Theatre503 in London is set to captivate audiences with a lineup of diverse and emotionally charged performances. From the poetic exploration of love and trauma in 'By Their Fruits' to the festive charm of 'Santa & Sven', this season promises a rich tapestry of storytelling. Theatre enthusiasts are invited to engage with thought-provoking themes, witness the creativity of budding playwrights in 'Rapid Write Response', and enjoy festive entertainment. This eclectic mix of productions reaffirms Theatre503's commitment to innovative and impactful theatre.

Theatre503: A Hub of Emotional Stories and Festive Magic

Theatre503 in London is making waves this season with a series of captivating plays that delve into the complexities of human nature and relationships. From the mysterious secrets within a Bungalow to the unexpected adventures on the Cobbled Streets of Geneva, and the poignant story of reconnection in Derry Boys, these performances explore themes of identity, love, and personal growth. Each play offers a unique narrative that promises to engage audiences and provoke thoughtful reflection on the ever-evolving tapestry of human experiences.

Theatre503 Brings Intriguing Tales to Life: A Journey through Bungalows, Cobbled Streets, and Derry Dreams

Theatre503 in London invites audiences to immerse themselves in three captivating plays, each offering unique narratives and compelling characters. From a mysterious bungalow harboring secrets, to a queer love story under the rain-soaked streets of London, and the comedic exploration of Irish identity, these performances promise to engage and provoke thought. Journey with us as we delve into the intricate stories of 'Bungalow,' 'The Cobbled Streets of Geneva,' and 'Derry Boys,' each bringing their own flavor to the stage.

Diverse Tales on Stage: Exploring Identity, Love, and Secrets at Theatre503

Adham is alone outside a Mosque in North London. Waiting. It’s raining. Tea, an umbrella, and friendship arrive. The rest is what you’d expect: a call to adventure in the Alps, a meet-cute over antique books and coffee, a quarrel and a queer love story.

Adham is a silent and brooding middle-aged tragedy. He can’t remember how to pray Salah and his sejadah lies forgotten. Raushan is a talkative and excitable middle-aged tragedy. He is an Imam, a man who bends the rules of faith while teaching Islamic doctrine. When his boss invites him on holiday to “set him up”, the panic-stricken Adham fabricates a husband: but now he’s got to convince someone to act the part… Who best but his Imam and absolutely platonic friend Raushan?

[The Cobbled Streets of Geneva]

Theatre503

I am Bungalow. A brick construct in my sixties, I was born with the stain of original sin on my soul. Oh, the things I have seen. Spend some time within my walls. Welcome home.

Agatha returns to her childhood bungalow to care for her vulnerable mother and for the first time in her life has her all to herself – the perfect opportunity to have that chat where all the unsaid things are finally said. However, little does Agatha know that Bungalow, groaning under the weight of the secrets it has witnessed, has a mind of its own.

Bungalow

Tom and Leila have been together for 1001 nights. Sleepless and restless in the early morning, they count down the hours until sunrise when they will leave for the funeral of their mutual friend.

Leila and Tom begin to tell each other stories to try to get back to sleep. The bedtime stories they make up, that begin with fairy-tales and dreams, soon betray hidden truths about Tom and Leila and about their relationship. The stories they tell become stories about themselves, about their pasts, and about their imagined futures.
As night-time draws to close and as the funeral creeps closer, Tom and Leila are forced to find ‘endings’ for the stories they have begun telling, and to confront what ‘endings’ really mean.

1001

Away from dysfunctional families and small-town gossip, Viv and Daisy can be entirely themselves. With so much beyond their control, Fort is their stomping ground. Their escape. Until the ghost turns up.

Fort

Santa & Sven are very excited to be bringing their magical Christmas show to Theatre503 this December!

Santa & Sven

Previous participants include Andrew Thompson, the winner of our 2016 Playwriting Award (In Event of Moone Disaster), Anna Jordan (Yen, Royal Exchange Manchester, Royal Court & Broadway), Stuart Slade (BU21, Theatre503 & West End), Chris Urch (Land of Our Fathers, Theatre503, West End & 2 national tours) & Vinay Patel (writer of the BAFTA award winning Murdered by My Father).

Rapid Write Response: by their fruits

Be it time, distance or circumstance, They can’t escape each other. Questioning whether their love can outrun their shared trauma, and truth. Or if their pain is too much to fight for. Blending movement intricately with sound into their own poetic language, this piece presents glimpses into the lives of him and her across time.

By Their Fruits

In this masterclass we will imagine the theatre as a place to confront and explore difficult things. We will think broadly about what we mean by ‘difficulty’, looking at playwrights from Richard Nelson to Sarah Kane – asking ourselves why we might want to make difficult work.

Difficult Theatre with Sam Grabiner: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

In this workshop we will delve into history to find stories that deserve their time on stage. We will also discuss the many ways in which we can bring history to life and where to start when trying to illuminate the past.

Ideas from Time – Writing Theatre Inspired by Historical People and Events with Morgan Lloyd Malcolm

Rapid Write Response: Tachwedd (November/The Slaughter)

Serving your story and making the major themes minor – A class where we will focus on how to make overarching themes you want to explore support your writing, and not stifle it.

Serving Your Story and Making the Major Themes Minor with Faith Omole: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

A horn sounds in the clearing, a factory explosion, a rush of blood. Can you truly escape the destiny set out for you? From selling out, to leaving home, to returning to a place of regret, Tachwedd charts a family’s journey as they try to reconcile the inescapability of the past with the weight of the future.

Tachwedd (November/The Slaughter)

Theatre503’s producing course returns! Independent producer Tanya Truman will lead you through this 5-week course with an emphasis on producing your first production. Whether you are interested in producing your own work, or learning the ropes as an independent producer – this is for you.

Produce Your First Play with Tanya Truman: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

What does it mean to have a distinctive writing style? And how do you know your style is the right one? This is a workshop all about exploring and experimenting with the way you write. We’ll test and retest the different ways of nailing down the style of a scene or of a play – finding the one which works best for you and the story you want to tell.

Finding Your Style with Sami Ibrahim: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

Grace is single for the first time in ten years. With nothing to lose, she embarks on a journey of sexual self-discovery and ends up somewhere she never expected to be. An underground hardcore BDSM club called FRICTION.

Friction

Jessie’s life is sorted. More than. So when her friends hear that the Fab 5 are finally coming to London, they lie about her perfect life in order to get her a spot on her favourite TV show. However, as she starts to dismantle what she thought she loved, it unravels in a way she never imagined…

All That Glitters

Knowing what the story of your play really is can make the difference between it being ‘just’ good and it being great. Learn from Dawn King how to dive fearlessly into your story and match it with plot and character. Suitable for writers with works in progress.

Finding The Story In Your Plot with Dawn King: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

A playwriting course for newcomers. Sophie Swithinbank will take 4 sessions to get you to a point where you are ready to write. There’ll then be one session after the writing break where we will hear one another’s writing.

Introduction to Playwriting with Sophie Swithinbank: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

Our course will provide a structured exploration at pivotal stages of the process and incorporate discussion, exercises and shared experience around particular points in the process and directly in response to the work you are creating throughout.

Write Your First Full Length Play with Steve Harper: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

Emma met Adam in a Tesco at a strange time in her life. After six months of romance and joy she decides to move out of her mouldy box room and into his apartment.

Sorry You Felt That Way

The short play can be one of the most exciting in dramatic writing – and is a great place to start if you’re just starting out. On this practical course, Brian Mullin will take you through all the essential elements of crafting a short play, leading to a sharing of work in the final week. This friendly workshop series will support writers to discover an idea for a short play or develop an existing one, with a focus on key craft elements such as character, story, dialogue and theatricality.

Writing Short Plays with Brian Mullin: Theatre503 Writers’ Programme

Paddy and Mick were born and raised in Derry and have always dreamed of something more, but when they’re torn apart as children and reunite as adults in London, they discover they’ve grown into two very different people, each with a radically different vision for their future.

Derry Boys is the debut full-length play from emerging Irish writer Niall McCarthy, born from Theatre503’s Rapid Write Response programme. This sharp comedy delves into the complexities of the Irish identity in today’s world. It’s a powerful exploration of what it takes to carve out a place in this world.

Theatre503

Apr 22 - May 10, 2025

[The Cobbled Streets of Geneva]

May 20 - Jun 7, 2025

Derry Boys

Apr 22 - May 10, 2025

[The Cobbled Streets of Geneva]

Feb 25 - Mar 15, 2025

Bungalow

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