Made in Cornwall Scratch Nights: Where New Work Begins

Before the premiere, before the tour, there's a moment when an artist lights the touch paper by sharing their work for the very first time.

That's where our Made in Cornwall Scratch Nights come in. Hall for Cornwall, Miracle Theatre, Carn to Cove, IntoBodmin, AMATA and Impossible Producing have joined forces to champion new work from artists across Cornwall, inviting audiences to join the conversation.

They're relaxed, welcoming and coursing with creative energy. A space where artists take risks, audiences glimpse creative processes, and new work begins to take shape. A group of people, mixed in ages and genders, gather seated around a table. They are holding paper and pens and discussing things amongst the group. Assorted drinks are sat on the table too. Audience members at a MADE IN CORNWALL SCRATCH NIGHT DISCUSS THEIR FEEDBACK. Credit: Hugh Hastings.

What is a Scratch Night?

Part performance, part creative conversation. Think of them as a backstage pass for brand-new work.

For artists, it's a chance to test an idea in front of a live audience, receive honest feedback, and connect with fellow creatives.

The aim isn't perfection. Scratch Nights are about exploring, experimenting, and making discoveries - together.

A black woman in her 40s with big, black curly hair, dressed in a white dress, holds her arms out mid-performance Cornwall-based artist, Jo Mason, performs at a Made in Cornwall Scratch Night. Credit: Hugh Hastings.

Supporting Cornwall's Creative Community

HfC’s Husa programme of support for artists is our commitment to supporting Cornwall-based creatives to develop their practice, build connections, and discover opportunities for their work to grow.

We've seen artists use Scratch Nights as a springboard for their futures – like dancer and choreographer Aisha Naamani, who took part in one as a fresh artist on the scene in Cornwall, and described the experience as ‘instrumental’ in shaping the development of her piece No Idea What I'm Doing. Read her full story here.

What's On This Time?

Taking place on the Cornwall Playhouse stage, July’s Made in Cornwall Scratch Night brings together five artists:

Gavin Knight presents a section from his new musical, Western Uprising, inspired by the historical events of the Prayer Book Rebellion in Cornwall in 1549.
Solomon Bowden shares an extract from his new play, Chaise Longue.
Alla Dmitrieva, a dance artist and Falmouth University graduate, presents a new work exploring human patterns of behaviour.
Harvey Saralis-Wheatley shares material from his developing one-man show, My Noir AKA Where's Your Ambition?
Nigel Fairs presents a section from his solo show, Unsex Me Here.

Together, the programme offers a snapshot of new work in Cornwall.

Three dancers stand on a set of concrete steps, all dressed in black and white. One, with long white evening gloves on, drapes slightly over the handrail with arms curved A promo shot for alla Dmitrieva's 'itch'

Are Scratch Nights For Me?

If you’re an artist in Cornwall with a spark of an idea, a Made in Cornwall Scratch Night might be your next step - a welcoming place to experiment, connect with other artists, and gather feedback that could help take your work to the next level.

Email [email protected] to let us know you’re interested.

And for non-performers, why not be curious and join us for a Scratch Night to see how new work comes together? You're not just watching performance. You're helping shape it.

Made in Cornwall Scratch Night

Mon 20 Jul, 7pm

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