Unheard Voices — A New Writing Competition from The Scratch Theatre.
Monologues. Stories. Characters we've never heard from before.
We’re thrilled to launch Unheard Voices — a brand-new writing competition and live event from The Scratch Theatre, celebrating the power of untold stories and fresh perspectives from writers right here in Bristol.
This is more than just a competition. It’s an open invitation to writers across Bristol and surrounding areas— whether you’ve written ten plays or never written a line of dialogue in your life — to share something bold, something raw, something we haven’t seen on stage before.
Because too often, our local stages are missing voices. The voices of those overlooked in daily life. The voices that don’t fit the mainstream mould. The voices of those with something powerful to say, but no space to say it.
We want to change that.
What’s the night going to be?
This will be one of the biggest and most exciting Scratch Nights yet from The Scratch Theatre.
It’ll feature a play developed in just one weekend — a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and chaos — alongside a handpicked selection of winning monologues from this competition. These pieces will be brought to life by our brilliant team of actors and shared in front of a live audience. It’ll be an evening of firsts, fresh talent, and unforgettable moments — all created right here in Bristol.
The Theme: Unheard Voices
We’re asking Bristol and South West based writers to send us short monologues (no more than 3 pages) that explore the idea of unheard voices.
That might mean a story of personal struggle. A fictional voice from the margins. A character who doesn’t normally get to speak. A moment of truth from someone overlooked, silenced, or dismissed. We’re looking for characters that feel real, raw, and relevant — characters who have something urgent to say.
This isn’t about polished perfection — it’s about heart, courage, and clarity of voice.
🏆 What you can win:
Winner will receive:
£55
Monologue performed as part of a live event in Bristol
Monologue performance professionally filmed
Highlighted on our social media
Runners up will receive:
Monologue performed as part of a live event in Bristol
Monologue performance professionally filmed
Highlighted on our social media
Who can enter?
If you’re based in Bristol or the surrounding areas — we want to hear from you.
You don’t need to be a professional writer or have any experience at all. All you need is a good idea and a character that deserves to be heard.
You can submit as many monologues as you want, and as long as they’re each under 3 pages and follow the theme, they’ll all be considered.
Deadline: Friday 2nd August 2025
Send your entries to: writing@thescratchtheatre.co.uk
We believe in theatre that opens doors. That brings new people into the spotlight. That shines a light on what’s been left in the dark.
If you’ve got a story burning inside you — or a character whose voice keeps whispering in your ear — now is the time.
Write it. Send it. Let The Scratch Theatre help bring it to life.