Open Works Festival presents Scratch Night 2.

Join us for an evening of bold new theatre and fresh creative voices showcasing an exciting mix of artists sharing extracts of brand-new work. From powerful drama and inventive storytelling to a new musical and surprising perspectives, expect an evening packed with imagination, energy and discovery.

Tiny Acts: Jessica Millward

Naomi’s just lost her job after ‘accidentally’ letting in a climate protester into a renowned dance venue. Sue gets up in the middle of the night to illegally plant wild flowers in memory of her Pete.Iz is the leader of a vegan club at school and they have a new member. A boy and a non vegan.

A Family Business: Callum Berridge

Meet Wilko, the beloved high street retailer that collapsed after nearly a century. Built from verbatim testimony and scripted scenes, it asks what happens when “we’re all one big family” meets corporate failure, lost pensions, thousands of redundancies - and the people left to pick up the pieces.

The Summer of Blooming Dahlias: Victoria Marrett

Rebekah, Grace, and Alisha are sisters in all but blood, and the time for their annual reunion has arrived! But, as they talk and reminisce, unexpected challenges arise: their friendship is tested, and many truths are revealed. Experience this authentically layered production - a celebration of Black beauty, joy, and sisterhood!

Fairy Grandmother: Jas Nisic

A musical about a shy girl growing up on a Manchester council estate whose life is transformed by Sue, a bold, stubborn next-door-neighbour-but-one who becomes her unofficial grandmother and encourages her to find her voice.

Part of Open Works Festival