Rose Scriptwriting Course Autumn 26
Course Leaders
Maddie Rice
Maddie Rice is a writer/performer who makes theatre that examines taboo topics with depth and humour and centres female characters. She is a member of BAFTA Connect. Her debut one-woman play, PICKLE JAR, won the ‘Three Weeks Editors Award’ in Edinburgh, transferred, and had a hugely successful run at SOHO Theatre. She wrote her second play, SELFISH, as part of Soho Theatre’s Soho Six and her third, GOODBYE DANDELION, in 2026.
Maddie’s debut TV drama project ‘GYM,’ was developed BBC Drama and STV. She has recently completed work in writer’s rooms for Netflix’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, alongside Vicky Jones, Disney’s EVERYTHING YOU NEVER SAID, and has completed a blind script commission with AMC. She has also written and performed with award-winning sketch groups, LEAD PENCIL and ZAZU, both of which had sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre, respectively.
As an actor, Maddie is most notably known for taking over from Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the stage show of Fleabag on tour and her own show, Pickle Jar, at Soho Theatre. She has a background in theatre and sketch comedy and her first play, Pickle Jar, premiered in Edinburgh and won the Three Weeks award before transferring to Soho Theatre. She also works as an actress in TV, Theatre and film, TV credits include FLEABAG, CALL THE MIDWIFE, THE OTHER ONE, DINOSAUR 2 (BBC), STATH LETS FLATS, I HATE YOU (CH4), TEN PERCENT (Amazon) and on stage ; THE 39 STEPS (West End), FLEABAG (UK and Australian tour) , PICKLE JAR (Soho Theatre) , ALL MY SONS (Regents Park), HENRY V (West End)
Tom Machell
Tom Machell is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne. A BAFTA Connect member, he writes funny, emotionally resonant stories that explore class, masculinity, grief, and relationships with warmth, wit, and humanity. His debut play, Ticker, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to Alphabetti Theatre, Northern Stage, and London's Turbine Theatre, and was later published by PlayDead Press. His latest play, Toast F**k, directed by Tessa Walker, continues his exploration of contemporary relationships through a distinctive blend of comedy and emotional honesty.
Alongside his theatre work, he is the co-writer and star of the twice award-nominated BBC Radio 4 sitcom Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT with Lauren Pattison and Julian Clarey. His screenwriting has received international recognition, with A Spoonful winning Best Short Script at the UK Film Festival, Los Angeles Motion Picture Film Festival, and Changing Face International Film Festival. Tom is also a member of the award-winning comedy group zazU, whose original work has enjoyed multiple sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre. As an ambassador for Suicide&Co, Tom's work is informed by lived experience, finding humour and hope in life's most difficult moments.
.jpeg)