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 – 4.30pm: 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.

2024 Dates 

• 10^th June – Guest Writer: Hilary Fannin
• 15^th July – Guest Writer: Caitríona Daly
• 19^th August – Guest Writer: Colin Murphy
• 16^th September – Guest Writer: Enda Walsh
• 14^th October – Guest Writer: Barbara Bergin
• 11^th November – Guest Writer: Carys D Coburn
• 9^th December – Guest Writer: Una McKevitt

December Guest Writer: Una McKevitt 

Una McKevitt is an Irish playwright, director, writer and book editor whose career spans theatre, comedy, live podcasts and publishing.

As a playwright her most recent play One Good Turn, an Abbey Theatre commission, premiered on the main stage in June 2021. Directed by Emma Jordan, the play drew praise for its skilful portrayal of ordinary life.  Una is currently under commission with The Abbey Theatre, Dublin.

As a Live Podcast Director, she has toured with the stage and Arena show of the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me (Global), starring Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally since 2022. In 2023/24 she directed the Irish stage tour of the popular Spencer & Vogue Podcast (Global) with Spencer Mathews and Vogue Williams.

Una’s collaboration with comedians has been a significant aspect of her career. She has created several successful productions with PJ Gallagher  including Alien Documentary (2016) and Madhouse (2018)  and has worked as a Director with comedian Joanne McNally for the previous ten years on various projects including her one woman theatre show Bite Me and her Stand-Up tour The Prosecco Express.