Off The Block

Every year since 2012

South Street Arts Centre, Reading

“Brilliant & heroic… Five Stars! ★★★★★” was how Reading Post reviewed the launch of RABBLE’s new writing event, which returns to South Street Arts Centre each January.

Designed as an exciting way for us to get to know as much talent in one day as possible, our adrenalin-filled theatrical relay is a hilarious, unpredictable and refreshing night of live theatre.

Across the course of just one evening, four new short plays are performed by 16 actors, with original music created and performed live by four composers of very different styles. RABBLE’s fun celebration of new writing is an adventurous night of new theatre… created in 24 hours.

How it works:

Monday, 7.30am. Writer 1 receives an email with 4 actors, composer, director, a theme and the final line of Off the Block 2023, to begin their play with. They have 24 hours to write a 20-minute play involving ALL of the above.
Tuesday, 7.30am, the play is submitted to RABBLE & immediately the closing line, four new actors, composer & director are sent to writer 2.
Wednesday, 7.30am, the play is submitted & immediately the closing line, four new actors, composer & director are sent to writer 3.
Thursday, 7.30am, the play is submitted & immediately the closing line, four new actors, composer & director are sent to writer 4.
Friday, 7.30am, the final play is submitted and RABBLE now have four new plays, written for 16 different t actors, 4 composers and 4 directors.
7.32am, the directors and composers receive their scripts.
9.30am, the entire company meets at South Street Arts Centre. Over croissants and coffee, the teams are revealed and the scripts handed out. Rehearsals and line learning begins.
7.30pm, You take your seat and the lights go up on 4 new plays fully learnt and staged, with accompanying musical compositions played live.

Every year we look for: