The Playwrights Publishing Company
"Danny Boy"
Tony Breez's one act play, "Danny Boy," was staged in the Gloucestershire One Act Festival in July/August 2009 by the Cotswold Players from Churchdown and produced by Sally Welzel. James Sidwell who played the lead character, Danny, won the prize for the best male juvenile lead and was offered a place at a local drama school but had already accepted a place in London.
Inside Information for writers and groups from the Publishing World
If you're a new writer take note - its a waste of time sending your full-length play to French's because they have a belt and braces, no risks policy of only accepting full-length scripts if they've been tried out first by a professional theatre - so where does that leave up-and-coming playwrights and innovative theatre groups, you might ask? They will, however, consider one-acts. The answer might be "Do an Ayckbourn" and run your own theatre! (Editor)
Suggested Books for Playwrights
Any would-be playwright would do well to order the following books from their local library:
"The Writer’s Journey” by Christopher Vogler, published by Pan Books (ISBN 0-330-375911) . Even though its now quite old and written by an American, you'll find many insights in it about the art of writing a good play and your work will improve no end.
Another useful one is "Playwriting"(sic) by Sam Smiley, published by Yale University Press (ISBN 0-300-10724-2)
Heartwarming Message for Playwrights!
If you sometimes wonder why it's hard to get your play performed, take a look at a wesbite called www.doollee.com where you will find 30,000 other people who have also written a play and 100,000 plays of theirs waiting to be performed!
Editor's Idea
Would you go to a performance of a new play in your area if you knew it was going to be a rehearsed reading by local, professional, resting actors using hand-held scripts and that afterwards you could discuss the play with the writer, director, actors and other audience members? Entrance fees would be less than usual and everyone would know the play was in its germinal state. The provisional name for the concept is "ALAMAIN THEATRE" (as in the French for "In the hand".) Any feedback with comments for or against would be welcomed, plus any possible venues in the Nottingham UK area.
"Saffron Lady" sells in Australia
A new full-length romantic comedy "Saffron Lady" by Fred Webb has sold in far away Emu Vale, Brisbane, Australia. The author hails from Haverhill in the UK and there are plans for the play to be advertised in a twinning event with Haverhill, USA.
