Lisa Carroll is an award-nominated Irish playwright based in the UK, known for her sharp, darkly comic work exploring power, identity, and modern relationships.
News
Exciting news! I’m currently under commission with Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey Theatre, developing a brand-new play.
I’m also thrilled to announce that ‘Making Your Solo Show’ co-written with Milly Thomas, is available from Nick Hern Books—perfect for anyone thinking about taking the leap into solo performance!
In the summer of 2022 I was Writer on Attachment at the National Theatre. Earlier in 2022 I was Writer on Attachment at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 2021 I was one of 12 participants selected from over 4,000 applications for the the Channel 4 Screenwriters Course, where I wrote a new drama pilot, ‘The Reckoning’.
I am currently developing new comedy and drama projects for stage and screen. Please use the contact form below for professional enquiries.
My work
I am a queer, neurodivergent artist, crafting character-driven dramas that explore the tangled depths of relationships, trauma, gender, power, and sexuality—always with a sharp comedic edge and a fiercely feminist lens.
The Misandrist At the Arcola Theatre
May 2023
Directed by Beth Pitts. Starring Elf Lyons and Nick Armfield.
‘A death metal relationship comedy’ … ‘Patrick Marber’s closer for a new generation’
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian film critic
'Confirms Carroll as a writer to watch'
WhatsOnStage
Cuckoo at the Soho Theatre
November 2018
Finalist - Off West End Award for Most Promising New Playwright
"There is both snap and crackle in the writing, she knows how to place a smart joke, but it is also terrific on the teenage insecurities that make friendship so treacherous, particularly in the digital age."
Lyn Gardner
Making Your Solo Show
Co-written with Milly Thomas, this practical, compact guide demystifies the process of creating and performing a solo show. Packed with exercises, industry insight, and real-world advice, it’s an essential resource for theatre-makers looking to tell their own stories.
Snapdragon at the Abbey Theatre
July 2016
Part of the Abbey Theatre’s Future Tense commission series, Snapdragon was an intimate drama exploring the charged dynamic between a mother and daughter navigating an abortion and grief. Performed as a rehearsed reading at the Peacock Theatre, the piece was part of the Abbey’s initiative to develop fresh, provocative new writing for the stage.
Script reading and consulting
I have extensive experience as a script reader, dramaturg, and consultant, working with writers at all stages of their careers. Most recently, I was on the reading panel for the National Theatre of Britain, assessing new plays for development.
I offer script consultancy services designed to provide clear, actionable feedback to help you strengthen your work. Whether you’re refining an early draft, preparing a script for submission, or developing a long-term project, I offer conscientious notes and practical next steps tailored to your needs.
Services Available:
🔹 One-to-One Dramaturgy – A personalised session to discuss your script’s strengths, challenges, and how to move forward.
🔹 Mentoring – Ongoing support for playwrights at any stage, from idea development to final polish.
🔹 Creative Coaching - Flexible, one-on-one coaching designed to help writers, artists, and theatre-makers navigate their projects and the creative process. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next steps, I offer holistic guidance and practical strategies to help you move forward and achieve your creative goals.
🔹 I also offer unemployed/low-wage rates because I believe access to script support shouldn’t be a barrier.
📞 Free Initial Chat: If you're unsure which service suits you best, I’m happy to have a quick call to discuss what you need.
📌 Find out more about rates and FAQs.
✉️ Get in Touch: To book a session or ask a question, please use my contact form.
Teaching
I have run playwriting workshops for The Mono Box, The Soho Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and City Academy. I am happy to offer bespoke workshops to your remit, or I have existing workshops on Intro to Playwriting, Structure, Character, How to Begin and more.
Milly Thomas and I still occasionally run How To Make Your Solo Show workshops; get in touch for booking.
I often run drop-in playwriting workshops on Zoom. See upcoming dates and book via Eventbrite.
Testimonials
I’ve always struggled with where to begin when writing but through exercises, analysis of scripts and anecdotes, Lisa has helped me to loose my fear of the blank page. - Conor Gormally, Mono Box student
Lisa is an outstanding educator. Not only is she deeply knowledgeable about her subject, she is an expert in communicating complex ideas and concepts in a clear, structured and engaging manner. - Kevin Nolan, City Academy student
Contact
For professional enquiries and script feedback please use the form below.
Portrait by Ste Murray