Studio Salford WFTS courses

29/06/2025

There’s a unique magic in writing a two-hander. Two characters, one space, and no distractions — just dialogue, subtext, and the emotional tightrope that binds them. It’s the most intimate of theatrical forms, and also, in many ways, the most exposing. There’s nowhere to hide — for the writer or the characters. I’ve always been drawn to that naked intensity. With just two voices in the room, you’re compelled to dig deeper into what drives them: their needs, flaws, secrets, and longings....

Explore the art of writing a two-hander play: the most intimate of theatrical storytelling forms. Analysing Lungs & Constellations.

28/06/2025

Announcing the fantastic team behind the new production of The Big Things, running at GMFringe 2025 - 16th, 17th, and 23rd July.

Read about how I developed the script and how it is emerging into the new production.

The Big Things is a two-hander about love, parenting, and difference. Read about the script and team. Catch the new production at GMFringe.

21/06/2025

In an era when theatres are tightening belts and companies are looking for creative ways to do more with less, the virtue of plays with a small cast is clearer than ever. As a writer, director, and teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how two- and three-hander plays generate not just lean productions but rich, emotionally charged storytelling with laser focus and intensity....

In an era when theatres are tightening belts and companies are looking for creative ways to do more with less, the virtue of plays with a small cast is clearer than ever. As a writer, director, and teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how two- and three-hander plays generate not just lean productions but ...

15/06/2025

Silence is where the subtext lives. If you’re having trouble making a scene work, consider replacing a line with a silence. Find our more in our latest blog.

Stuck on a scene? Dialogue feeling clunky? One of the best playwriting tips is to use silence instead. It’s where the subtext lives.

14/06/2025

Some information about the upcoming playwriting summer school. And if you book before Sunday 22nd June, you'll get free access to our popular Finding Starting Points short-course (usually £25).

Playwriting summer school?! Does the word school send shivers down your spine? Perhaps it takes you back to coughing your way through surreptitious ci******es around the back of the bike sheds? Or maybe you think of end of term discos and love bites you desperately try to stave off with toothpaste?....

13/08/2024

As well as on all the streamers, my album is available to listen to and/or buy on Bandcamp, where you can download in lossless and keep forever.

In the heart of a bustling factory, amidst the rhythmic hum of engines and the clanking of metal, there lies a machine that possesses a secret passion. Hidden beneath its cold, mechanical exterior beats a heart that yearns for music.

10/08/2024

Here’s a little sneak peek of the first song on my debut album.

I’m opening with this song at my album launch tonight at The Klondyke in Levenshulme as part of Levy Pride. 7.40pm.

Provided to YouTube by TuneCoreSet U Free · MusicByMachinesTwenty Twenty-Four℗ 2024 1984 RecordsReleased on: 2024-08-10Auto-generated by YouTube.

24/02/2024

Very excited to announce that I’ve finally got off my arse and released my first single (with album to come) on my own indie label, and it’s available on all the streamers from today.

Have a listen, and add it to your playlists, etc? I get a whole 0.01p everyone someone listens for 30 seconds or more. ❤️❤️❤️

Go to MusicByMachines.

02/01/2024

Reviews for LES & ALI’s BIG BALEARIC ADVENTURE so far:
Sharp & Witty. A complete joy! - Canal-St.co.uk
Fun & uplifting - NorthWestEnd.com
Warm-hearted. A fine comedy - British Theatre Guide
A lovely, funny, captivating play, performed brilliantly by the cast! Definitely something to break up those post-summer blues! – Amy Worrell, Facebook review
A funny, tart, heartbreaking two-hander, wonderfully acted. – Paul Magrs, Facebook review
A funny, charming, and brilliant story about a couple on honeymoon toying with the idea of skipping their flight home and staying in Ibiza forever. – Richard Douglas, Facebook review
Funny, intriguing, tender, and very entertaining – Maureen O’Neill, Facebook review
Nominated for:
Best Performers, Best New Play — GMFringe 2023
Best New Play — OffFest 2023
So, come along and join us at The Kings Arms 11-13th Jan, and beat off those January blues. Guaranteed feel-good!!
Part of the Best of the Fringe season at the Kings Arms.

18/11/2023

I get asked all the time how long a theatre scene should be - so, I decided to write a blog about it. So, check out my latest Playwriting tips blog: how long should a scene be?

How long should a scene be in a play? It's one of the most commonly asked questions in my playwriting courses. Find out the answer here!

08/11/2023

Writer friends: check out my new blog about overcoming writer's block and finding new starting points, along with details about my new online short course.

How do you start a new play? How do you turn an idea into a tangible premise? Playwriting tips for getting started on your next piece.