A Middle Child Short

Omar and Liv have reached the point where talking to each other isn't enough. So they've signed up for couples therapy.

As each session unfolds, we slip back through the moments that brought them here: the first spark, the compromises, the misunderstandings, the love that held them together and the pressures that slowly pulled them apart.

Tender, funny and deeply honest, The Water is an intimate new play about love, identity and what it takes to choose each other, again and again.

Zia Ahmed

Zia Ahmed is a poet and writer hailing from North-West London. He is part of the London Laureates, having been shortlisted for London’s Young Poet Laureate 2015/16. He is a former Roundhouse Slam Champion and a Writer in Residence at Paines Plough as part of Channel 4’s Playwright Scheme 2017. In 2018 he was chosen to be a part of the Bush Theatre’s Emerging Writers Group. In 2019, Zia’s stage debut I WANNA BE YOURS premiered at the Bush Theatre. Zia has also written for My White Best Friend and is currently under commission with the Royal Court and the Bush Theatre.

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 18 September for a short Q&A with writer Zia Ahmed, hosted by Middle Child literary manager Matthew May.

Relaxed Performance

The 10.00am performance on Sunday 20 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.