We are are excited to announce the participants of our next Scratch Night who will be introduced by Lisa Spirling and George!

Be sure to join us in the bar on Wed 21 May from 7pm to support your fellow artists. It's also a great opportunity to meet other Royalty members and some of the Stratford East staff.

THIS IS NOT A THANK YOU 
Written and performed by Be Manzini

Manzini has been part of the staples of the arts landscape; having curated for the London Literature Festival, performed for Apples & Snakes, the V&A, music events like Love Supreme festival, the first ever artist in residence for Sundance and performed across the country and abroad. Having appeared on Channel 4, across BBC television and radio, plus various podcasts Manzini also enjoys being a workshop facilitator and mentor having taught over 7,000 students. Publishers include Peepal Tree Press, Flipped Eye and Corsair.  Manzini's words have won awards and have been turned into murals, postcards, sculpture and film. 

DREAM THERAPY (WORKING TITLE)
Written by Cal-I Jonel 
Directed by Antoinette Jackman
Performed by Harrison Daniels and Akilah Sheraya

Dream Therapy is written by Cal-I Jonel, an OFFIE-nominated writer-performer whose acclaimed plays include No More Mr Nice Guy and There’s a Mouse in the Kitchen (Talawa Firsts 2025). It is directed by Antoinette Jackman, a rising talent whose credits span the Globe, Wilton’s Music Hall, and BBC’s Industry. The piece stars Akilah Sheraya, an actor and voice artist known for her emotional depth, and Harrison Daniels, whose screen credits include Queenie, Gangs of London, and Mission Impossible. Together, the team explores intimacy, trust, and the future of Black love through a bold theatrical lens.

Harrison Daniels is a British actor born and based in London. He is known for his roles in Mission Impossible: A Final Reckoning, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania, Gangs of London, Queenie and The Lies of Our Confines. Harrison studied acting at Identity Drama School in South London. This marked his departure from youth work, allowing him to pursue a creatively artistic career in Film and Television. 

Akilah Sheraya  is a London-based actor and voice artist with a foundation in drama and performance. She trained at degree level in drama, where she developed a love for character work, voice, and storytelling. Akilah has brought a range of roles to life across both stage and studio, with voice credits including the RNIB Talking Book and Jolt Studios. Known for her expressive delivery and emotional depth, she continues to grow her career across screen, audio, and theatrical projects.

Antoinette Jackman is an emerging Director, Actor and Writer for Theatre and Film.  Her Credits Include: BBC’s Industry, Pilot for Netflix show Aunty Julie, Caliban at The Globe, Director of Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera at Wilton Music Hall and The Elgar Room, Rapid response theatre experience at McQueens Theatre. She is currently directing a one woman play Schmedic at McQueens Theatre. 

HOLD THE LINE 
Written by Gabriela Chanova
Directed by Laura Killeen
Performed by Sam Harry Macgregor and Gabriela Chanova

Gabriela Chanova is a Bulgarian actor and theatre producer. Her acting credits include working with Gecko and Good Chance, performing at venues such as the Union Theatre, Etcetera Theatre and Barons Court Theatre and appearing in short films by the Bournemouth Film School. She is the Co-Artistic Director of StageBase Productions, an Arts University Bournemouth alumna, NYT trainee and youth trustee, Almeida Theatre and Burnt Orange producer, Masterclass Theatre Trust and YAF Board Member.

Sam Harry Macgregor is a writer and performer whose debut play 'Truly, Madly, Baldy' premiered at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the Pleasance Theatre. His new play 'Hold the Line' was shortlisted for the 2025 Charlie Harthill award and will premiere this summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Laura Killeen is a director and theatre maker from London. Directing credits include JEEZUS! (Edinburgh Untapped Award 2025 Winner, New Diorama Theatre, Brixton House), Godot Is A Woman (Pleasance, Cambridge Junction, King's Head Theatre, UK Tour), Distant Memories of the Near Future (Arcola, Summerhall) and Chopped Liver & Unions (59E59 New York - Brits Off Broadway). Her directing work has garnered 4 and 5 star reviews from publications including The Guardian, The Stage, The Scotsman and Broadway World. An accomplished dramaturg and published writer, Laura's work has been performed in Asia, Europe and North & South America. She has performed in numerous plays on both sides of the pond, as well as award winning film, radio, and performance art.

GENERATIONS
Written and directed by Shvorne Marks
Performed by Adelle Leonce and Daisy Doris May

Daisy Doris May is a drag king, writer and comedian known for  character-driven comedy rooted in queerness & identity. Her acclaimed sketch acts (Steve Porters, HÄNS OFF, The Divine Karen Moonstone) have earned her a reputation as a rising star in UK comedy. Live credits include Soho Theatre, tour support for Hannah Gadsby and international festivals from Edinburgh, Adelaide & Melbourne. Screen credits include Sex Education, Professor T, The Last Kingdom & is the voice of Channel 4’s First Dates. A MAN UP & SCREENSHOT winner, Daisy is now developing a sitcom with SISTER & South of the River, and bringing her new show BIG NIGHT OUT to Edinburgh.  

WHAT DO SCRATCH NIGHTS AT STRATFORD EAST LOOK LIKE?

Our Scratch Nights are held in Stratford East's Bar. There is no stage but a small performance space with a PA system. It is a relaxed, welcoming and encouraging space so even if you don't apply - come down and check it out! 

Applications are now closed. 

 
To be the first to find out about Scratch Nights, sign up to our Freelance Royalty newsletter here.