The Old Red Lion Literary Department

The Old Red Lion’s literary department is currently undergoing major structural changes so we can offer the best possible support to our writers. We are still accepting both solicited and unsolicited scripts, but while this reorganisation is taking place, you will have to bear with us if we are unable to get back to you as soon as we would like.

Please see below for further information on submitting your script.

The Old Red Lion receives over 1,000 scripts every year. We are constantly looking for new plays which help us reassess the way we live today. We accept both solicited and unsolicited scripts.

Sending us your script

You can do so via e-mail or mail. Your script will only be sent back to you if you include a SAE. If sent by mail please send to Literary Office, Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London, EC1V 4NJ.

Please ensure the script is bound properly, and that the front cover includes the name of the play, the name of the playwright, and contact address, telephone number and email address. Please ensure a full character breakdown and a short plot synopsis is included. It would also be helpful if you include a CV outlining your theatrical experience so far. This does not influence our reading.

What happens to your script?

Submitted scripts are read thoroughly by our team of professional readers. Once read they are discussed at a monthly script meeting where plays with potential for production or writers we'd like to develop a relationship with are identified.

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to provide critical feedback for every play we receive. If your work is felt to be unsuitable for further development then we will contact you via email and let you know. We aim to get back to you within eight weeks but this might be longer during busy periods (REDfest, for instance).

We only do workshops for plays we are intending to stage. If we feel like your script would benefit from work then we will contact your personally. The way we move forward depends entirely upon the stage the script is at.