It has been 3 years.

Ye I know it took me by surprise but it really has been 3 YEARS!

We have been Scratching That Itch for 3 Years, I'm not certain but I think that makes us the longest running Scratch night in Wales.

Well done us.

What is also truly amazing is the constant flow of new faces. Even after 3 years we have people sharing work at Scratch for the first time and the quality never fails to amaze me.

Some of you might be aware that Lisa Wells-Turner held an event called Workout a few weeks before Scratch this time around which brought with it a fair few first time Scratch performers. We had new original scripts from Michael Aubin, Mair Pitt, Maeve Scullion and Keira Wilkie as well as poetry from Mark Dorey and I pitched in with a little something as well.

For those unfamiliar with Scratch That Itch the night is split into 10 min slots and it is up to each person what they do with that 10 mins. We have had script in hand readings, talking through of ideas, physical theatre pieces, stand up comedy, spoken word, poetry the list goes on. After each slot there is 5 mins of feedback time for each act, this is to help them with the development of the piece. One of my favourite things about Scratch is the friendly relaxed atmosphere that is created and how giving and supportive everyone is. There is no sense of competition, every one is there to enjoy them selves and help out in what ever way they can. I think that is why we have managed to make it to 3 years.

It is hard to recap events partially as it is hard to relay what I've seen on stage into something that would do the writers and actors justice and also partially the nature of the night is work in progress and there is a certain part of the night that relies on everything happening within a safe space, so I wouldn't want to break that trust. What I can say is that many people asked when the next event will be and that they really enjoyed themselves which I think says it all really.

If you have never been to a Scratch That Itch event perhaps it is time you came down and gave us a try. We have held events in Swansea, Cardiff and Newport so far and all ways open to new locations so if you are interested in doing something please contact letmescratchthatitch@gmail.com.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 3 years and a massive thank you to all that people that have shared work at a Scratch event I hope you have found it useful because I personally have loved watching these pieces develop.

Brent