Scratch Nights offer audiences the chance to experience new theatre as it’s being made. Taking place quarterly, these evenings showcase bold, early-stage work from artists based in Plymouth and across the South West.

Each Scratch Night features four short scratch performances (up to 15 minutes each), alongside one headline residency act presenting a longer work-in-progress (up to 30 minutes). Expect a varied programme of ideas, styles and voices, with no two nights the same.

Audiences play an important role in Scratch Nights. After each performance, you’ll be invited to share feedback, helping artists shape and develop their work in a supportive, informal setting. It’s an opportunity to see theatre at its most immediate and to be part of the creative process.

We are excited to announce the line up to our first Pathways scratch night on Friday 20th February. Our four wonderful acts are;

- CJ Smith - Windchimes

Windchimes follows Son, a young man grappling with vulnerability as he returns to his family home with only a set of wind chimes for emotional refuge. When the wind chimes take on a life of their own and challenge his bravado, his inner turmoil is revealed: crippling self-doubt about his Photography career, his toxic relationships, and the fear that his mother’s suicide attempt has irrevocably altered him.

- Esme Lovell, Elizabeth Thomas, Noelle Plusnin - Wish For Bold Wisdom

We express how different generations of women create, react, relate, share, and learn from each other. Connecting to the modern-day loss of a pathway for many elder women, which has led to a gap in the potential for the younger generation to grow from learning lived wisdom. As a 22-year-old, I yearn for a societal shift that creates space where intergenerational women can integrate and provide for each other.

- Danny Laine & Connor Reed - "Smile"

When a man leaves his home town in the dead of night in search of work. He finds himself alone, on the street. Entering a world of absurd daydreams and fantasies. He faces the harsh city with a smile.

But how long for?

- Beneath The Tracksuit - A Way With Words

A Way With Words is for anyone who’s felt out of step, tried to hold it together in public or learned how to carry serious things lightly. It’s thoughtful without being heavy, honest without being bleak and proof that difficult subjects can still leave a room feeling connected.

Make sure you book your tickets now as you don't want to miss out on the great night of performances.