Young writers shine at Papatango’s showcase
July 1, 2025
Photo by George Turvey Artistic Director, Papatango. L-R: Mathew Baynton, Anna, Frome Community College, Cormack, Hammersmith & Fulham Mencap and Salma, Friern Barnet School
Rebecca Pattni explores fresh talent and bold stories from emerging playwrights
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Papatango’s Young Playwrights’ Award showcase at the Park Theatre in North London. This exciting event was held to celebrate the work written by young people from across London and South West England as part of their GoWrite programme.
Papatango, Olivier Award-winning theatre company, is passionate about discovering the next generation of playwrights, creating inclusive opportunities for young people without access to the theatre world. The GoWrite programme offers free workshops for 11 to 25-year-olds, helping them develop their writing skills and bring their stories to life with the support of professional actors.
The event was organised and hosted by Kate Ereira, Creative Learning and Engagement Producer at Papatango, who not only led the programme but played a key role in reading scripts and championing the young writers involved. Over 400 monologues were created this year. Of those, eight of the best were shortlisted for the live event and performed by professional actors in front of a packed and supportive audience made up of friends, family, funders, schools and colleges.
The Park Theatre, a magical and welcoming space in the heart of Finsbury Park known for discovering new, diverse talent and bold writing, provided the perfect space to bring these young stories to life. The work presented by these young people was impressive and so professional, it really blew me away!
The intimate venue alongside the incredible talent of the theatre’s actors made for an unforgettable watch. I was particularly struck by the work of Cormack Mylchreest from Hammersmith and Fulham Mencap, one of the winners of the GoWrite prizes, for his hilarious monologue about a male stripper.
Photo by George Turvey Artistic Director, Papatango: Benjamin McMahon, performing Exposed by Cormack Mylchreest
Cormack’s piece, named Exposed, told the comically multifaceted story of a male stripper attempting to conceal his profession. The character faced multiple issues throughout the piece such as being late for work, losing his clothes, and having to visit his Gran with Alzheimer’s, who, conveniently, remembered who he was that day!
The carefully timed humorous elements, mixed with the Brechtian technique of multi-rolling, created a laugh-out-loud, lighthearted performance by actor Benjamin McMahon. Yet, the genius and brains behind this piece do not go without mentioning. The structural composition of Cormack’s work, combined with the fast-paced dialogue and elements of witty soliloquy, produced a clever take on comedy. This kind of flare and originality is a brilliant example of the blossoming new talent of our generation.
Mathew Baynton, star of Ghosts and Horrible Histories, was a standout supporter at the showcase. Impressed by the quality on stage, he spoke about the value of supporting new voices from all communities. As someone many of us grew up watching, Mathew’s warmth and humour made the event extra special as he presented prizes to three winning writers: Cormack from Hammersmith and Fulham Mencap, Salma from Friern Barnet School and Anna from Frome Community College.
Jez Bond, Artistic Director of the Park Theatre, also spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing emerging talent and giving young writers a real chance to shine.
There’s no doubt these young writers will achieve great things
The young writers explored a range of themes, from sibling rivalry and friendship to identity, loss and the struggles of growing up. Their stories were fresh, insightful and fearless, a reflection of what can happen when emerging voices are given space to be heard. This is why the work at Papatango is invaluable, providing the support and opportunities for these voices to thrive.
I felt a real sense of pride and community being there, especially as some of the schools involved in this programme are my local schools. It is always a privilege to see diverse talent flourishing from the young people of North London.
Looking around the theatre, I noticed proud teachers and the elated expressions of supportive classmates. This human connection and appreciation of creativity, along with the remarkable monologues produced, captured the importance of opportunities like these.
I have no doubt that all of the young people who took part in this programme will go on to do wonderful things with their raw talent for writing. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the community and funders, whose belief in young voices helps these unique stories find the spotlight.
This event was more than just a showcase. It was a celebration of storytelling and proof that when young people are given the space and the belief, their creativity can light up a stage and inspire us all.
