January has got off to a good start.  I’m working on a play.  It will open this summer, so I'm in the fortunate position of writing something and knowing that I will be able to go and see it performed.

 

Does a writer need to have a play produced or a novel published?  Yes, I think so.  You can write a book and just put it in a drawer if you want to, but in that case it’s writing as therapy, which is valid in its own way but doesn’t make you an author.

 

I’ve recently written a couple of TV scripts and I had a lovely time doing it.  But until a script is produced, it’s just a script; a little lifeless thing.  You want that script to go out into the world and make something of itself, so you can be proud.  You don't want it lying around the house, doing nothing.  Even if it doesn't get produced, you can still send it out to people so they can read it and judge whether they like your work.  But you need to see it on screen for it to really mean anything. 

 

So anyway, I’m thrilled because I know this play is going to be produced.  I’m also thrilled because it gives me an excuse to go and see lots of theatre. 

 

Here's what I've seen in January:

The Waves by Katie Mitchell & Company - National Theatre

Kindness & Exuberance by Josie Long - BAC

Blasted by Sarah Kane, Graeae Theatre Company, Soho Theatre

Cymbelline by Kneehigh Theatre Lyric, Hammersmith

Low Life by Blind Summit - BAC