We’re inviting you to join us in the Abbey Bar to do your day’s writing work here, in community with other theatre artists. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. However you like to get it done.

We have a different guest playwright with us every month as a host. They are trying to write something too. They’ll take some time out for a Q&A before lunch to share reflections about their writing process, answer your questions, and talk about how they like to get it done.

This isn’t a workshop – it’s a quiet, co-working gathering that ring-fences time for you to write. There aren’t any craft exercises or sharing of work. It’s an opportunity for inspiration, solidarity and for getting your idea down on paper. It’s free and open to playwrights and performance makers of any experience level. You can be writing a play, a blurb, a funding application or a secret something you aren’t ready to talk about yet.

What to expect 

10am – 10:30am: Pick your seat, have a coffee, get comfortable and chat to your fellow writers

10:30am – 12.30pm: Quiet writing time

12:30pm – 1:30pm Q & A with our guest playwright about their writing process

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Lunch break

2:30pm – 4.00pm: Quiet writing time

Please note: This event takes place in the Abbey Bar. We have tables, chairs, high stools and benches. You’ll need to bring your laptop, and we recommend you bring it charged as plugs are limited. We’re a busy working theatre so the work space won’t be silent – this will work best for you if you like a bit of background noise while you write. The Abbey Bar is only accessible via stairs. Tickets are limited to one per person.

2026 Dates 

• March 16 – Elaine Murphy
• April 13
• May 18
• June 15
• July 13
• August 10
• Sept 7
• October 12
• November 16
• December 7

March Guest Playwright: Elaine Murphy 

Elaine Murphy made her playwriting debut with Little Gem at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2008.  During its sell out run, the production won the Fishamble New Writing Award and following a transfer to the Traverse Theatre in Scotland went on to receive the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her short play Ribbons followed at The Peacock Theatre with Shush premiering six months later on the Abbey Stage.  She has worked with Pains Plough (UK) and Draíocht for The Dublin Theatre Festival. Her radio play Ma won the PJ O’Connor Award and a Zebbie from the Irish Writers Guild.

Her stage adaptation of the Maeve Binchy novel Circle of Friends opened to great reviews at the Gaiety Theatre in 2022. 

She is currently developing a TV series with Saffron Moon and is under commission with the Abbey Theatre.