This year, The Customs House are seeking to commission four writers and one musician/composer to create a series of four 15-20 minute plays inspired by the true story of Dolly Peel, a figure from South Tyneside’s rich history (1782-1857). Each play will explore her life and legacy from different perspectives, whether historical narratives or modern retelling/re-framing of the story.
These plays will be complemented by original live music, with catchy songs that have been composed to tell the story using pop/contemporary music styles. The aim is to create an entertaining piece of work, that honours the heritage of this story while making it resonate with modern audiences, with the concept of Dolly Peel as a Rebel Woman, who was trailblazing and inspiring.
The pieces can be a re-telling of events in Dolly’s life, a contemporary re-imagining, or a story that is inspired by Dolly Peel; they are open to a range of interpretations.
The fee for each writer is £1000, and interested writers should email a submission which includes the following:
- Their name, and relevant experience
- Why this commission is of interest to them?
- A detailed synopsis of their idea for their Dolly Peel inspired short play (max 2 sides of A4)
- Optional: to include an extract of their writing
Deadlines are as follows:
Deadlines for applications is 30 June at 6.00pm by email to Fiona@customshouse.co.uk.
Successful writers will be notified by 7 July, deadlines for submitting audition sides is 22 July. The final script deadline is 15 August.
Deadline: 30 June 2025
Source: BBC Writers