We’ve an exciting line up of events for the next few Tuesdays. All meetings take place in the Cooper’s Loft at the Theatre Royal, King Street, Bristol 1 (except 8 April when we’re in the Rehearsal Room). Ask at the bar on the first floor for directions. Everyone attending pays £1 (£5 on 22 April) to help cover costs.

Tuesday, 25 March at 7.30pm: Have-a-Go Hero by Tim Massey

A second reading of Tim’s play, which he has re-written following comments made at the first reading.

Tuesday, 1 April at 7.30pm: Open Workshop

Tuesday, 8 April at 7.30pm: Andy Graham on Re-writing Your Script

Valuable hints and tips from Andy, based on the adage that scripts aren’t written, they’re re-written. Tonight’s meeting is in the Rehearsal Room.

Tuesday, 15 April at 7.30pm: Open Workshop

Tuesday, 22 April at 7.30pm: Writing for the Screen — the Hedonistic Agony

A talk by Tony McHale, scriptwriter for EastEnders and Casualty.

Tuesday, 29 April at 7.30pm: Open Workshop

Tuesday, 6 May at 7.30pm: Paradox by Ray Evans

A rehearsed reading of Ray’s World War II drama. The extract we heard before was very well received, and now you can hear the complete story.

 

Grove and Gold scripts in the pipeline

Catherine Johnson, our President, has just completed two episodes of Byker Grove and is now putting the finishing touches to a two-part story for Band of Gold. All of these will be screened in the autumn. We’ll let you know the exact dates later.

 

Raising Patrick Hegarty in July

Jessica Townsend’s 30-minute radio play, Raising Patrick Hegarty is now scheduled for transmission on Radio 4 at 2pm on 1 July. Jessica will also soon be workshopping her stage play Season of Hope with the Soho Theatre over a four-day period, along with three other writers and professional actors.

 

Show of Strength schedules Stairway to Heaven

Show of Strength’s rehearsed reading of Steve Hennessy’s play Stairway to Heaven, set on the side of a pyramid in ancient Egypt, is now scheduled for Saturday, 19 April. Venue and time to be confirmed.

 

Theatre Absolute launches motivational scheme

Theatre Absolute, in conjunction with the Belgrade Theatre Coventry, is starting a ‹writing house development scheme’ this aims to motivate writers into submitting exciting and unique ideas that have the potential for mass appeal.

 

Comedy requests

If you have any ideas for unusual TV comedy, Charlotte Street Productions would like to hear from you.

TV sitcom ideas from new writers are also being sought by Channel X Communications.

 

Sunday and Monday new writing slots at the Old Vic

Dominic Dromgoole, formerly Artistic Director at The Bush Theatre, is now in charge of new writing at Sir Peter Hall’s Actor’s Company at the Old Vic in Waterloo. The Company plans to put on new work on Sundays and Mondays, with each new play receiving at least six performances. Large casts of up to 12 are positively encouraged; Dromgoole says he wants ‘grown-up plays and stories by grown-up talents… plays about life, not formal techniques.’ So… try your luck.