Our final writer Q&A is with Jim Norris, whose full-length play No Scrap, No Chips follows two brothers chewing the fat on a horse and cart.

Why did you want to tell this story?

I wanted to tell a story about two fellas who need to talk but can’t, won’t or might not even realise they have something that would be important to talk about. I’ve set it on the horse and cart because that world was my world growing up. It is hard work with uncertain days and has moments of real tension, but it’s also a beautiful world in its own way. Hopefully I have got some of that across, but I kind of feel like a parent on Christmas Eve: I’ve done my best and I’m hopeful but I’ve probably forgotten something

How has this writing process been for you?

Painful, slow and confusing.

Tell us about your writing set-up.

The setup can be anywhere really; it’s the mindset that by far has been the trickiest part for me. That’s probably been the biggest revelation to me so far. Getting the mindset right, figuring out what sort of writer you are, or at least what gets the best from you. Writing in bits and bobs doesn’t work for me. I noticed early on that with writing I need to properly be involved with it, like really dive into the pool. So now when I know I have to crack on I speak to my boss, book time off and I go dark for days, just headphones on, fueled by an odd mix of angst, doubt and inspiration. I take lots of breaks. If it’s not going well I like it when it rains, because I can look out the window and feel dramatic.

I don’t find writing easy at all to be honest, but it’s not supposed to be I don’t think. Also I’ve realised I don’t have a burning desire to write everyday and that’s ok too. I lost years of writing from listening to knobbers telling me “you must be on fire to write, it has to flow from you all the time, the need to write is paramount”, blah, blah and other such bum noise. I don’t pay any attention to that now. I think if you want to write you will do it, when it suits you and at a speed that works for you.

Without giving major spoilers, what's your favourite line in your piece, and why?

“You remember when grandad left half his chips and stormed off with pride? Well, as much as you can storm off with pride when you need help up the stairs.’’

This line just reminded me of how the older generation are to be respected, but they are still just people like trees of wisdom, just sometimes they have a bitter fruit.

Were any of your characters influenced by real life people?

It’s a mix. The play is a tribute to the men I worked with on the cart over the years of my childhood. Storytellers, agitators, fighters and, in a way, poets. Just poets who would take my head off if I was cheeky to them.

How do you feel about your characters?

I find them both agitating, to be honest. They are talking around issues, prioritising the wrong things and making avoidable mistakes. But they are young, they don’t want to talk about the thing bothering them. I love the fact that they love each other though.

Do your characters do or say anything that really resonates with you?

I think the older brother John resonates the most with me. He has a job to do and wants to do it. Focusing on the practical, ignoring the emotional. He has no idea how close to the edge he is. I’ve seen that in a lot of people and have been that person too.

If your play has had a life before now, how has it developed? And if not, how would you like to see if developed in the future?

It started off at the Grow festival with Hull Truck Theatre. I wrote a first draft of three small scenes and we had a week to work on it at Hull Truck. It was developed with loads of support from Middle Child. It was an amazing week, I learned so much about the piece at that stage and the process of bringing plays to life.

I’ve always seen No Scrap, No Chips as primarily a way to learn about creating a play from scratch. It has without doubt achieved that, because it’s been non-stop learning from the start. I’ve had a lot of support and care from other people and I am so grateful for that. It has been an enormous privilege to get it this far. If this was its last stop, well, I’m a better writer than I was before I started it so I’d take that.

What are you most looking forward to during rehearsals and the performances?

The way the director and actors bring it to life. I loved the week at Hull Truck watching scenes develop and how a small word from the director could change the whole flavour of a sentence. I’m looking forward to more of that! The actors steal the words and add rhythm and percussion don’t they really. I love how a small glance or action brings something brand new.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying for Fresh Ink 2026?

Don’t bellyache like I did. Might be an idea not to ask yourself too many big and deep questions, if some small voice is telling you to go for it. Just go for it. The support on offer is outstanding, like really. You won’t regret it.

Jim’s 70-minute play No Scrap, No Chips will be performed on Saturday 19 July at 11.30am alongside The Pull Up by Sean Climie, and on Sunday 20 July at 7.30pm after the keynote speech by Maureen Lennon.

Q&A with Jim Norris