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
INK FESTIVAL 2026
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.
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
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
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
IMPROV COMEDY with 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
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
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.
Hugh Bonneville In Conversation With Paul Schlesinger
Hugh Bonneville In Conversation With Paul Schlesinger
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.
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
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.
EVENT 2
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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.