THE AGORA
A political SCRATCH NIGHT
Welcome to The Agora.
In ancient Athens, the Agora meant the marketplace, but is was so much more; it was the vibrant heart of the city, where the community gathered to ignite ideas and debate the very future of democracy. It was the birthplace of bold conversation and courageous thought.
We're bringing that same fiery spirit to our stage. The Agora is a political scratch night—a powerful new platform for fearless new ideas. We're channeling the ancient Greeks, using theatre as a vehicle for essential discussion, social justice, and artistic revolution.
This is an evening of short plays, extracts, and concept pieces, each a spotlight on an urgent social issue. These are the voices of emerging creatives who have something vital to say. They are here to challenge, to provoke, and to inspire.
If you have a story that needs to be told, a question that demands an answer, or a perspective that can change the conversation, join us at the Agora. The stage is yours.
The AGORA IV
The Agora IV is now in pre production!
Casting calls for playwrights and actors are now open!
The Agora will take place at The Old Hairdressers on the 23rd of July 2026.
Event guide below:
What you need to know
Running Time
Approximately two hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Suitable for ages
16+
Access FOR THE Performance
Access is via aflight of stairs.
Venue
The Old Hairdressers
Renfield Lane, Glasgow G2 5AR
Date
23rd of July 2026
Doors open at 19:00 with show starting at 19:30
Standard Ticket: £10 + Booking Fee
Ticket and Programme: £12.50 + Booking Fee
tickets
POLITICS AND POETICS
RAISING ARTISTS
Tired Horses Theatre is committed to offering a platform for all artists, regardless of their background or experience. We believe in the power of diverse voices, and the Agora is designed to be an accessible space for creatives from all walks of life.
Our mission is to actively elevate and champion the next generation of theatre artists. We're dedicated to fostering an environment where every creative voice can be heard and celebrated.
NEW conversations
The Agora is designed to be a dedicated platform for exploring social justice issues and providing a space for meaningful political commentary.
This is a unique opportunity to share a new story, spark a discussion, or present a fresh theatrical style. Whether it's an excerpt from a larger project, a new experiment, or simply an early concept, we invite you to bring your work to a new audience and use theatre to inspire action.
get involved
PLAYWRIGHTS
Have a play or concept you want to test on a live audience?
Are you seeking feedback from like-minded creatives to aid in the development of your play?
The Agora is a unique opportunity for playwrights to share and test new work that makes a clear political statement.
Each playwright will be provided with a cast and assigned a twenty minute slot on the night to showcase their ideas. Following each performance, there will be an opportunity for a forum-style discussion, allowing playwrights to hear the audience’s thoughts about their text, subject matter, and the success of their artistic aims.
Tired Horses also provides a system for all audience feedback, which artists will receive to further aid in the development of their projects.
ACTORS
Looking for an opportunity to perform? Passionate about new writing? Want to help lift up new playwrights?
To stage these short plays we need actors! Actors who can perform for a 20 minute slot and be available for pre-Agora rehearsals.
This is an opportunity to network, meeting new playwrights, fellow actors, and industry creatives.
This is an unpaid opportunity.
previous trips to
the agora
Nice N Sleazy
Glasgow, Scotland
December 2nd 2025
THE AGORA iiI
Read the programme here.
Plays and Playwrights featured:
2048 - Simon Jay
CAMILLA - Katarina Dulude
MY BODY, HER CHOICE - Amelie Irvine
30 FLIRTY AND DEFINITELY NOT THRIVING - Allie Willison
The Old Hairdressers
Glasgow, Scotland
June 19th 2025
THE AGORA ii
Read the programme here.
Plays and Playwrights featured:
STORM IN A TEACUP - India De Bono
THE BIGOT AND MR BROWN - Alistair Maxwell
THE STRESS FRACTURE - Ben Ramsay
FEAR AND MISERY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - Mikael Phillips & Joseph Meardon
Nice N Sleazy
Glasgow, Scotland
28th August 2024
THE AGORA i
In line with our production of Malion, our first Agora was themed around ideas of feminism. Featuring Malion with four new works by four new playwrights. Read the programme here.
Plays and Playwrights featured:
AQUA SORELLA - Allie Willison
THE RIGHT THING - Jennifer Belle Baird
THE WOLF SICKNESS - Katarina Dulude
SGÀTHACH - Mikael Phillips
MALION - Joseph Meardon