Opposites Attract Scratch Night

Opposites Attract is a scratch night at York Theatre Royal on Saturday 8 August, starting at 19:30 in the Studio. If you're not familiar with the format, a scratch night is exactly what it sounds like: a space for artists to bring new, unfinished work and test it out in front of a live audience rather than waiting for a full production. It's less about a polished evening and more about seeing things in their early stages.

The night is part of a series of creative events organised throughout 2026 by Futureproof, a group brought together by the theatre to look at how people connect—or don't connect—to theatre, and what that means for its future. The theme for this one, Opposites Attract, plays with the idea that interests which bring people joy, purpose and a sense of belonging—things like maths and science—are often seen as being at odds with theatre. Futureproof is asking creatives to think about those contrasts, and to consider whether theatre should reflect the world as it is or act as a tool for building something new.

Because of that, the night is particularly open to performers from outside the theatre world. They're encouraging creatives of all skill levels to get involved, from first-timers to professionals, so it's as much about trying something new as it is about showing off a finished piece. If you've never stood on a stage before but have something you've been wanting to test out, this is the kind of night that opens the door.

If you're thinking of performing, keep the deadline in mind: applications close on Thursday 9 July at 12pm. Otherwise, it's a Saturday night in the Studio at York Theatre Royal, 8 August, 19:30.