About Us

Catch Penny Twist

Chris Glover in Catch Penny Twist 1990

Tinderbox Theatre Company is based in Belfast. Formed in 1988, it is one of Northern Ireland’s longest established and most respected independent theatre companies. Tinderbox is dedicated to new writing for the theatre, the playwrights who create it, and the artistic environment in which its work takes place.

Tinderbox produces two to three productions per year, carries out a range of initiatives to develop new writing for the theatre, and runs a year-round Outreach Programme in schools and communities across Northern Ireland.

The company performs in various venues in Belfast, and tours its productions across Ireland. Tinderbox has performed sell-out seasons in London and Edinburgh and recently performed at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC. The company aims to develop a wider audience for new writing in the theatre, and has devised a number of initiatives in this area. See our Productions page.

The company employs a full time Dramaturg, the only post of its kind in Northern Ireland. The Dramaturg leads activities aimed specifically at the development of high quality new theatre writing, from responding to the scripts received by Tinderbox to supporting the work of professional playwrights under commission. See our Dramaturgy page.

Tinderbox has developed a highly acclaimed Outreach Programme, which offers workshops, training, participative projects, and tailor made resource packs to schools, community groups and individuals across the north of Ireland. The company also offers training and support for those interested in leading drama based workshops, in a variety of settings. See our Outreach page.

Maria Connolly and Miche Doherty in This Other City 2009

Maria Connolly and Miche Doherty in This Other City 2009

Tinderbox works alongside other companies to create a vibrant theatre culture that attracts and develops new talent and new audiences. The company is strongly committed to its local theatre community, prioritising employment opportunities for locally based actors, writers, directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, administrators and other theatre practitioners. Tinderbox is an Independent Theatre Council/British Actors Equity Approved Management and has charitable status.

News

EVERYTHING BETWEEN US

EVERYTHING BETWEEN US

Posted on 10 March 2010 in Productions

A new play by David Ireland

Opening 11th March at The Bruce Montgomery Theatre, Philadelphia, USA

A Tinderbox and Solas Nua co- production.

Click here for full details

THE SIGN OF THE WHALE

THE SIGN OF THE WHALE

Posted on 9 March 2010 in Productions

A new play by Jimmy McAleavey.

Opening 12th of March at The Baby Grand, Belfast.

Click here for full details

Fireworks 2010 application now open

Posted on 6 March 2010 in Dramaturgy

If you are a young writer aged 16 to 25 interested in writing for the stage Fireworks might be something for you. Fireworks is a 5 months long specialised program to take you through the process of writing a play from idea through redrafting and into the rehearsal room.

The applications deadline for this year is the 3rd of May.

For the dates and outline of the program and how to apply click on this link.

See the full Tinderbox news archive »