— Louise Roberts, Teacher of Drama and Youth Drama Director

'Holly's work is a prime example of the approach needed for writing for young people; highly creative, good humoured, full of opportunity and accessible.

Having directed several of her pieces for large casts, I am always struck by the excitement in the room. Casts feel challenged and inspired, no matter their ability, as her scripts provide such a range of opportunity.

Her writing style is unpatronising and forces performers to make bold, connected choices, allowing creatives to have exciting conversations as part of the rehearsal process.'

‘Rare, raw new writing’ - Fest

‘A jewel of a play’ - British Theatre Guide

‘Clever and powerful’ - TV Bomb

‘McKinlay’s script is strong…captivating’ - Exeunt

‘Daring and inventive’ - The Mumble

‘McKinlay expertly steers us through the sensitive subject matter with her fresh, realistic script and does an excellent job right through to the play’s thought-provoking and unexpected close. An insightful, impressive work.’ - Ham & High

— Jo Billington, Director of Drama at James Allen’s Girls’ School, London.

On ‘House’… 

‘House offers rich dramatic scope for older students. Set across two time periods in the same house, it explores the evolving roles of women with sensitivity and depth. The play is ideal for large casts of 30+, with excellent opportunities for performers to take on layered roles. I would highly recommend it to drama departments looking for a thought-provoking, flexible piece that encourages inventive staging and mature character work. Holly’s ability to individualise voices while maintaining ensemble strength is a rare and valuable gift.’

On ‘Genesis’…

‘Genesis is a powerful and contemporary play that engages older students with its exploration of cloning. The play lends itself to a bold, contemporary interpretation and is perfect for schools wanting to challenge their students with relevant, high-impact material. The originality of the writing make it a rewarding experience for young performers.’

On ‘The Lost Children’…

‘The Lost Children was great to stage and we have returned to it at JAGS on several occasions—quirky, imaginative, and moving. It is inspired by the world of Peter Pan and suitable for any age group. The ensemble structure is ideal for large casts, and the roles are particularly rewarding, allowing for playful yet distinct characterisation. I’d recommend it to any drama department seeking a flexible, creative piece that sparks imagination and collaboration. Holly’s originality shines through in every scene, offering her audience a magical theatrical experience.’

On ‘Snowsfields’…

‘Snowsfields is a gripping historical drama set in the eerie world of 1837 Bermondsey. It’s atmospheric and richly textured, with a strong narrative drive and excellent ensemble opportunities. Suitable for all age ranges and large casts, it’s a brilliant choice for schools wanting to immerse their students in a visually striking and historically rich production. The writing is highly original, and the ability to balance individual character voices with ensemble storytelling is exceptional.’

On ‘Sisters of the Sea’…

‘Sisters of the Sea is an exhilarating pirate adventure led by two fierce female protagonists. It’s fast-paced, empowering, and perfect for large ensemble casts. The roles for girls in particular, are bold and dynamic and very witty. Suitable for any age group, it’s a fantastic play for schools looking to celebrate strong female storytelling with flair and fun. Holly’s gift for crafting distinctive voices within an ensemble makes this a standout piece for youth theatre.’