Be part of bold new theatre at The Nest!

Join us for a night of scratch performances from a brilliant mix of theatre-makers testing out new ideas, scenes and stories. These are works-in-progress, and your reactions, thoughts and feedback could help take them to the next stage.

Expect a lively, informal night of theatre that's rough around the edges but full of heart. 

Come curious. Stay for the conversation. 

Line-up

Beau and Gemma

Beau and Gemma are a Brighton based neurodivergent emerging writing duo and lesbian couple who met at CFT six years ago. Passionate about creating bold, politically charged theatre, their work centres around writing plays that showcase under-represented people and stories. The piece they are sharing is their first play.

“Gay Switchboard, can I help you?” 

“I very much doubt it.”

Ever wondered why L comes first in LGBTQIA+? Set during the HIV/AIDS crisis and guided by real-life accounts, this piece explores the heroism of Lesbians when the world turned its back and uncovers largely unknown chapters of LGBTQIA+ history.

Lucy Mellors 

Lucy Mellors is a theatre maker, writer and opera singer from Southampton. She makes semi-autobiographical shows rooted in joy and self expression. Her award-winning show It is I, Seagull toured in the UK and to Australia in 2025. Other shows include IS OPERA BORING?, The Jane Austen Fan Club and an operatic version of The Traitors.

Sexy But Psycho is a semi-autobiographical solo comedy show about love, power, trauma, abuse, Taylor Swift and cats from award-winning theatre-maker Lucy Mellors. The piece is currently in the middle of an Arts Council England-funded R&D, and is supported by Mayflower Studios, Southampton.

Maiden Mother Moan

Maiden Mother Moan is a theatre company creating a bold and inclusive stage for Women and Non-Binary artists. Rooted in queer joy, pulp power, and unapologetic storytelling, we celebrate the sacred, the profane and everything in between - amplifying voices that demand to be heard and felt.

Who’s Your Heart on Mars? is a sapphic musical following best friends Celine and Margot who teeter between love and fear. When life, lovers, and timing pull them apart, art brings them back together. It’s a story of longing, creation, and love that finds its way home.

Yawning Dog Productions

Ex-filmmakers, Guy and Nina, embrace their ambition to create a story for theatre. This is their first project supported by a talented team, including actor Guy Henry, and movement director Lauren Scott, from Sadlers Wells’ Breakin' Convention. The full play will be performed at the Theatre Royal Winchester in June 2026.

Scales - Set during the desperation of the Klondike Gold Rush, 1899, Alaska. A conman descends into madness, believing he’s discovered a talking fish. A spiritual journey with themes of fake news, abandoned motherhood, and karma. 

Prices & info

General admission | £5