Budding theatre writers wanted for adrenaline packed challenge in Reading

Reading Between The Lines Theatre Company will present its seventh annual Off the Block competition. Credit: RBL

Budding writers are being called upon to take part in a Reading theatre challenge.

Professional theatre company Reading Between the Lines is launching the seventh annual Off the Block competition which will see writers script a short play in six hours.

The group which has produced critically-acclaimed shows about Reading King, Henry I and his daughter Matilda the Empress is looking for the next writing star.

On Sunday, May 13 entrants will be given stage directions by co-founders Toby and Dani Davies, and will then be expected to come up with characters, a plot and narrative.

All entries will be submitted by 4pm on Sunday, May 13 with a team of RBL associates selecting the winner who will write one of four 20 minute plays with the rest of the Off the Block team.

The innovative scheme will then see four writers work with four directors over four days, help create four musical scores and stage the plays with 16 actors.

Toby Davies said: "Off the Block is our chance to meet new professionals and to welcome back those who've worked with us in the past.

"It's unique, is exceptionally fun and one major adrenalin shot."

The winning script will be performed at Off the Block #7. Credit: RBL

Applicants who want to take part in the competition, should email their CVs and a bit of information about themselves to writers@readingbetweenthelines.co.uk.

Off the Block will be performed on Friday, May 25 at 7.30pm at South Street Arts Centre in South Street, Reading, Berkshire.

Adult tickets cost £18 while students, seniors and the unemployed are charged a discounted rate of £14, tickets can be booked online.