Playwright & Screenwriter
Martha MacDonald
Writer for page, stage and screen
About Me...
Martha is a playwright, screenwriter and comedy creative originally from Jersey, Channel Islands. She is currently working as a Writing Associate for Screenwriter Oliver Lansley. Martha is represented by Jessica Cooper at Curtis Brown.
Having moved to London in 2023, Martha’s one-woman comedy play ‘SHELL’ enjoyed a sold-out WIP run at The Hope Theatre and was later programmed by Theatre503 in 2024. ‘SHELL’ has been described by audiences as “an absolutely beautiful exploration of grief and growing up” and “wonderfully relatable and hilarious.”
Martha started writing for theatre aged just 14 years old when her first play ‘Broken Record (Repeat to Fade)’ was selected to be staged by now Artistic Director of Northern Stage Natalie Ibu. Following this, Martha became the youngest ever writer-in-residence with Paines Plough as part of their national playwriting initiative ‘Come to Where I’m From’.
Martha is a credited writer on open-door sketch comedy show ‘DM’s Are Open’ and she has been shortlisted for a Funny Women Award.
She is also currently working on her debut novel.
All headshots by Holly Smith Photography
Martha's Work
Writing CV
Theatre
SHELL - Writer & Director
Comedy play about a young woman who inherits her dad's pet tortoise after he dies (Theatre503, WIP at The Hope).
Come to Where I'm From - Writer
A monologue about the experience of being a scholarship student at a private prep school written for Paines Plough’s national playwriting initiative (Paines Plough).
One of Those Streets - Co-writer
Multi-disciplinary show blending puppetry, projection and music about a man moving out of a house which isn’t done telling him its stories (Jersey Arts Centre)
The Tramp (In Development) - Writer
Director Christa Harris, Starring Jonny Labey
A one-man-show blending cinema and theatre inspired by the life of Charlie Chaplin (London Limelight Productions, ArtHouse Jersey).
Radio
DMs Are Open (Series 1)
Open-door comedy sketch show (BBC Radio 4Extra, BBC Radio 4).
Screen
Writing Associate to Oliver Lansley
Assisting Screenwriter Oli Lansley on a range of screen projects in development.
Hiding Place - Writer & Asst. Director
Short rom-com film which takes place entirely under a table at a wedding.