Stage set for city writers to show they come up to scratch

Fruit, on Humber Street, will be showcasing the work of eight writers at the first Scratch @ Fruit night on Sunday, November 28, with audiences invited to provide feedback on the night.

Scratch nights have become a regular fixture at southern venues, such as the Battersea Arts Centre and the Royal Court in London.

The evening is being produced by Ensemble 52 – the resident theatre company at Fruit – and curated by Hull-based playwright Dave Windass.

Mr Windass said: "The night will allow audiences to see new text-based work for the stage by the region's ever-expanding writing talent. What we're hoping long term is that each piece of work will evolve into a full-length show. When people see what we're up to we're also hoping that the format and venue will encourage people to take risks.

"This isn't about presenting polished pieces of theatre beneath a proscenium arch but about working through ideas and seeing what does and doesn't work, without worrying that the wheels might fall off. I'm expecting the first night to be very exciting and, who knows, maybe a little bit revolutionary.

"Involving audiences in the process is a good thing that should be encouraged and I think it's also mutually beneficial for everyone involved."

The works will include Sialkot's Sons by Shazia Ashraf, about two teenagers who get beaten up in Pakistan, and A Wasted Journey by Russ Litten, which focuses on a hitchhiker jumping in and out of different cars.

Mr Windass said: "I think the idea is that a vibrant and lively artistic scene benefits everyone in the city. From my point of view, I want to encourage other writers to do what I've been able to do and get work performed."

Ensemble 52's artistic director, Andy Pearson, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to discover new writers and new writers to discover themselves by seeing their work on its feet. It's a very exciting theatre event for the city"

Fruit is one of the new businesses that have moved into Humber Street since it was vacated by traditional fruit, flower and vegetable traders.

Scratch @ Fruit takes place from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets, priced at 3, will be available on the door.