The Rose Theatre in Kingston is set to host an autumn scriptwriting course starting next month.

Rose Scriptwriting Course: Autumn 2026 is an eight-week creative writing course for adults aged 18 and over and will run from Thursday, 1 October - Thursday, 26 November, with sessions taking place every evening in the Rose Gallery from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Through an active and practical approach, participants will develop their writing skills, build confidence, and explore how to bring ideas for theatre and performance to life.

The course is open to anyone aged 18+ with enthusiasm and an idea to explore, whether they are a complete beginner or returning to creative writing.

The Rose said that it will be particularly valuable for those interested in writing plays, screen projects, poetry, spoken word, or performance art.

Participants are expected to develop writing techniques through practical exercises and improvisation, gain a solid understanding of structure, form and character development, and work towards a completed piece of writing by the end of the course.



Maddie Rice and Tom Machell are leading the course (Image supplied)

Optional homework (about one hour per week) is recommended to gain the most from the course, and attendance of all eight sessions is encouraged to support your progression and the benefit of the group.

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Participants have the opportunity to hear their writing performed by actors in the final weeks.

The Rose asks readers to note that participants should have a sufficient level of English to fully engage with the course.

The course is led by two outstanding theatre professionals, Maddie Rice and Tom Machell.

According to the theatre, Rice is perhaps best known for taking over from Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the touring production of Fleabag and for her acclaimed solo show, Pickle Jar, at Soho Theatre.

Machell's debut play, Ticker, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to Alphabetti Theatre, Northern Stage, and London's Turbine Theatre, and was subsequently published by PlayDead Press.

More information about the course and how to join can be found here.

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