Shire Stories supports 50 writers in first year

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Worcester Theatres and Crave Arts have celebrated one year of Shire Stories, a literary project that has supported more than 50 writers across four counties.

Worcester Theatres and Crave Arts have marked the first anniversary of Shire Stories, a literary project supported by Arts Council England. The initiative aims to develop and sustain creative talent across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. In its first year, Shire Stories has supported more than 50 writers through workshops, mentoring and development programmes.

The project has delivered community writing workshops for the Monday Night Club and The Malvern Cube, helping young people and adults with learning difficulties or autism to develop their interest in creative writing. Separate workshops, both in-person and online, have covered topics including writing scripts for young audiences and pitching work to producers and directors. The team also provides support to writers developing plays, welcoming script submissions for feedback.

Charlotte Fletcher, a Worcestershire writer, said the project had 'significantly boosted' her confidence as an aspiring playwright. Coming from a non-arts background, she credited the supportive community and structured feedback sessions with giving her a sense of belonging and validation. Owen Harper, Co-Artistic Director of Crave Arts, said he and co-artistic director Steve Wilson were 'incredibly excited' for the project's second year, noting they had read 'fantastic plays' and run 'brilliant workshops' in the first year.

Looking ahead to 2027, Shire Stories will host its second 'Tiny Plays, Big Ideas' event, debuting new plays and offering four commissions to writers developing work for the inaugural New Writing Festival.

How it is being reported

• Literary project supports more than 50 writers in first yearWorcester Theatres and Crave Arts are celebrating one year of Shire Stories, which has supported more than 50 writers and nurtured creative talent across the region.Worcester News · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Literary project supports more than 50 writers in first yearWorcester Theatres and Crave Arts are celebrating one year of Shire Stories, which has supported more than 50 writers and nurtured creative talent across the region.Malvern Gazette · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Worcester Theatres · Crave Arts · Arts Council England · Charlotte Fletcher · Owen Harper · Steve Wilson · Worcestershire

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