Belly Scratch

Belly Scratch nights will feature 4 artists each performing or reading up to 20mins of a new piece of work. Artists will be chosen through an application process, and each artist will receive:

– A slot at a Belly Scratch night of up to 20 minutes to perform a section of work to an audience of 40 people. 
– Dedicated time after the performance in the venue bar to have a drink, meet the audience and chat about the work. 
– One day’s free rehearsal time in the Underbelly Boulevard Soho studio prior to the performance.
– Audience feedback on the work through an online form. 
– A 1-hour session with the Underbelly programming team to discuss the work and any questions around its development.
– £50 to cover travel expenses.

The criteria for applications are as follows: 
– Shows can be any size – solo show or ensemble. 
– Shows can be at any stage of development, from a hint of an idea to early R&D to fully scripted.
– Submissions must not have been performed before in front of an audience as part of a fully finished show. 
– Submissions must be for theatre pieces, but within that can be scripted, devised, spoken word, gig theatre, performance art or anything that reasonably falls under the theatre banner. 
– We do not accept submissions for stand-up comedy or cabaret. 
– We do not accept rehearsals or readings of published plays which already exist.
– We particularly welcome work from underrepresented artists and performers within the industry.
– Finally, we see this as a testing ground for trying out new things with no pressure or obligation, and we welcome submissions on any topic and which take any form – no idea is a bad idea!

Previous Belly Scratch Applicant Testimonials

“It’s challenging to create work in times like these, but Belly Scratch really helps ease some of that pressure. They offer free rehearsal space beforehand, promote your piece on their website, and provide a one-hour development session afterwards. The team is incredibly supportive, and the whole experience makes me feel genuinely valued—not just as a creative, but as a person.“
– Elby Rue – The Good Device

“Being part of the first Belly Scratch was an absolute joy. The Underbelly team were incredibly accommodating and helpful throughout, from pre-event prep to a very encouraging conversation afterwards about the future of our work. They’ve created such a welcoming space for artists to try out new ideas, and the audience they brought together were so engaged and supportive. We’re very keen to return soon, if that’s any testament to the event’s success!“
– Emmeline Hartley – Mirage