A workshop with Simon Stephens

Writing dialogue is one of the hardest and most important skills a writer can master. In this practical workshop, you'll explore what makes dialogue feel alive, what the difference is between real speech and on-stage speech, and how rhythm and silence can offer as much insight as the words themselves.

This session will help you craft scenes that reveal character, drive story and leap off the page. You'll leave with new tools to make your dialogue sing.

About Simon Stephens

Simon Stephens is celebrated playwright and screenwriter, renowned for his stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which went on to win multiple Olivier and Tony Awards, and Vanya, starring Andrew Scott. He has presented three series of the Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast, and his book A Working Diary is published by Methuen.

For more information about the venue and wider festival, including a visitor FAQ, see the Fresh Ink website.