Playwriting, Peril & Performance

Thanks to a grant from National Lottery Arts Council England, we are proud to collaborate with The Writers Block, MED Theatre, Doorstep Arts and Torre Abbey to offer Torbay schools 30 full days of creative activity in 2026 free of charge. We are taking as our inspiration both Agatha Christie's skill at writing character, plot and mystery and her love of Dartmoor

Playwriting, Peril & Performance is designed for Agatha Christie Festival by MED Theatre in partnership with Doorstep Arts. Running through Spring and Autumn terms 2026, young people at school in Torbay and in the rural communities around Teignbridge will take part in workshops either in school or after school, to design and create their own play and stories with a mystery theme, inspired by Agatha Christie herself as well as by contemporary writers.

Participants will spend a day out on mysterious Dartmoor to replicate Agatha Christie's own experience of travelling and picnicking on the moor and being inspired by the landscape and environment.

The young people will be mentored by a contemporary mystery story author as well as theatre professionals to create their own perilous plays! In December 2026 those taking part from both rural and coastal areas will unite, coming together at the Palace Theatre Paignton to share their creations.

We will also be offering Torbay school teachers the opportunity to take part in CPD on the theme in order to share the experience with more children back in the classroom.

Look out for specific dates and how to book in the coming weeks or email us at info@iacf-uk.org for more information.