Breaking Ground Scratch Night

A showcase for work in development by some for the region’s most talented performance-makers.

From award-winning stand-up comedians to new drama productions, this relaxed evening of ground-breaking new theatre and performance, gives you a chance to share your thoughts about the work with the creator.

Aaron Simmonds (Aaron Simmonds Is dead (WIP))

Benjamin Franklin one said, 'Nothing in this world can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.' But seeing as a show about taxes would be depressing…let’s talk about death? Aaron Simmonds, as seen on QI (BBC2), Russell Howard Hour (Sky), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV) and more has been an award-winning comedian for 10 years, entertaining audiences across the UK and the world but maintains the funniest thing he’s ever done is at a funeral.

"His hilarious stories are so well delivered making the audience howl.”
***** Neurodiversereview.co.uk
"Amiable, likeable, and a commanding presence on stage, Aaron Simmonds is an exciting talent.”
**** Broadway Baby

Holly Redford-Jones (I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar)

Drawing from personal experience and musical influences ranging from Dusty Springfield to Steps, this show is a dance through nostalgic tales of unsung, unsanitised lesbian debauchery.
On behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, Redford Jones seeks answers to the biggest questions: Where have all the Lesbian Bars gone? How do you know when you’re in a Lesbian Bar? And just how did Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire get to be so crooked?

“An absolute treat… the next best thing out of Chesterfield”
***** JADAR
“Social critique remains sharp as well as facetious throughout”
**** North West End

Hunter King & Adam O'Shea ( No Pencil? No Career!)

Hunter & Adam take audiences behind the scenes of their songwriting process, creating a cosy atmosphere, emulating the casual and passionate discussions that musicians/performers often share with each other when creating music together. This sharing takes a specific focus on highlighting how their music has been put together compositionally and lyrically.

T4T BNB (Undercover)

A trans romantic comedy about life in the UK for one trans couple. The play depicts two characters going “undercover” with code names, disguises and alibis, and how this goes awry when returning to their hometown in North Yorkshire.