About
Fresh Ink is an annual theatre festival supporting writers from Hull to create and develop new plays in the city.
Inspired by “scratch” theatre nights, Fresh Ink showcases early versions of new plays especially commissioned for the festival.
The inaugural 2024 edition featured script-in-hand performances, alongside writer workshops, industry talks and a keynote speech from David Byrne, artistic director of the Royal Court.
Isabelle by Marc Graham has since been commissioned by Middle Child for a full production in 2026, while Can We Be Friends? by Hannah Scorer has been commissioned by Hull Truck Theatre, with the next iteration shared at Grow Festival in July 2025.
2025
Seven new commissions have been selected from 117 entrants to be shared script-in-hand at the Fruit Market in Hull, over the weekend of 19-20 July.
These include two full-length plays, two 30 minute plays and three monologues.
Alongside new work by local writers, the programme also includes workshops and talks with Javaad Alipoor, Tabby Lamb, Cheryl Martin, Nathan Queely-Dennis, Tom Wells, Lydia Marchant, Holly Williams, Matt Woodhead, Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Maureen Lennon and Ola Animashawun.
Fresh Ink is produced by co-founders Middle Child and sponsored by co-founders Wykeland, with support from the J F Brignall Charitable Trust, Hull City Council, the University of Hull, Hull Truck Theatre and Garrick Charitable Trust.
2026
Fresh Ink will return in 2026. Applications for writing commissions will open after this year’s festival.
Writers
Meet the eight writers commissioned to create seven new plays, to be shared at Fresh Ink 2025.
Commissions
Find out more about what each commission entails and who is eligible to apply for them.
Writer FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the application process for writing commissions at Fresh Ink.
About Middle Child
Middle Child are a new writing theatre company rooted in Hull. We bring people together for unforgettable experiences full of big ideas.
Every day we work towards a fair and equitable world where anyone’s story can be told and heard. We commission the writers of tomorrow to tell untold stories that make sense of the world today.
We set fire to expectations of what a night at the theatre can be. From electrifying gig theatre in Hull nightclubs to drag-inspired cabaret in London and family shows in Salford parks, we deliver unmissable performances in unexpected places.
Our award-winning work is underpinned by our commitment to investing in local people, providing opportunity without having to leave the city. From our Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival to our Theatre Library, and renowned workshop programme we provide accessible routes into the industry.
We always prioritise wellbeing, in the stories we tell, the artists we develop and the people we employ. The social value of increasing access to great art drives everything we do.
Middle Child are a registered charity, an Arts Council England national portfolio organisation and receive significant support from Hull City Council. We are a Resident Company of the National Theatre and are generously supported by our Middle Child Mates.
About Wykeland
As a Major Partner of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, Hull-based property development and investment company Wykeland created Stage @TheDock, a stunning amphitheatre within Hull’s former Central Dry Dock as the city’s only new permanent venue for Hull’s year as the nation’s capital of culture.
The development illustrates Wykeland’s commitment to culture and the arts, including long-standing sponsorship of Hull’s Freedom Festival and being the first of the business “angels” who backed Hull’s bid to be UK City of Culture ten years ago.
Wykeland believes physical, social and cultural regeneration are inextricably linked and works with partners and local people to ensure its developments deliver enduring community benefits.
Wykeland has a proud, long-term track record of bringing vacant and derelict land to life, stimulating economic and cultural development and changing the local landscape, for the better.