Crowbait Club-UK

19/06/2026

🗣️ We asked the cast for their favourite lines from Showbait 2026...

It's Crowbait UK’s annual showcase of ten new short plays written by talented local writers, and this year, we’re bringing a diverse selection of stories to The Lens at Portsmouth Guildhall.

From hilarious comedies to dark dramas and touching tragedies, there’s something for everyone in these two shows of brand new theatre performed by local and professional performers.

📅 Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm and Sunday 28 June at 1.30pm

🎟️ £14.85 tickets on sale now at https://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/showbait-2026/

06/06/2026

✍️ Searching for a new writing prompt? Chosen at random from June’s suggestions, the prompt for Tuesday 7 July 2026 is: ‘Never Say Never’.

⏱️ On the night we’ll read up to 9 scripts, each no longer than 8 minutes, and the evening’s favourite will earn a place in Showbait 2027.

📑 Remember, the prompt is just a suggestion — we’re always keen to hear plays of any theme or style.

📅 Join us downstairs at The Nut Bar in Keppel's Head Hotel, The Hard, on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 7.30pm. We suggest a £2 donation, with cash and contactless accepted at the door.

👀 Keep an eye out for May’s selected play — we’ll be announcing it any minute now…

06/06/2026

🏅 Well done to Elliot Sergejew, writer of our fifth selected script of 2026, May’s ‘Would You Like a Medal?’

🗣️ Elliot says: “Some might say ‘Would You Like a Medal?’ is a window into the complexities of human communication, shining a light on the dangers of sarcasm as a friendship becomes destroyed. I would say it's a bit of a stupid play about someone taking a phrase literally and ridiculousness unfolds.”

✍️ If you’ve got a story you’re keen to tell, join our monthly Crowbait meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at Keppel's Head Hotel in Portsmouth - our next one is on Tuesday 7 July at 7.30pm - check out the rest of our page for more details.

31/05/2026

📣 Less than a month until the ten plays of Showbait 2026!

Showbait 2026 is Crowbait UK’s annual showcase of ten new short plays written by talented local writers, and this year, we’re bringing a diverse selection of stories to thelensportsmouth at Portsmouth Guildhall.

From hilarious comedies to dark dramas and touching tragedies, there’s something for everyone in these two shows of brand new theatre performed by local and professional performers.

📅 Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm and Sunday 28 June at 1.30pm

🎟️ £14.85 tickets on sale now at https://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/showbait-2026/

21/05/2026

Earlier this month, we were amazed by the turnout at Keppel's Head Hotel for our May meeting, where local writers shared brand new short plays, many inspired by the suggested prompt, ‘A Camel in the Ocean’

It was incredible to see the huge variety of interpretations that came from a single prompt, and we’re looking forward to discovering which script comes out on top in the vote. If you joined us on the night, don’t forget to cast your vote at Crowbait.co.uk/poll - the winning play will receive a full production at Showbait 2027.

Take a look through the rest of our feed for details about our next meeting on Tuesday 2 June 2026, along with next month’s writing prompt ✍️

writer acting actorlife portsmouth pompey southsea hampshire southeast theatrelife newwriters

09/05/2026

📣 Introducing the ten plays in Showbait 2026!

Showbait 2026 is Crowbait UK’s annual showcase of ten new short plays written by talented local writers, and this year, we’re bringing a diverse selection of stories to The Lens.

From hilarious comedies to dark dramas and touching tragedies, there’s something for everyone in these two shows of brand new theatre performed by local and professional performers.

🎟️ Tickets just £14.85 (plus booking fee) are on sale now!

📅 Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm and Sunday 28 June at 1.30pm

🔗 Visit https://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/showbait-2026/

09/05/2026

We had some new members join us this month. They shared with us their brand new drama/social group that's starting next Wednesday in Havant. Check it out. 🙂

✨ Welcome to No Pressure Drama Club 🎭

If you’ve just found us, HELLO 😊

This is a brand new, relaxed drama & social group based in Havant, created simply to bring people together.

There’s no pressure here.
No auditions.
No expectation to perform.

You’re just as welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat as you are to join in with any activities.

Some weeks might be full of laughter and games…
Other weeks might just be a group of people chatting, and that’s absolutely fine with us.

We know walking into a room full of people you don’t know can feel like a big step, so if you’re feeling unsure, just send us a message and we’ll make sure you’re welcomed when you arrive 😊

We’ve created this as a space that feels genuinely relaxed and inclusive, especially for those who might find typical groups a bit overwhelming.

If you’re curious, interested, or even just thinking “maybe”… you’re very welcome here.

The Pallant Centre, Havant
Wednesdays 7:30–9pm

We start May 13th.. 😁😁

Drop us a message or email - [email protected]

FIRST SESSION IS FREE, Regardless of when you start. £4 after, Tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks included.🍪🍫☕️🥤

See you there!

08/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Sophie Nickerson, writer of our fourth selected script of 2026, April’s ‘My Favourite Teacher’.

👩‍🏫 Sophie says: “This monologue follows Arlo, a four-year-old boy, as he tries to understand why his favourite teacher suddenly left school without saying goodbye. Through innocent memories, playful moments, and heartfelt questions, Arlo reminisces about the bond they shared while struggling to make sense of her disappearance.”

✍️ If you’ve got a story you’re keen to tell, join our monthly Crowbait meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at Keppel's Head Hotel in Portsmouth - our next one is on Tuesday 2 June at 7.30pm: check out the rest of our page for more details.

07/05/2026

✍️ Looking for a fresh writing challenge? Drawn at random from our May attendees’ suggestions, our prompt for Tuesday 2 June 2026 is: ‘Do Not Disturb’.

⏱️ We’ll be reading up to 9 scripts, each no longer than 8 minutes, with the group’s favourite earning a place in our 2027 showcase, Showbait.

📑 Just a reminder: the prompt is only a guide - plays on any theme are always welcome.

📅 Join us downstairs at The Nut Bar in Keppel's Head Hotel, The Hard, on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 7.30pm. Entry is a suggested £2 donation, payable by cash or contactless at the door.

👀 Watch this space for May’s selected play - the announcement is coming soon…