Burn Bright’s Better in Person

This digitally commissioned anthology returns via Zoom on 14 December at 8 p.m. in a northern-centric instalment. Five talented women writers capture the reality of the north in an eye opener brought to you in partnership with Hull Truck Theatre, Live Theatre, Octagon Theatre and the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

The writers – Shannon Barker, Olivia Hannah, Rachel Hogg, Zoe Iqbal and Kat Rose-Martin – hail from hail from Bolton, Bradford, Hull, Newcastle and Scarborough.

Better In Person will be directed and hosted by company co-founder Tori Allen-Martin, showcasing a collection of online conversations which is both intimate and hilarious, covering a life governed by new rules, regulations and lockdowns.

Tori Allen-Martin

Recordings of the previous events are currently available for pay per view on the Burn Bright website, for a limited time only.

Sarah Henley, Co-Founder of Burn Bright: “This industry can sometimes feel like it’s purely made up of ‘no’s’ and closed doors (particularly if you don’t necessarily move in the ‘right crowd’) so Tori and I are completely overwhelmed at the ‘yesses’ from these power-house theatres for Better in Person! We feel like their seals of approval are a real show of validation for our efforts in turning a negative into a positive, and impetus for the sea-change we want to drive in terms of equality for women playwrights; a very encouraging end to an exceptionally challenging year!”

Lotte Wakeham, Artist Director of Octagon Theatre: “I’m delighted that the Octagon is partnering with Burn Bright on this project to champion the voices of Northern women. It will be wonderful to collaborate with these other fantastic Northern venues as well and I’m sure audiences will really enjoy the performance in December.”

In a strengthening of the partnership with regional venues, representative from each theatre will donate their time and expertise to Burn Bright’s Time Bank initiative. This pioneering scheme provides industry insight and mentorship for women writers looking to develop their careers further.

Tickets are £5, and are available here.

Feature photograph l-r: Shannon Barker, Rachel Hogg, Kat Rose-Martin, Olivia Hannah and Zoe Iqbal.


Do you have a story to tell?
We want to hear your stories and help you share them.