Scratch Night – Arts Bar, Liverpool

Following on from the success of their inaugural event in April, the Arts Bar on Hope Street returned with their second Scratch Night and an opportunity for emerging and less established artists or companies to test their work before a welcoming audience, with much of the work performed for the first time.

An eclectic evening commenced with Cuts, Scratches, & China Plates written by Adam Hancox and directed by Connor Mullan. Featuring Hancox, Jack Coley, Ethan Shortt, and Jonny murphy, it is about a group of men united through football until the unimaginable happens. An interesting exploration on why some men resort to violence as a first means and how their friends should hold them accountable for their actions.

In a slight change to the scheduled order, Charlie’s Release, written & performed by Peter Holloway and directed by Georgia Laity, presents the opening scene of a monologue where we meet Charlie in a secure forensic psychiatric ward shortly after he has been granted a conditional discharge. A sensitive take on mental health and extended captivity.

The final piece of the opening half was The Beach by the Barry, Brian & Bean Company, an extract from a work in progress about topless brits heading to the beach on the hottest day of the year, but what happens when the forecast doesn’t go to plan? Performed by Nina Levy and Rachel Barry to much amusement in the audience.

Opening the second half was Memo created and devised by the company (Shea McGinn, Oliver Baines, and Jamie Randall) exploring family relationships, connections through memories and fantasy, and what ties individuals together. A provocative piece with interesting sound design and choreography.

The penultimate production was London’s Burning written by Mark Davoren and directed by Tom Martin who also features alongside James Dorman, with this the opening scene of a full-length play exposing the truth behind the tragedy of the Grenfell tower fire and why it’s only a matter of time before it happens again. Strong writing and good characterisation of a subject that has not yet been tackled on the wider stage.

Finally, Knight’s Dream by Connie Evans, a new musical reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern setting from which three unnamed LIPA actors performed two entertaining numbers. The full-length production is scheduled to perform at Unity Theatre on 19^th June.

As a general observation for all those taking part, Studio 3 is a quirky venue so think carefully about your staging and sightlines as well as ensuring strong projection to overcome its acoustic challenges. Also remember timings: ten minutes length with prompt set-up and strike to ensure the momentum and energy of the evening is maintained throughout.

All in all, an interesting evening exploring a variety of themes, genres, and theatrical forms with much for the audience to appreciate and enjoy as well as the opportunity to provide feedback to all of the artists and companies which will be appreciated as they take their work onto the next level.

The next Scratch event is scheduled for September/October so if you are interested in taking part then drop organiser/curator Francesca Hill a line at artsbarscratchnight@gmail.com

Reviewer: Patrick McDonagh

Reviewed: 5^th June 2025

Rating: N/A – Work in Progress