About

Seeing a new play can be like stepping out on a first date for the first time: there could be awkward silences, no chemistry, or you might just hit it off!

First Dates gives you the chance to experience new work by our Incubate playwrights (playwrights on attachment).

All plays will be performed by a company of professional actors and be followed by a post-show discussion about the work.

We are excited to announce that First Dates will be directed by Julia Samuels, Co-Artistic Director of Liverpool-based 20 Stories High: a company creating theatre for and with young people.

Julia directed Laurence Wilson’s Blackberry Trout Face, which won the Brian Way Award 2010, and also the company’s first production: hip-hop forum theatre tour Last Friday.  

Previous to her work with 20 Stories High, Julia worked as Education Producer at the National Theatre, creating a version of Dr. Faustus for young audiences for the Cottesloe. She also spent 5 years at Theatre Royal Stratford East as Acting Head of Education/Youth Projects Leader; projects there included Making a Difference, Oshinowo, Other People’s Shoes, Girlz’n’Boyz.