Our new programme culminates with our biggest event yet — a week of rehearsed readings at the New Vic. Full details below. All other meetings take place in the Cooper’s Loft at the Bristol Old Vic, King Street, Bristol 1. Ask at the bar on the first floor for directions. Everyone attending pays £1.
Tuesday, 16 March at 7.30pm: Open Workshop
Tuesday, 24 March at 7.30pm: Writing Dialogue with Andy Graham
A talk by Southwest Scriptwriters’ Chair, Andy Graham, on Writing Dialogue. This follows Andy’s widely applauded talks on Structure and Characterisation.
Tuesday, 31 March at 7.30pm: The Sniper by Maggie Smith
In an urban war setting, this play shows how conscience begins to break the cycle of hate between victim and persecutor.
Tuesday, 7 April at 7.30pm: Single Mother Superior by Andrew Graham
Single Mother Superior tells the story of a woman who wants to have a baby without having a relationship.
Tuesday, 14 April at 7.30pm: Open Workshop
Tuesday, 21 April to Saturday, 25 April: Rehearsed Readings at the New Vic
We’re moving into the New Vic Studio for a series of rehearsed readings of plays by members. The project, intended to encourage and promote new drama writing in the region, is funded with a grant from the National Lottery Arts 4 Everyone Express scheme.
Tuesday, 21 April 1998
Stairway to Heaven by Steve Hennessy
A gang of labourers on Cheops’ pyramid initiate a young worker in the ways of the ancient world. As well as getting to grips with scorching heat, potent brews and the gang’s pecking order, the new recruit tries to steal a glimpse of the Pharaoh, and stares straight into eternity.
Wednesday, 22 April 1998
Jane and Bill and The Book by Pat Dallimore
Panic breaks out on the Hitchcocks’ wartime council estate when two mysterious men in a black car appear on the scene, and Dad Walker gets his hand stuck down the sofa in a quest for his lost library book in this couple of comedies set in 1940s’ and 1950s’ Bristol.
Friday, 24 April 1998
Gringo Blues: A Loser’s Odyssey by Toby Farrow
On a package tour from hell, three hapless travellers journey through steamy jungle nights and hot city daze in the company of their coke-crazed tour guide who is fast coming apart at the seams. Life on the Latin American edge in this latter-day Odyssey.
Saturday, 25 April 1998
Hurry Down Doomsday by Tim Massey
Seeking physical fulfilment in the arms of her lodger while her live-in lover worries over the coming Apocalypse, the gorgeous Alison is also wooed by a hot-blooded builder. This anarchic sex comedy updates Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale in the shadow of the Millennium. [A moment from Hurry Down Doomsday is pictured above.]
All performances start at 7.30pm.
Please support to the full these four pioneering events!
Toby chosen for Birmingham Rep New Writers’ Initiative
Congratulations to Toby Farrow who has been accepted onto the Birmingham Rep’s New Writers’ Initiative. At 23 years old, Toby is one of the youngest writers ever to achieve this distinction. He follows in the footsteps of another Southwest Scriptwriter, Jessica Townsend, whose play Terms of Abuse was produced at the Hampstead Theatre earlier this year.
One of Toby’s plays, Baby Sharks, is being produced by the Kelvin Players from 22 to 25 April. Be sure to go and see this play — we guarantee you’ll enjoy it.
Steve’s Voyages wins World Mental Health Day award
Congratulations, too, to Steve Hennessy whose play Voyages of the Starship Lunar Sea has won second prize (and £750) for Best Event in World Mental Health Day. Steve’s group Stepping Out Theatre has also been awarded £10000 by the Mind Millennium Awards to produce another two plays by him.
Effie’s Burning in the New Vic
Don’t miss Crisp Theatre’s production of Effie’s Burning — directed by Southwest Scriptwriter Marion Reed — at the New Vic Studio from 31 March to 4 April.
Panoramic Productions seeks scriptwriters
Bristol-based Panoramic Productions is seeking scriptwriters to help develop its current slate of feature projects.
Channel 4 launches Comedy Lab
Channel 4’s Comedy Lab series is being launched to enable new writers, performers and producers to gain television experience.
Support Theatre West’s spring season
Please support Theatre West’s spring programme at the Alma Tavern. Theatre West is keen to support new writing, so let’s support them! Their productions are always highly enjoyable.