Merseyside Script Lab

The Black-E Liverpool - see our first year

Merseyside Script Lab - a new writing initiative

Merseyside Script Lab is a new writing initiative, enabling scripts by invited playwrights to be developed from page to stage. Our goal is to be a powerhouse generating stories to be told by voices unheard; particularly those from the Global Majority. After a week of R and D on two new works; supported by Liverpool Everyman and the Arts Council; Merseyside Script Lab was founded in Spring 2025.

Founders:
Maurice Bessman, Suzy McDonald, David Morgan, Deborah Yhip

Associate Artists:
Adi Alfa, Michael Horsley, Ciara Lyons

OUR STORY SO FAR

Our First Year

The first year has already seen The Citadel receive a rehearsed reading at the Black-E, Liverpool and the play is currently under development. We have assisted in the development of Ma Joyce's Tales from The Parlour by Victoria Evaristo (Norkor Arts). In association with Merseyside Script Lab her play was staged and directed by Debbie Yhip at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Victoria won the Black Performers Award. .

Ciara Lyons

Merseyside Script Lab supported multi-disciplinary artist Ciara Lyons successful bid to be Artist In Residence for Culture Liverpool's World Boxing Championships. Her short film about boxing training for young people and community celebrated positive social impact. Her play Our Gloves, Our Power, exploring the world of female boxers, is in draft stage and now, undergoing dramaturgical development with the team.

Our Portfolio

Shadows, by Maurice Bessman, another play in our portfolio, exploring loyalty, silence and justice in the military, is also being showcased as a rehearsed reading at The Marylebone Theatre in London. Other plays under development include, Greenjackets, Grudge.

Contact: merseysidescriptlab@btinternet.com