Archive for the 'Theatre' Category

Theatre playwriting opportunity

Could you write a short play to be staged in a pub? And by short I mean 5 – 10mins? (About the time it takes to stand in line for the next round or go outside for a quick puff). The 2014 Pint-sized play comp is now open for entries. Although UK based they accept submissions from anywhere in the world. Cheers! http://pintsizedplays.org.uk/

Science Fiction on stage

When theatre was our main form of visual dramatic storytelling, all genre could be found on stage. But since the advent of film and television, there has been a separation of what story types are considered ‘appropriate’ to be shown in each media. Science Fiction, for instance, is often thought to be ‘better’ on film – mainly due to the ability to create futuristic special effects – but in so doing the power of the imagination to conjure up futuristic scenarios has been undermined. This prejudice is being increasingly challenged by playwrights and directors, evidence of which was seen with the plethora of SF plays at this year’s New York City Fringe Festival. In the UK, too, companies such as the re-formed Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool are crossing ‘the final frontier’ and SF was also seen at this year’s 247 Festival in Manchester. The Crafty Writer decided to ask Richard Stockwell, playwright of one of 247’s SF offerings Future Shock, to give his perspective on putting this controversial genre on stage. Continue reading ‘Science Fiction on stage’

Pig Stew – the reviews!

After a nervous wait the cast, crew and I are thrilled to read a raft of fabulous reviews! Here are the latest ones:

From the Newcastle Journal (in the print version we’re reviewed on the same page as Alan Bennett!) 

From Spike Mike is Breaking a Leg (online theatre reviewer)

From Jesmond Local (an innovative online hyperlocal newspaper staffed largely by students from Newcastle University media department)

Opening Night for Pig Stew

Pig Stew opens tonight at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle. The cast includes:

Amy Nicol as Juliet
Jo Kelly as Louise
Mel Dagg as Denise
Stuart Laidler as Matthew

Director: Sarah McLane

Here’s a clip from Pig Stew and an interview with me and Jo Kelly on KYEO TV
http://www.kyeo.tv/2010/11/16/pig/

If you haven’t booked yet there are still tickets available. Follow the link on the KYEO TV page.

Break a trotter everyone!

Booking open for Pig Stew

The box office is now open for Pig Stew at the People’s Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. http://ptag.org.uk/the-peoples-play-2010-pig-stew.html Tickets are only £10 for adults (it’s not suitable for children) with concession tickets priced at £8. The show runs from Tuesday 16 November to Saturday 20th. There will be a matinee on the Saturday. I would love to see as many of you there as possible and really appreciate your support. And if that’s not a good enough reason to come, consider this: it’s a great show! Directed by Sarah McClane. Written by Fiona Veitch Smith.

People’s Play Award

Pig stew stage playMy play, Pig Stew, has just won The People’s Play Award. Three sisters inherit a pig farm in Northumberland and are targeted by a conman. Take one dash of greed, a good dose of unforgiveness and a hint of cannibalism and you have a great recipe for drama. The bi-annual award is sponsored by New Writing North and the People’s Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. As well as a nice cheque, the prize includes a full production of Pig Stew in November 2010. It will be directed by Sarah McClane of the People’s Theatre.  Previous winners of the award include Peter Straughan who most recently penned the screenplay for Men Who Stare at Goats (starring George Clooney), playwright Carina Rodney (Pub Quiz) and of course my co-director and producer of The Last of the Gypsy Royals Tony Glover.

When Theatre Crosses the Pond

Joseph HayesThe internet makes our world smaller. It’s thanks to social networking sites like Inked In that I’ve met other writers from around the world. One of them is American playwright Joseph Hayes who has had his work performed in the UK and the USA – an incredible 10 plays and 18 productions in seven years. I decided to ask him about writing for theatre on both sides of the Pond and whether American audiences are different from British. Continue reading ‘When Theatre Crosses the Pond’

Tips on pitching scripts

I just came across this excellent post on pitching scripts. It’s about a year old, but, like good wine, holds its age well. While you’re there have a dig around the site. There are links to all sorts of interesting articles and information on writing for performance. Check it out at Writing for Performance and while you’re there, say I sent you!

New Writing for theatre

Jeremy HerrinIn this fourth session on writing for performance our guest is Jeremy Herrin, who will be chatting to us about New Writing for theatre. Jeremy is Associate Director at Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne as well as running the New Writing department. He has directed productions at the National Theatre, The Royal Court, in the West End and at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg. He has also enjoyed directing short films and radio plays. Continue reading ‘New Writing for theatre’