Catalyst is the cornerstone of our commitment to new writing for the theatre. This project offers in-depth professional development to early-career writers and directors. To those selected, we offer the chance to work with an ensemble of professional actors, and highly experienced writing and directing mentors in a safe and supportive space, to hone their craft, develop and showcase their new scripts. Places are strictly limited, and the work is intensive, challenging and exciting.

Join us for a very special sharing of extracts from new plays, written and directed by this year’s Catalyst cohort, and performed by a professional ensemble.

Writers

Roxana Rae Bartle
Ruby Crepin-Glyne
Hannah Eggleton
Adil Hassan
Lucy Havard
Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters

Directors

Hamza Ali
Arthur Kemp
Haiqing Liang

Writing Mentors

Marika Mckennell
Karim Khan

Directing Mentor

Tom Brennan

Programme Producer

Ria Parry

Age guidance: 14+

We are hugely grateful to our ArtsLab: Catalyst 2026 Programme Partners: St Clare’s, Oxford and Oxford School of Drama.

With thanks to The North Wall Arts Centre’s principal sponsor St Edward’s School, Oxford.