Theatre / new writing

New Writing Festival for students returns to the University of Bristol

By Sarski Anderson  Tuesday Mar 18, 2025

The University of Bristol student theatre group Bristol Spotlights have announced a return for their New Writing Festival, which will take place over the week from March 31-April 4.

Intended to be a celebration of student-written theatre, a programme of short pieces will be performed at The Island, alongside a variety of workshops and events designed to support and amplify student writing.

Opening the festival on Monday will be a ‘WritesCream’ workshop led by writing reps Connie and Sam, who will be armed with ice cream.

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The first of a trip of showcase evenings will follow, presenting new writing from Spotlights members.

Bristol Spotlights New Writing Festival 2025 – artwork: Isolde Ryder-Airey

The second day comprises a talk from BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Deborah Moggach, who is also the author of novels including These Foolish Things – later adapted into hugely successful British comedy drama The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

On the back of a successful Fringe run and now on tour with Cabin Fever – Spotlights member Beth Miles from new theatre company Fresh Ink will join the festival on Wednesday to deliver a workshop and panel for those hoping to take their work up to Edinburgh in the future.

A performance from Bristol Spotlights New Writing Festival 2024 – photo: Leo Hincks

Thursday heralds an energetic open mic evening, and the final day offers a writing swap ‘sober social’, before the week draws to a close with a festival-flavoured club night.

Organisers are enthusiastic about platforming new talent, as well as being very aware of the positive collaboration that putting on this type of event can foster. Across the festival, audiences can expect “more laughs, shocks, and brilliant writing,” they say.

New Writing Festival 2024 – photo: Leo Hincks

The Bristol Spotlights New Writing Festival 2025 takes place on March 31-April 4, with all three evening showcases at The Island (6.30pm for a 7pm start). Follow @newwritingfestival for updated programme information.

Main photo: Isolde Ryder-Airey

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