Young LGBT writers in Manchester are coming together to explore the ‘coming of age’ of Jonathan Harvey’s infamous play ‘Beautiful Thing’.

Harvey’s play is showing at the Royal Exchange between now and the start of December, and as a part of this an exciting new writing project has been set up by the theatre with support from Manchester Pride, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and some high profile writers.

'I Can Dream Can't I’ invites young LGBT writers to come to a safe space to hone in on their skills and learn more about dramatic writing. Both solo and in pairs the writers are constructing monologues (and duologues) based around the fact the play is now eighteen. Following the showings of ‘Beautiful Thing’ on December 1 and December 2, some of the young writers’ work will be read out by actors from the play. In addition to this, pieces written specifically for the performances by Antony Cotton, Stella Duffy, Jackie Kay and Tom Wells will also be read out. These writers are all supporting the ‘I Can Dream Can’t I?’

This is another great example of the arts in Manchester coming together to encourage young people to work on their craft. As a play written about two young, working class men struggling in the real-world with their sexuality, it is a great opportunity to encourage the LGBT community to gain experience in their passion: writing. Eighteen years on, reflecting on how time has changed will be a fantastic way of seeing how our community (in Manchester and beyond) has progressed.

For more information on the show (which is running until December 3), see the Royal Exchange website.