The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project
Got a story to tell? This is your chance to write it.
This autumn, Theatre Peckham, Manchester Metropolitan University and Words of Colour are joining forces to launch The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project: a new scriptwriting programme for 10 Young Black* creatives aged 17–30 ready to develop their voice, sharpen their storytelling and explore writing for the stage.
Whether you’re already writing, have an idea you’ve never shared, or are completely new to creative writing, this programme is open to all. No experience necessary.
Led by acclaimed theatre director and dramaturge Roy Alexander Weise, participants will explore character, dialogue and dramatic storytelling while developing their original script in a supportive and inspiring environment. Roy is one of the UK’s most celebrated theatre-makers, with directing credits including The Hot Wing King, Nine Night and ‘Master Harold and the Boys’ at the National Theatre. He was formerly Joint Artistic Director and CEO of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre and was awarded an MBE for services to drama. The programme’s guest facilitator is playwright Roy Williams OBE, an award-winning writer whose plays include The Death of England Trilogy (National Theatre); and Sucker Punch (Royal Court Theatre, nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Play). Roy was awarded the OBE for Services to Drama in 2008 and was made a fellow of The Royal Society of Literature in 2018.
The programme culminates in a showcase as part of Theatre Peckham’s Young, Gifted & Black season, where a five-minute extract from each writer’s work will be brought to life by actors from our Young Peckham cohorts and presented with the support of a professional director.
Inspired by the legacy of the late, multi-award-winning author Alex Wheatle, this programme is an opportunity to develop your craft, connect with fellow creatives and contribute to the next chapter of Black British storytelling.
The project follows on from the first-ever Alex Wheatle Day in 2026. Presented by Theatre Peckham and Words of Colour, the event featured the premiere of WITNESS, Alex’s YA novella adapted for stage by Suzann McLean and David Fielding commissioned by Alex himself. The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project carries that legacy forward, championing Black playwrights and supporting writers to develop their vice and take their stories from page to stage.
If you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it. Apply now because this is Your Stage, Your Story, Your Theatre Peckham
*We define Black as people of Black Caribbean, Black African, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Arab and African-American heritage. This also includes people of mixed-Black heritage.
Project Timeline
- Sign-ups close on Monday 31st August, 10am
- Click the button below to apply for your place on the project
Session Schedule
| Date | Facilitator | Time | |
| Session 1 | Tues 15th Sept | Roy Alexander Weise | 5.30 – 7.30pm |
| Session 2 | Tues 22nd Sept | Roy Williams OBE | 5.30 – 7.30pm |
| Session 3 | Tues 6th Oct | Roy Alexander Weise | 5.30 – 7.30pm |
| Session 4 | Tues 13th Oct | Roy Alexander Weise | 5.30 – 7.30pm |
| YGB Final Sharing | Saturday 17th Oct | 10am-8pm (sharing at 6:30pm) |
Applicants must be available to attend all sessions as outlined above, held in person at Canada Water Theatre.