ABOUT THE COMMISSION
The New Voices Writing Commission is an opportunity for Buckinghamshire-based writers looking to get their work onto the stage as a paid playwright.
Writers are invited to send in their play submissions, along with an extract from the proposed script, to be in with a chance of winning the paid commission, and seeing their work staged at Queens Park Arts Centre's Limelight Theatre, plus other venues in Bucks.
The commissions original three-year funding has now concl. We hope to secure further funding to keep the commission going in 2027 and beyond.
ROTHSCHILD FOUNDATION
This project has been funded by the Rothschild Foundation as part of a three-year grant supporting and expanding Unbound's work.
'THIS BLASTED PLACE' (2026)
BY Jo PRATT
In 1949, a child is born in London to bereaved and traumatised Jewish refugees. In 2024, she peevishly prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday in a respite home with the help of her long-suffering daughter, Helen, and supremely patient care worker, Atef.
As the day unfolds, the two women's troubled but deeply loving relationship reveals how the pernicious effects of the Holocaust have reverberated, on a very personal level, through three generations. Meanwhile, Atef is experiencing present-day trauma. His beloved relatives are trapped in Gaza and he's desperate to help them escape. History, it seems, has a nasty habit of refusing to stay in the past.
Audience Feedback:
"Very powerful. Great message about the connection we share as humans even during times of horrific conflict."
"Not an easy watch but tackled the subject matter so well."
"Beautifully and movingly written. Wonderfully sensitive direction. And absolutely stellar performances from all the cast."
"A powerful piece tackling challenging subject matter with sensitivity and striking realism. Beautifully directed with strong performances throughout. It really stays with you."
'I'M ANGRY, BUT LOOK AT THIS DOG' (2025)
BY HARRY LOCK
Rumour has it there’s a riot on the way. ‘The Revolution for Societal Refocus’ have announced it on social media, in response to the government’s failure to meet their environmental reform targets. But when and where does it begin? And how far will it go?
Jack, a passionate and opinionated young man, is watching the news relentlessly for updates. His flatmates, Chloe and Luke, are more easily distracted. They care, but only as far as it affects them. As the riots escalate, fear and tension rises inside the flat…
Audience Feedback:
"Loved the performance and Q+A at QPAC. Very thought-provoking and enjoyable. Congratulations to all involved."
"Absolutely amazing performance! Well worth a watch."
"A timely piece of theatre. Inquisitive and engaging in a subject that all of us ought to be concerned by."
"Avoids the pitfalls of social commentary by approaching its subject matter with a lightness of touch. Engaging and urgent without lecturing the audience. Leaves them to draw their own conclusions."
'ALIENS DO EXIST' (2024)
BY MICKY SCOTT
Jess has been born into a world that is not built for her. She must navigate life whilst feeling completely alien to everyone around her.
After being introduced to the idea that she may be autistic by her therapist, Jess begins the journey of understanding, letting go and facing the trauma caused by hiding behind the mask she has created to appear ‘normal’.
Audience Feedback:
"Absolutely stunning piece of work... it gives people an insight into Autism that many people wouldn’t have had."
"It was an amazing play, I found it deeply moving and very relatable in a way I have very rarely experienced."
"Educational, thought provoking. Beautiful story, amazing acting, great use of stage. We need more theatre like this!"
"Superb piece that gives a true insight into Autism and real feelings."
"I've never been so moved by a piece of theatre."
"Absolutely fantastic show, that conveys a crucial message beautifully - I am not overstating by saying it should be seen in every school and by as many people as possible."
