Supporting Female Writers
New research into the gender balance of composers, lyricists and playwrights in UK theatre has found that there remains a large discrepancy in the representation of writers credited for main stage productions in 2022. 74% of all credited writers were male, with 26% female and non-binary, and only 9% of West End composers were female or non-binary.
The data, compiled by writers Kate Marlais, Meg McGrady and Sarah Middleton with the support of Mercury Musical Developments, was taken from productions taking place in 2022 with runs of two weeks or more, in venues of 200+ capacity. This amounted to researching 500 productions across 132 UK venues. The data shows that the gender split of writers of musical theatre is even more imbalanced than the writers of plays.
January 2023 sees Mercury Musical Developments launch the Mercury Writers Barn retreat for female writers and the Jane Goodman Writing Fund, to which female-identifying and non-binary MMD members can apply for a grant to cover costs for writing time, equipment, assistance or career-enhancing opportunities.
Click the images below for full details.
Mercury Writers Barn
A four-night retreat for female writers of musical theatre to connect, find creative inspiration, and develop their craft at a beautiful rural location in Shoreham, Kent. Created in association with Find Your Light Retreat and taking place Monday 17th to Friday 21st April 2023.
Jane Goodman Writing Fund
Small grants available to female and non-binary MMD members. This fund forms part of our activities to champion female/non-binary musical theatre writers, supported by the Jane Goodman Charitable Trust. You may apply for grants of up to £1000. There is no minimum grant amount.