As The Stage has observed: “New writing is the lifeblood of theatre. It ensures the art form remains relevant, challenging and reflective of the world around us.” New writing is crucial because it often tackles the themes that established works may shy away from, such as mental health, climate change, identity, and systemic injustice. These topics have found their first home on the stages of new writing nights, which play an essential role in keeping theatre urgent, relevant, and connected to the issues that matter. The Royal Court Theatre - a longtime champion of new writing - explains that their goal is to foster an environment where writers can: “challenge the status quo and disrupt the theatre ecology” by creating work free from commercial and creative constraints. Likewise, Open Page aims to ensure that the work we do remains reflective of and responsive to contemporary society.

Since the pandemic, opportunities for creatives to get their work on stage and hone their craft have become even more limited, leaving many talented voices sidelined. Open Page Productions was founded to address this, offering a platform for emerging talent to gain vital, firsthand experience.

In an industry that often feels insular, we are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring fair representation at all levels of production. At the heart of Open Page Productions is our passion for storytelling and inclusivity - believing that stories should not only entertain but also connect, challenge, and inspire action. We provide a platform for writers, actors, and directors to unleash their creativity, regardless of their background. 

Images above and below: In rehearsals for VARIATIONS

We also see the power of film to share important stories that are often overlooked. As we expand into film, our focus is on giving voice to unrepresented stories, particularly those of women, working-class individuals, BAME, and LGBTQ+ communities. We aim to create an eclectic range of projects that reflect the diverse world around us, challenging the narrow perspectives that dominate both theatre and film.

One of our first exciting projects is Variations, a dynamic collection of eight monologues exploring a wide array of human experiences, from existential questions to family betrayals. Highlights include:

• Rehmat by Subika Anwar-Khan: A ruthless lawyer’s pursuit of a traitor within her company becomes a gripping study of colonialism’s lasting impact.

• I’m Not Afraid of the Sky by Max Kyte: As a man falls from the sky he grapples with his place in the universe.

• Catalyst devised and performed by Ming, this is a powerful blend of movement and storytelling, incorporating live music created on stage using a looper.

Directed by Tippy Elgar, Variations showcases a diverse group of actors and writers, each exploring different aspects of humanity and demonstrating the transformative power of performance.

We are also excited to feature original music in Variations by the exceptionally talented K-A-B (Kelly Ann Buckley), a composer, sound designer, artist, writer, and producer. With her unique ability to convey narrative through multi-media arts, K-A-B’s work adds a distinctive layer to our production. Tippy first met K-A-B at a networking event focussing on women in the film industry led by the Essex Film Collective and reached out to her for a potential collaboration. K-A-B was immediately open to the idea. Her musical contribution has elevated our project, and we are incredibly grateful for her involvement. It has encouraged us to consider using original music in all our future productions, offering a platform for emerging composers and music artists, alongside new writing.

Together we have built a company that is not just about producing high-quality work but also about fostering a collaborative, inclusive community of creatives. Open Page Productions thrives on collaboration, and we are always looking for new talent. Whether you are a performer, writer, technician, musician, dancer or director, there are many ways to get involved with Open Page Productions. Follow our social media for updates on casting calls, script submissions and upcoming events.

As we continue to produce work that challenges and inspires, our commitment to amplifying marginalized voices remains central to everything we do. In an industry with limited opportunities, we are determined to break down barriers and open doors for creatives. We understand what it’s like to be overlooked, and through Open Page Productions, we want to give others the platform they deserve and ensure that the next generation of storytellers has a place to share their stories with the world.

For more information on our upcoming projects, please visit our website or follow us on social media. Let’s keep the conversation - and the creativity - alive.