Mercury Essex Playwrights Award, a major new initiative designed to champion both emerging and established playwrights from across Greater Essex.
Supported by GreyFriars Hotel, the award marks a significant new investment in regional talent and reflects the Mercury’s ongoing commitment to developing and producing exceptional new writing.
Supported by the Marcela Trust, this is the first year of a new playwrighting award championing both established and emerging writers from Greater Essex.
Over recent years, the Mercury has been proud to have been able to profile the work of Essex-based writers through workshops, masterclasses and productions on both the main stage and in the studio space Recent successes have included Flumps by Emma Jo Pallett which won UK Theatre’s Best New Play award in 2025, the world premiere of The Manningtree Witches by Ava Pickett in 2026, and a new stage adaptation of Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape, based on the bestselling book by Colchester-born Dermot O’Leary. These productions sit alongside a growing body of acclaimed new work developed and staged by the Mercury, including Martha Loader’s award-winning Bindweed and Tassa Deparis’ Swallow the Lake.
The Mercury is committed to supporting local writers. We are seeking Essex writers from all backgrounds with new ideas and new stories. Your work can be any genre or style - be contemporary or historical.
The winner of the Mercury Essex Playwrights Award will receive a full commission, dramaturgical support from the Mercury’s artistic team, and a fully staged production in the Mercury Studio during 2027. In addition to the production, the winner will receive dramaturgical support from our Literary Associate Kenny Emson and our Artistic Director, Natasha Rickman. You will also work closely with our Talent and New Work Producer, Katie Cutmore.
The Mercury is committed to supporting local writers. We are seeking Essex writers from all backgrounds with new ideas and new stories. Your work can be any genre or style – be contemporary or historical.
The winner of the Mercury Essex Playwrights Award will receive a full commission, dramaturgical support from the Mercury’s artistic team, and a fully staged production in the Mercury Studio during 2027.
In addition to the production, the winner will receive dramaturgical support from our Literary Associate Kenny Emson and our Artistic Director, Natasha Rickman. You will also work closely with our Talent and New Work Producer, Katie Cutmore.
Develop your independence and employability with Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now)
Do you want to be able to run your own indie tech? Do you want to learn the basics of lights and sound? Do you want to be more employable in the live events economy? Do you want access to a lending library of technical resources to make your own work?
Local indie theatre companies Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now) are joining forces on a grassroots Live Tech Skills Lab this summer that is mentored by local legend Tom Robbins and taking place at Sheffield Theatres.
Dates:
2pm-6pm Sat 25 July - Light
2pm-6pm Sat 08 August - Sound
2pm-6pm Sat 22 August - Production
Each session is £15, or you can book all three at a discount for £40. Register by completing the form linked below.
Is cost a barrier? We are offering two free places. They will be randomly allocated from eligible registrations by Sun 05 July.
Places are limited so book early to guarantee your spot!
The Bill Cashmore Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and Young SixSix in April 2027, and the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in August 2027.
The award is kindly supported by the Bill Cashmore Award Founder Sasha Bates.
We particularly welcome submissions from those who are underrepresented in theatre and/or situated in areas culturally underserved.
The two successful writers will:
Leeds Playhouse are delighted to be once again joining forces with Rollem Productions, BBC and Leeds City Council to support new writing in Yorkshire and continue the legacy of Kay Mellor. The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.
The Kay Mellor Fellow 2027 will spend twelve months on attachment with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem Productions. During the 12 months they will:
This is not a full-time role, and it is expected that the writer will undertake other paid work outside of the fellowship. Working hours and timetables will be agreed with the fellowship holder.
Forge Playwrights a new project that will nurture emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers in our region.
The group will be led by Aisha Khan, with co-mentoring from John Rwothomack and Frey Kwa Hawking.
The writers will meet monthly at Sheffield Theatres from September 2026 to April 2027 for workshops and writing sessions, followed by a period of writing and one-to-one support that will lead to an opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open works Festival in Autumn 2027.
This ambitious year of activity will support six emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers to develop new skills, ideas, and relationships as they write a full-length play.
Aisha Khan is a writer for theatre, radio and screen, director and dramaturg. Aisha recently adapted A Christmas Carol for Sheffield Theatres. Her writing credits include No Man’s Land, (Theatre An Der Parkau, Berlin/Leeds Playhouse) and Moonshed (dir, Sarah Frankcom, Royal Exchange Theatre). Aisha has also written for BBC Radio 4.
Directing credits include The Abyss by Ghiath Al-Mhitawi (Royal Court/Edinburgh International Festival) and Spirits by Gemma Bedeau.
John Rwothomack is a Ugandan-born, London-trained actor, director, writer, and recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award whose work includes commissions from Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre. In 2021, John founded Roots Mbili Theatre, where he serves as artistic director.
Frey Kwa Hawking is a transsexual critic, dramaturg, and arts worker. He is Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, a Dramaturgs' Network board member, was Co-Mentor for Sheffield Theatres' New Dramaturgs and Theatremakers Groups, and works with a number of theatres, companies and competitions.
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire and having fun!
Players travel from all over the North and Midlands to gain experience, make new friends and great music!
Rehearsal dates for the 26-27 academic year are as follows:
Autumn term – Project 1
Sunday 11 October 2026
Saturday 24 October
Sunday 25 October
Wednesday 28 October
Thursday 29 October
Friday 30 October
Sunday 1 November – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Spring term – Project 2
Sunday 24th January 2027
Sunday 7th February
Sunday 21st February
Sunday 7th March
Saturday 20th March
Sunday 21 March – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Role Description
A Lifting Equipment Inspector is a competent person employed to conduct safety inspections of all lifting equipment used in entertainment rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, inspection is defined as the examination, assessment, and verification of lifting or suspension equipment – including accessories – used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements, as to ensure compliance with relevant standards, safety requirements, and operational suitability.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of an internal and on-site Lifting Equipment Inspector with competence and confidence having achieved a Rigging Team Certificate of Competence which is supported by qualifications gained through accredited courses and diplomas such as LEEA.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 18 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This can increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidates will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures before moving onto internal inspections and learn inspection procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of lifting equipment, they will spend time shadowing our inspection team in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-18 months Candidates will be expected to continue supporting our warehouse team and work on-site assisting our inspection team, building skills, competency and evidence towards the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence. Candidate will spend
some time within the office in order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidates will be expected to achieve the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence alongside accredited courses and diplomas, such as LEEA, and continue to work at Rigging Team Ltd as a Lifting Equipment Inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme. The order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Application
To register your interest in this training scheme, please email careers@riggingteam.com
Role Description
A Live Event Rigger is a competent person employed to carry out rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, rigging is defined as the installation, removal, or other activity using lifting, or suspension equipment, or accessories used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of a Live Event Rigger with competence and confidence and also have achieved National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 2.
Due to the diverse work undertaken by Rigging Team, the candidate may have the opportunity to gain additional skills in areas such as performer flying, anchor installation/testing and equipment inspection.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 24 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This will increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidate will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of rigging equipment, they will spend time on site shadowing our team of riggers and inspectors in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-24 months Candidate will be expected to support our warehouse team and work on site assisting our team of riggers or inspectors, building skills and evidence towards the NRC Level 2 assessment. Candidate will spend some time within the office in
order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidate will be expected to achieve NRC Level 2 and continue to work on site as a rigger or inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme; the order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Anyone who is interested in this scheme can get in touch by sending a copy of their CV or details of experience to careers@riggingteam.com
This course has been designed to provide trainees with the appropriate skills and knowledge to work at height safely using personal fall protection equipment and fall protection systems and undertake a rescue of an operative that has fallen or become incapacitated and is suspended in their harness. The course includes selection of equipment, pre-use inspection, anchor types and methods of work at height and fall arrest, rescuing a casualty from fall arrest and work positioning lanyards using prepacked rescue equipment, specifically the Petzl JAG rescue kit.
Dates available
Mon 6 - Tues 7 July
Mon 7 - Tues 8 September
Thurs 15 - Fri 16th October
Mon 9 -Tues 10 November
Mon 7 - Tues 8 December
A comprehensive program designed to provide trainees with essential knowledge and skills related to safe lifting operations and the use of lifting equipment. This course has a bias towards hands-on practical training, focusing on the safe and efficient assembly and disassembly of rigging equipment commonly used in live event rigging operations. Trainees will learn about industry best practices, relevant legislation, and practical techniques to work as a rigger safely and effectively, ensuring they can contribute to a safer working environment.
On completion of the course, trainees will:
On completion of the course trainees will have:
Dates available
Wed 9 - Fri 11 - September 2026
Mon 5 - Weds 7 October 2026
Weds 4 - Fri 6 November 2026
Wed 2 - Fri 4 December 2026
