Water Colour

Byre Theatre in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre present

Written by Milly Sweeney

Winner of the St Andrews Playwriting Award

The St Andrews Playwriting Award is generously supported by Mike and Elisa Levy and the late Elizabeth Mussen and has been developed in collaboration with the University of St Andrews MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting.

“The Clyde is made up of three rivers,

two strangers,

one moment.

A moment that starts now.”

Esme is at an all-time low, struggling with her studies and her art. She finds herself standing on the railing of one of the bridges that crosses the Clyde, which leads to a chance encounter with a boy who changes her life forever. A boy who she may never see again. Could Esme now finally find the road to recovery, healing, and self-acceptance?

Meanwhile, Harris is thriving. He is finally moving out of his mum’s house and starting a new job in a high-end restaurant kitchen. One night, whilst walking home from work, he sees a girl about to do something awful. A girl who he may never see again. If Harris were to struggle with his mental health, who would be there for him? Would his mates take him seriously?

Water Colour is a story about connection, mental illness, and opening yourself up to the world.

The St Andrews Playwriting Award encourages and supports the next generation of playwrights living in Scotland. The award provides a key opportunity for an emerging professional playwright’s career development.

The next round of submissions opens in autumn 2025.