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Mercury Musical Developments began as The Mercury Workshop.

Starting out as a small group of musical theatre writers who met up regularly to share their work, give feedback and support each other. Our current Writers’ Labs continue this tradition. Applications to join the Labs open each year in the summer.

Due to popular demand, we are hoping to create at least one new Lab in 2024… watch this space!

Advanced Writers' Labs

Advanced Labs 1 and 2 are generously supported by the Coral Samuel Charitable Trust.  

Advanced Lab 1:

Lab 1 meets in person once a month and facilitators rotate quarterly. 

2023-24 members: Chris Ash, Ruth Chan, Darren Clark, Tim Connor, Steven Edis, Marc Folan, Ben Glasstone, Teresa Howard, Richy Hughes, Carl Miller, Kitty Morgan, Susannah Pearse, Victoria Saxton, Tim Sutton, Charlie Turner 


Advanced Lab 2:

Facilitated by A.C. Smith and Bella Barlow, Lab 2 meets online once a month.  

2023-24 members: Helen Arney, Bella Barlow, Rachel Bellman, Carlo Bosticco, Rhiannon Hopkins, Jordan Li-Smith, Meg McGrady, Nikki Racklin, Annabelle Lee Revak, Oli Rew, Andy Room, Emily Rose Simon, A.C. Smith, Patrick Stockbridge 

The MMD Lab Programme has been absolutely essential to my growth as a writer. I've learned so much from the feedback on our work, and also from getting to witness other people's creative journeys. There is a genuine warmth within the group and an open-minded approach that is tailored to meet each writer's artistic and career goals. Lab is a welcoming place to take risks with early-stage work. No one is expected to fit into a mould. Writers are continually encouraged to challenge the form, to innovate, and to celebrate their unique voices. The goal is for every writer to walk out the session feeling inspired to keep writing - and I know that is certainly the case for me.

A.C. Smith, Co-Leader and Member of Advanced Lab II

LAB is a warm, generous room where I can share new work in confidence and security. Feedback is supportive yet critically constructive, given by peers at a similar level of industry progression. Discussions are far-ranging, including the work itself, but also including theatrical structure, the wider canon and business advice. Reflections on work-in-progress come from a wide variety of perspectives, and always have information that is useful for further development, and for stimulating the creative process. I always thoroughly enjoy my sessions at LAB, and look forward both to presenting and hearing new material in an atmosphere of respect and encouragement.

Tim Sutton, Member of Advanced Lab l

Being a part of Lab has introduced me to new writers and new ways of writing, which has really expanded my own creative practise!

Annabelle Lee Revak, Member of Advanced Lab II