‘an evening of original scenes. . . and an opportunity to showcase the array of talent in and around Liverpool’
This was LAR Workshop’s first official scratch takeover of Unity Theatre to present an evening of original scenes, performed, directed, and written within the LAR community, and an opportunity to showcase the array of talent in and around Liverpool.
An eclectic evening kicked off with The Party written, directed, and performed by Kellie Colbert and Deborah Newton. Kelly is approaching 30, Debbie 40. Time feels like it’s running out. They’re supposed to have their life together by this point, right? We join them at their party and watch them dance, laugh and almost cry about growing up and getting on. A funny and vibrant piece that got the evening off to a great start.
Owlman written by Stephen Vatikiotis and directed by Joe Owens gave an insight into what cinema employees talk about whilst we’re enjoying our movies, as we listen in on Janie (Eve Nicholson) and Brian (Vatikiotis) discussing his nocturnal activities, which hatched a humorous spin on a fowl superhero.
Threads written by Fiona Scott and directed by Mark Womack is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. A discussion on the resulting political upheaval soon exposes the growing tension between husband Tom (Reiss Barber) and wife Margaret (Gabriella Tavini) in this intense drama that explores the balance between personal responsibility and political conviction.
Just a New York Conversation written by Mark Davoren and directed by Morven Currie, takes us on a first date with a difference as quirky Diane (Marni Duggan) is forced to meet brash Will (Tyler Kane) at his workplace where all is not as it seems in this absurd black comedy drama.
The Check Up written by Scarlett Briggs Lewis and directed by Zoe Vaux sees confessions abound as two strangers (Lewis; Fiona Scott) meet at the veterinary clinic and we discover that maybe the dogs are not the only ones who need checking up on in this darkly comic piece.
Home written by Jackie Jones and directed by Joe Owens presents a scene from a full-length play giving a snapshot into a family’s dementia journey as we meet a mother (Cath Rice) and daughter (Georgie Lomax-Ford) waiting for news in a hospital in this sensitive exploration of how relationships are challenged when the carer needs caring and the parent-child roles are reversed.
Off its Hinge’s written and directed by Reiss Barber is a hilarious exploration of dating apps and friendship as a group of lads (Barber; Joe Owens; Jacob Yartlett) try to help their mate James (Stephen Vatikiotis) move on from his ex by writing his online dating profile.
The Road from Kosovo written by Jennifer Durrans and directed by Mark Womack, is an emotional yet sensitive exploration of the impact and consequences of ethnic cleansing as following the destruction of her home village, Arella (Anna Roy) was raped and forced to flee. Now miles from home, her interview with a refugee liaison officer (Jamie Peacock) opens old wounds and new challenges, questions of identity, belonging, and survival emerge.
Scriptless written and directed by Kieran Jordan and performed by Poppy Mangan, Lucy Waring, and Erin Joy. Everyone has learnt the script and rehearsed just like a regular play except for one: audience member Joel who’s the last-minute stand-in who will have to wing his way through the entire show. Engaging and funny, this would work well as an improv sketch.
Finally, Deadhead written by Jason Kelly and directed by Caroline McHale sees a grieving man (Joe Owens) use an experimental procedure to reunite with his recently deceased girlfriend (Lizzie Wilde), but buried secrets and unresolved emotions soon come to the fore. This resonated strongly with recent AI developments, whilst balanced with good humour..
Scratch nights offer a certain frisson and need an accompanying energy and pace to proceedings to support this, so it was quite impressive to see these ten pieces turned round quickly with cleverly considered segues managed effortlessly by event curators Joe Owens and Reiss Barber.
It was also pleasing to see all pieces performed off script and the considered use of staging and costume to really bring them alive and draw the audience quickly into each scene. It’s certainly set the bar high for other scratch events.
There was an impressive turnout with an almost sold-out audience which included support from local creatives, family, and friends, with a post-show networking mixer continuing in the Unity bar long after the virtual curtain had dropped on the main event.
Unity Theatre is open to everybody to be inspired and entertained, and to enjoy outstanding live experiences, up-close. Further information and details of upcoming productions can be found at https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/
LAR Workshops is a community interest company run by two actors, Reiss Barber and Joe Owens. They facilitate workshops that are accessible to all actors local to Liverpool, removing any financial barrier that stops actors from continuing to train and practice their skills. For further information and details of upcoming workshops go to https://larworkshops.my.canva.site/
Review Date: 25th September 2026
Star Rating: N/A – short, one-off scratch pieces