Courses and workshops
Online and in-person classes for people of all experiences
IntroductionAre you looking to write your first short play?
Or take your scriptwriting to the next level?
Look below to explore our regular and one-off workshops and courses, from our 8 week course in Writing Your First Short Play, to day-long sessions in comedy scriptwriting.
With sessions throughout the year, we always have something coming up, through which you can explore your creativity, try something new, or reach a new standard with your writing.
Scroll down to find out moreWrite your first short play or script
8 Week Online Course
Sign up by 6th of February and get £10 off!
Are you curious about writing a script for theatre, TV, radio or film, but don’t know where to start?
Or maybe you’ve written a bit, but want to drill down into what makes a great scene?
During this eight-week online course for all levels, led by an award-winning scriptwriter, learners will explore how to write a short script.
Sessions will be delivered through creative writing exercises, reading scripts and discussion, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. By week eight, you will aim to have written a short script you can be proud of.
No previous experience necessary. All welcome.
Starting on the 26th of February.
THE SCRIPTWRITER'S TOOLKIT
10 Week in-person Course
Have you written a bit, but are looking to take your scriptwriting to the next level?
During this ten-week course, learners will explore what it takes to write a full-length script for theatre, TV, Film or Radio.
Sessions will be delivered through creative writing exercises, reading scripts and discussion, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. By week ten, you will armed the skills and knowhow to tackle the most ambitious of projects.
Next course starting Autumn 2026. To find out when, sign up for alerts below.
Meet the TeacherHugh Dichmont
Hugh Dichmont is an award-winning playwright and scriptwriter based in Nottingham. Hugh’s creative CV includes ★★★★★ dark comedy podcast ‘The Future History of the British Isles’, and plays at theatres across the UK, including Nottingham Playhouse, Theatre503, Old Red Lion, the Pleasance and The Vaults. In 2019 Hugh won the Bread & Roses Playwriting Award. In 2024 he was a finalist for the Channel 4 New Writers Scheme. In 2025 he was shortlisted for the Pears Short Film Fund.
"An intriguing world of revelations and horrors, paired with moments of hilarity... it leaves you breathless" (Everything Theatre for ‘Who You Are and What You Do’)
"Exposing the cracks of our current political and ideological crisis" (iTunes listener review for ‘The Future History of the British Isles’)
"Top Ten Plays Not to Miss" (FringeReview for ‘The War On Terry’)
With an astute eye for dialogue and structure, Hugh brings over a decade of experience in writing across forms and genres, working solo and in writing teams, finding personal angles to big stories and drama in the everyday.
With an MA in Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, Hugh is also a highly experienced educator, who has mentored scriptwriters, delivered workshops, talks and courses over many years, including regular ongoing sessions for Nottingham Playhouse and Nottingham Trent University.
"Hugh was incredibly helpful and detailed in his feedback when mentoring me through the development of my first play, taking my work to the next level through clear guidance and thorough understanding."
BRIDIE SQUIRES, NOTTINGHAMa bit more experienced?We also offer one-to-one mentoring
Signing up gives you six months to complete your Mentorship package, which consists of:
One-to-one mentoring from Hugh Dichmont
A bespoke six month development plan
Written and spoken notes on 3 drafts of your script
3x one hour online (Zoom) meetings with Hugh
Actionable “to dos”
Suggested reading/watching for further personal development
Script strategy for future life of your project and/or personal scriptwriting growth
All of the above to be completed within your Mentorship package, done as quickly or slowly as you need, within the full six months