025
September
Wednesday 3rd 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 4th 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 10th in the Café 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Thursday 11th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 17th 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 18th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 24th 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 25th in the Café 3:00pm – 5:00pm
October
Wednesday 1st 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 8th 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 9th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 15th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 16th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 22nd 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Thursday 23rd 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 29th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 30th 1:00pm – 4:00pm
November
Wednesday 5th 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Thursday 6th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 12th 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday 13th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 19th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 26th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 27th 3:00pm – 4:30pm then in Cafe
December
Wednesday 3rd 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 4th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 10th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 11th 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 17th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday 18th 2:00pm – 6:00pm
INK 2026 - SAVE THE DATE
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2026 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
Drummer Boy - Schools' Tour
Teen Suicide Prevention Takes Centre Stage in Suffolk Schools and Colleges with a New Play, The Drummer Boy
In a bold and compassionate response to the growing concern around teenage mental health and suicide, a compelling new short play, The Drummer Boy, written by acclaimed playwright Rob John, will tour schools and colleges across Suffolk at the end of this summer term.
Produced by INK and developed in close collaboration with Suffolk County Council Public Health and the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership, the Teen Suicide Prevention Schools’ Tour 2025 uses live theatre to open essential conversations with young people about mental health, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of seeking help.
The Drummer Boy follows the emotional journey of a teenage boy who, overwhelmed by the pressures and challenges of adolescent life, begins to contemplate taking his own life. Through a sensitive and engaging narrative, the play explores the hidden struggles many young people face, while offering hope and clear pathways to support.
festival finale quiz with Sam West
QUIZ NIGHT WITH SAM WEST
A fun night of quizzing and storytelling curated by Sam West.
Gather a table of six or come along and join one of the many tables.
Drinks and snacks available throughout the evening. Yes booze in a church!
Watch this space for more updates.
Suitable for all ages.
SOLD OUT
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.
INK Festival
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2025 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
Suffolk Shorts and Paul Greengrass in conversation with Tom Shone
Adult language - parental guidance advised
Running time 60 minutes - no interval
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium
How to get Noticed - Martha Loader
Join Martha Loader for a practical workshop on how to get your play noticed by the industry. From script competitions to approaching new writing theatres, how can you make your work stand out from the crowd? We’ll look at how to hook in your initial reader; those crucial first 10 pages; who to approach with your work; how to go about self-producing; and how the process of script development works. An informal and playful deep dive into the nuts and bolts of playwriting as a profession.
Martha is an award-winning writer, actor and producer. Her work has been performed across the UK and internationally. She won the Judges Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, 2022.
She has been involved with INK for many years as an actor, writer and facilitator. Even winning their ‘Promising Young Playwright’ (in the days she could still claim to be ‘young’). She is currently working on commissions with the Almeida Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Menagerie Theatre Company and recently undertook the prestigious 4Screenwriting and BBC Voices programmes. She was nominated as a writer for The Stage Debut Awards 2024 for her play Bindweed.
Improv Comedy with Joe McArdle
Improv 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 free, fun, and fast-paced improv workshop that’ll 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! Free workshop
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.
INKlings Day of Drama
INKlings Day of Drama with MissAdventures Theatre Company!
Do you have a dramatic 5-7 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 3rd year running, bringing their own brand of dramatic whimsy designed especially for ages 5-7 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 26 April from 10am - 3pm for a dramatic day of fun.
Book your place
INK Festival
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2025 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
The Comedy Store Players
The Comedy Store Players, the resident improv troupe from the most famous comedy club in the world, have been delighting audiences for over 30 years. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the original stars of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?' strutting their stuff. Expect lightning-quick reactions and world-class silliness!
*A bottomless supply of surreal sketches, dramatic vignettes and almost tuneful operettas … a must for anyone with a pulse and a sense of humour!* - BBC
https://comedystoreplayers.com/
Not suitable for under 16's
Running time approx: 2 hours including interval
There is a bar at the Cut and drinks may be taken into the auditorium
SOLD OUT
Writing for Radio with Jan Etherington
THE PLEASURES AND PITFALLS OF WRITING FOR RADIO
Jan Etherington has spent 40 years writing multi award winning radio and television comedy, often with her husband Gavin Petrie. Their first Radio 4 series SECOND THOUGHTS began in 1988 and Jan's latest solo success is CONVERSATIONS FROM A LONG MARRIAGE, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. A 6th series begins on Radio 4 next month. Jan will share her advice...including how to avoid Harry the Explainer... and answer your questions, on how to write comedy for her favourite medium...Radio!
INK Festival
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2025 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
Paul Sinha
A trained medical doctor who is perhaps best known as the Sinnerman on the hugely popular ITV quiz show 'The Chase', Paul has been a successful comedian for a number of years. As a club comedian, he has played every major comedy club in the UK, performed in eighteen other countries across the globe, and been three times nominated for Best Club Comedian at the Chortle Awards, winning in 2014.
https://www.paulsinha.com/about/
Adult language - parental guidance advised, 16+
Running time 2 x 40 minute sets with 20 minute interval in between
Drinks can be purchased from the bar to carry in to the Auditorium
workshop with James McDermott
A Screenwriting Workshop with James McDermott
Shorts, Features and TV: A Screenwriting Workshop with James McDermott In this interactive writing workshop, you will learn skills to help you create, plan, write, redraft and pitch projects for short films, features and TV. Participants will also get a chance to workshop their ideas and receive advice on funding, agents, self-producing and much more besides. The workshop will be led by scriptwriter James McDermott whose short plays for INK include 'Beached', 'Steam', 'Love Me Tinder' and 'Mixed Up'. James's plays published by Samuel French include 'Jab' (Finborough Theatre), 'Time & Tide' (Park Theatre/Tour) and 'Rubber Ring' (Pleasance Islington/Tour). James has written multiple episodes of 'EastEnders' and his short film 'Clause', nominated for Best East Anglian Film at Norwich Film Festival 2023, was part of the official selection at British Shorts Berlin 2023, Italy Lover's Film Festival 2023 and Queer Wave Cyprus LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2023. James is an Arvon writing tutor and lecturer in creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
INK Festival
The UK's leading short play festival returns! INK Festival 2025 presents an exciting lineup of original plays, comedy, poetry, talks, and performances from acclaimed writers and artists.
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
Antiques Evening
Save the Date…
Bring your treasures, uncover their stories and support a great cause
Doors open: 18:15
Event starts: 19:00
What’s included:
A professional valuation of your item
A delicious Ploughman’s supper
On-site bar
Charity raffle
Come along and make an evening of it, whether you’re curious about your antiques or just here for the good food and great company, there’s something for everyone
EVENT 2
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Event 1
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Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Clo ed for Re ovation
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
script Writing Workshop - ipswich
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
beginners Workshop - online
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
intermediate Workshop - online (Copy)
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Play it Forward
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Script Writing workshop - Leiston
AIM: To create a short script of no more than 15 minutes for stage or radio, with ideally a maximum of 4 characters (no monologues). These will be considered for inclusion in the INK Festival 2025.