County theatre group appoints writer in residence

Florence Espeut-Nickless will join Ludlow-based Pentabus. Her work will be funded by the Clive and Sylvia Richards charity. Ms Espeur Nickless has written several plays and been nominated for numerous awards. During her year with Pentabus she will write at least one new play, as well as support the new cohort of Pentabus Young Writers in September 2021 to write their first short plays, which will be produced in July 2022.

She said: "My drive as a writer has always been to get better working class representation/stories on stage, particularly from rural communities. I strongly believe that theatre and creative opportunities should be accessible to all people, everywhere! To then be given the opportunity to work with and learn from Pentabus: The Nations Rural Theatre Company, well, it literally is a dream come true! I was dancing down the street."

Elle While, Pentabus artistic director said: We are delighted to be welcoming Florence to Pentabus. Not only is she an exceptional playwright, she cares deeply about the company and our audiences. We are so excited to discover the work that Florence creates in her time with us."