Word:Play new writing showcase at the Lantern

Six up-and-coming playwrights are bringing England’s North West and South West together, as Box of Tricks Theatre's first cross-regional tour of their Word:Play showcase comes to the Lantern tonight (March 8).Box of Tricks, which brought My Arms to the venue last month, say they are championing the next generation of playwriting talent, putting six exciting new writers to the test on a nine-stop tour of the North West and South West of the country.Each 15 minute play has been inspired by the word 'division', and features an ensemble cast of four.This is Only a Test by Bristol's Tom Wainwright is a light-hearted tale centering on Rob, who is about to become a father and must pass his driving test. Can driving instructor and unlikely fairy godmother Donna help him become a 'real' man?The Bears by Liverpool-based Luke Barnes is a modern day re-telling of the classic fairytale for a broken Britain. The three bears return from their walk in the woods to discover an intruder in their home.Exodus by Natalie McGrath of Devon depicts a young woman, Stella, and her voyage of discovery as she returns home after 12 years of self imposed exile to confront her past.The Globe in the Attic by Manchester's Becky Prestwich focuses on siblings Lou and Oscar whose difficult relationship is made all the trickier by being continents apart.. Now with a family situation arising, they must find a way to put their childhood jealousies asideNights with Dolly Henderson by Bea Roberts from Bristol features Rose and Dolly, two Sixties housewives from different backgrounds.Finally, Plastic Figurines by Liverpool's Ella Greenhill  is a poignant piece which focuses on Rose who has looked after her troubled younger brother Michael all his life. However, now, when he needs her most, she is powerless to help.Box of Tricks Theatre is a new writing company committed to developing and producing the best new work around; discovering, nurturing and promoting the next generation of playwrights. They are drawn to plays that have an immediacy and relevance today: the stories that need to be told, the voices that need to be heard. As a company, they are continually looking forward, seeking new challenges and scaling new heights; bringing the next generation of new writing to the stage.Word:Play is directed by Adam Quayle and Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder. For more information, visit www.boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk, or follow them on Twitter at @bottc.