ScriptScratch 2026

Book to attend as an audience member via our TicketTailor Link. Masterclass members are entitled to a special discounted rate 👀

Join Masterclass this September for the return of Script Scratch!

Script Scratch is an opportunity to celebrate new writing. Hear extracts of new scripts from four Masterclass members at London Youth Theatre Studios, share your feedback to help develop the work, then network in the bar afterwards with programmers, directors, producers and the next generation of writers!

How It Works: Each writer has two minutes to introduce their script, before a panel of actors read a ten-minute excerpt. Then you, the audience, have a few minutes to provide feedback via an app, before a quick discussion with the writer.

After the event, we encourage you to stick around for a drink in the bar. Whether you are a writer seeking a producer, or a director looking to widen your pool of performers, your next collaboration could be one conversation away.

The Plays:

How to Survive a Stroke by Tiegan Byrne

After Bernie suffers a stroke, she's forced to spend the summer recovering with her estranged dad. As she writes a guide on how to survive, she discovers that the hardest part of recovery isn't learning to live again—it's learning to let her dad in..

Content Warnings: Description of stroke, discussions of mental health issues and suicide, discussion of spiking.

Spit & Sawdust by Joe Haddad

Spit and Sawdust is set in Brixton and follows protagonist Kai, who is a boxer on the brink of Olympic success. However with the return of seemingly reformed criminal turned local MP Johnny returning to Kai's life, and the secrets held about his fathers murder, will Kai fight on to have his arm raised on the podium or will he be betrayed by the people closes to him coach; 'Fred' and his son Saliba?

Content Warnings: References to police and army brutality, racism, and murder.

Our Mother, Who Art In Heaven by Elizabeth J Watson

Following two generations of students at St. Helen's Catholic Boarding School for Girls, 'Our Mother, Who Art in Heaven' explores the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl in any decade. In 2003, Brooke faces the loss of her mother and her changing relationship with her best friend Jessica after some time away. In 1987, Jo contemplates what she wants to do with her life after school ends and if she'll meet her parents' expectations whilst balancing her friendships with rebellious Theresa and devout Pippa. As the girls consider their places in the world what becomes clear is that three things are inevitable: Boys, Blood and Blasphemy.

Content Warnings: Teen pregnancy, references to abortion.

LadLadLad by Tom Draper

LadLadLad is the story of three mates who return to their local pub for the first time since finishing school. They have all gone their separate ways and their reunion proves tumultuous and damaging as secrets are revealed and friendships are broken.

Content Warnings: Very strong language, depictions of alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, misogyny and misogynistic language, homophobia and homophobic language, racism and racist language, ableism and ableist language, references to domestic violence, fatphobia, references to sexual abuse / r*pe, references to infant death, references to paedophilia, descriptions of violence, discussions of war, discussions of mental health issues.