Perform at the Old Red Lion Playhouse
We are accepting proposals for shows that can fit into our current schedule from July to mid-October 2026 before our new submission window opens!
For Edinburgh Fringe Previews we have slots for shows running at 60 minutes or less available Sunday 26th July to Sunday 2nd August – Limited Time Offer
The Old Red Lion Playhouse typically programmes full production runs of between 2 to 4 weeks, as well as Sunday/Monday events and the occasional shorter run. For longer runs, we tend to programme up to 6 months in advance, sometimes longer, as it can often be necessary to enable companies to raise the full budget of their production.
We are in the process of updating our proposals procedure and will be operating submission windows for productions coming to us from November 2026 onwards.
We are particularly interested in challenging, new work and ambitious revivals of significant plays from the past, which reflect important new perspectives on our current society and that the UK stage may not have seen for some time.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Productions usually run Tuesday to Saturday but we have the following dates open for one week or two, plus shorter runs to fit our current schedule:
Tues 14th – Sat 18th July 2026
SHAKE FEST 3rd – 30th August
Our celebration of all things Shakespeare! Part of Camden Fringe Festival. Apply via Eventotron
Monday 31st August – Wednesday 2nd September
Sunday 6th – Tuesday 8th September
Sunday 13th – Tuesday 15th September
Tuesday 22nd – Saturday 26th September
Tuesday 29th September – Saturday 3rd October
Tuesday 8th – Saturday 12th October 2026
If any of these dates are of interest to you or you have any questions please email your proposal to Artistic Director Jack Robertson – jack@weareoldred.co.uk
WHAT TO SEND US
To propose a new production for programming July to October this year, we need you to send us the following information:
- Your name.
- A contact telephone number.
- Your email address.
- Your agent’s details (if applicable).
- A copy of the most recent draft of the script in .PDF format, with a title page and page numbers in the script. Word documents are also accepted, but your script will not be read if it is not in one of these two formats.
- A brief outline of the project and why it excites you.
- Information about your creative and production team.
- Information about who the Producer of your production is.
- Whether the production has secured any funding yet.
- Your preferred dates and the length of run you’re seeking.
- An answer to the question, “Why the ORL?”
Please send your proposal to Artistic Director Jack Robertson – jack@weareoldred.co.uk
Alongside our main programme of work, the Old Red Lion Theatre is also available to hire for Sunday and Monday night performances, work-in-progress performances, rehearsed readings, showcases, scratch nights or rehearsal space and location filming.
For more information about our rates, and to enquire about bookings, please email – theatre@weareoldred.co.uk
New Programming and Submissions Policy
Looking to the future we will be opening submission windows for limited periods for companies to apply to us via our new application form. Here is what’s coming up soon:
GRIMFEST 13th-31st October 2026
Our annual celebration of dark & twisted theatre returns for a fifth consecutive years! Applications for this Halloween season are open 13th-30th April – Learn More Here
WINTER SEASON 2026/27
If you wish to bring your production to us for our alternative festive period then this submission window will be open from 1st to the 17th May 2026
FRESHFEST 1st-28th February 2027
Our celebration of fresh new theatre is back for a fifth year – from play readings to polished premiers, applications for this hugely popular festival will open 1st to 21st September 2026
SPRING & SUMMER SEASON 2027
We will be opening an Early Bird submissions window for companies who want to perform with us between March and July next year from 1st to 21st June 2026 to be followed by a second open call in October.
The Space
Theatre Capacity: 45
Full ground plans are available on request through contacting the email address above.