Now watch something far more interesting… Why look at that, it’s a behind the scenes look at Box Of Tricks Word:Play 4 event. How cunning…
My Play At The Arcola February 14, 2011
It doesn’t matter how many times I write or say that, it still feels special. Things have been progressing and London has been seeing more of my work steadily. And this particular play holds a special place in my heart. The reason? It was the first commission (in London) I was asked to do by the wonderful Box Of Tricks theatre company. These Lovely people approached me and I said yes. Because that’s the kind of person I am, and of course, what a brilliant opportunity.
I’ve mentioned these folk before because they were asking for donations to help put this night of new writing on. Through the WeFund website they hit their target of £500 to aid the five night run in Studio 2 of the new Arcola site. For those of you who donated you are made of special stuff, special stuff that only special people can love. And collectively we all love you. (On a side note, for those who donated and are coming along to see the show, please let me know when and you’ll have to allow me to verbally thank you, possibly even stroke your tender loving face).
As I prepare my train times to get into London tomorrow and see the first rehearsal of my play, “Let Them Eat Cake!” and meet the actors, I feel a wave of something wash over me. It’s gratitude. And I’m feeling it on so many levels with regards to Box Of Tricks, the actors, the Arcola, to the impending audience, to many things. It’s a nice feeling to have and one that will drown out the nasty sting of other things as I chug along on the train listening to Tame Impala early tomorrow morning. I’m very happy.
Another Short Play… February 12, 2011
***MY PLAY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THE MARCH BLACKSHAW SOCIAL CLUB ALTHOUGH I WILL STILL BE IN ATTENDANCE***
There’s been a valid reason why I’ve had less of a social life than the normal little I actually have. I have another short play being performed by Blackshaw Theatre Company as part of their new writing night at The Horse bar on February 24th. I’m super excited to see my script, “That’s What Christmas Means To Me” being directed by Nadia Papachronopolou with cast members TBC.
The Horse (Closest tube, Lambeth North).
Entry: £4.00
Directions and contact information for The Horse can be found on their website: www.horsebar.co.uk
The evening kicks off at 7:30pm and tickets are available on the door. Seating is limited, so pop along early for a drink and a chance to nab one of the comfy leather sofas.
Blackshaw Social Club are proud to present our second monthly New Writing Night! The new year launch night was a standing-room-only success. Help us make the February follow-up even better!
Watch! – a selection of rehearsed play readings, poetry and comedy.
Take part! – help the writers, actors and directors get the feedback they need. Jot down your thoughts, chat to our roving reporters, tweet at us, or chat to the artists in the bar afterwards.
Don’t worry that it’s a school night! – we run a tight ship; if you like, you can be on your way home around 9pm.
Valloween February 4, 2011
As part of an anti-Valentine’s evening run by the company The Horse’s Mouth, my small play, “Post Everything” will be performed at The Horse pub, Lambeth. Here are some more details…
The Horse’s Mouth is back for the first time in 2011.
We welcome you to VALLOWEEN!
a bitter and twisted anti-Valentines Day fiesta
at The Horse pub, near Lambeth North tube
Friday 11th February 8.00pm.
£5
Please expect – Burlesque, Performance Poetry, Silly songs, Stand Up Comedy, New writing and live Music.
Please do not expect – to find love amongst these haggard souls. (But there will be cake and popcorn.)
Put it in your diaries, it’s going to be a no nonsense, anti-vom-rom corker.
I’m extremely fortunate to have actors Karen Eliot and Rowan Finnegan delivering the script-in-hand performance and even more lucky for it to be directed by Poppy Corbett, the Lady behind the entire night. Please come along and share the gin with me, there’s only so much a Lady can drink by herself before it’s considered uncouth.
The White Room – ICA Lab February 3, 2011
I recently had an ICA Lab to work on and develop my script, “The White Room“. I’ve always spoken fondly about the ICA Lab in the past and this time will be no different. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try work out, get it on its feet or at least off the page behind the safety of a closed door. It’s a chance to to explore a project and discuss it with all those involved, from the actors reading the scripts to the outside eye you’ve invited.
The piece is an intense and extremely intimate script so having few people in the room to watch heightened this. Susan Stanley and Joseph Wilkins had (incredibly) done a lot of work on the piece before the reading, which I admired. They had met several times to go through the script, read through a few times and act it out with props and build a background to the character’s history. What made this Lab even more worthwhile is that a lot was discovered about the story that I hadn’t addressed fully, but also how to twist the tension up higher to gain more effect from the entire piece. This is something I would not have stumbled upon if it hadn’t of been for the feedback I received from the people I had invited. Having two theatre directors, a playwright and actors in the room all felt extremely useful and what’s more, they had invested their time into watching, reading and talking about it.
I always bang on about collaboration, but it is key. Without it we’re running on the spot, and that’s something I’m keen to avoid.
So thank you to Mel Cook, Melissa Dunne, Joanne Ferguson, Janice Okah and of course Susan Stanley and Joseph Wilkins.
