A Middle Child Short

Three conversations. Twenty years. One unlikely friendship.

Bobby is a bookish student from Hull, finding his feet at university. Theo is a prince, confident in everything except himself. When they meet by chance one winter's night, a connection is formed that will quietly shape both of their lives.

Spanning two decades, Um is a funny, tender new play about friendship, privilege, queerness and finding your voice. Set between Oxford, London and Hull, it's a story about the people who change us and the courage it takes to become yourself.

Tom Wells

Tom Wells is a Hull playwright whose work includes: The BFG (RSC & Chichester Festival Theatre); Big Big Sky (Hampstead Theatre); Stuff (National Theatre Connections); Broken Biscuits (Live Theatre/Paines Plough); Folk (Birmingham Rep/Watford Palace/Hull Truck); Jumpers for Goalposts (Paines Plough/Watford Palace/Hull Truck); and The Kitchen Sink (Bush Theatre). 

He has led Middle Child’s annual writers’ group since it began in 2018.

Middle Child Shorts

Middle Child Shorts is a brand-new series of 30-minute plays by Zia Ahmed, Tom Wells, Lydia Marchant and Kelly Jones. 

Every week we present a new play with two actors, one set and no interval. Just brilliant storytelling in the time it takes to drink a coffee, eat your lunch or enjoy a quick pint after work. 

Inspired by the creativity and energy of Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival, these bite-sized productions are designed to be affordable, welcoming and easy to fit into your day. 

Whether you're a regular theatregoer or trying live theatre for the first time, Middle Child Shorts will showcase brilliant new writing in the heart of Hull. 

Post-Show Q&A

Stick around after the 6.00pm performance on Friday 11 September for a short Q&A with writer Tom Wells, hosted by Middle Child literary manager Matthew May.

Relaxed Performance

The 10.00am performance on Sunday 13 September is a relaxed performance. The house lights will be up and noise and movement from the audience is welcome.

For more details about the venue and this performance, visit the Middle Child website.