Haddaway and Write

The latest production to emerge from Hooley Theatre’s flagship talent development programme, in partnership with Gala Durham, showcases six brand-new short plays that champion regional voices. Selected from an open call-out, these fresh works receive dedicated development support before being brought to life on stage by a top team of local talent.

Join us for Haddaway & Write – where the North East’s stories take centre stage!

THE PLAYS:

Waiting for the Moon to Land by Mel Hunter

Performed by Micky McGregor & Sol Taibi

Directed by Jessica Robson

From the He-Man wars of their youth to the silence of a hospital ward, two brothers journey through the dark shadows of their violent childhood and face the ghost of their father to see if their bond is truly undefeated.

Girls with Glass Slippers by Lizzie Lovejoy

Performed by Lucy Davis

Directed by Sarah Bond

With a poorly daughter at home, Ava struggles to navigate elitist insults at a high-society work event and has to choose between biting her tongue and finally shattering the glass ceiling… or maybe just a few chandeliers?

Parked Off by Tom Smith

Performed by Danny Raynor & Jonathan Iceton

Directed by Sarah Bond

When cantankerous Harry wages an all-out turf war with his ‘posh’ neighbour, James, over a few inches of driveway, things get hilariously petty. The insults are sharp and the logic is “egregious”, but one question remains… Is it really about the parking? 

Then I Let It Go Again by John Dawson

Performed by Scarlett Robinson & Danny Raynor

Directed by Sarah Bond

Stuck in the excruciating silence of a parked Fiat 500, a tragically optimistic dad tries to bridge the gap with his distanced daughter. For once, Charlie’s forced to call out her dad’s shortcomings, but will he finally sit in the discomfort and be the clownfish she always needed him to be?

The Night Slot with Darren Glench by Lewis Cuthbert

Performed by Jake Wilson Craw

Directed by Jessica Robson 

Don’t miss Darren Glench’s home shopping mega-deals! In this darkly comedic thriller, Darren hawks camping gear live on air as his own demons and a sinister caller force him to confront the disturbing truth behind his wife’s disappearance… and it’s not what you’d expect!

Rita in 3C by Abby Walker

Performed by Jackie Lye & Rebecca McClelland

Directed by Jessica Robson 

Sharp-witted care home resident, Rita C, deploys her scare tactics on the naive and aspirational Hailey in this dark comedy about ageing, authority, and the beef between two women named Rita. Will Hailey follow the rules, or will Rita C rope her into a decades-old rivalry?

CW: Some plays contain strong language, references to violence, death and grief

Running time: Approx. 80 minutes plus interval 

Recommended for ages 15+