“These 15-minute plays are likely to be short, sharp and in some instances even shocking”
Lyn Gardner, Guardian Guide
“A stylish cohesive production” – ★★★★ What’s On Stage
“Terrific reminders of the self-contained power of the one-act genre… Four actors breathe dramatic life into the theatrical equivalent of the short story”
The Stage
“Innovative Box of Tricks… Excellence of writing throughout… First class theatre”
British Theatre Guide
Word:Play – Behind the Bike Shed…
This week, we return to the Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter. We were last here in the summer of 2011 with our show Head/Heart. We loved the theatre so much, and the special place David and Fin have created, that we started talking about the next show before we left. We told them about our Word:Play initiative and, several Skype conversations later, the Bike Shed came on board as partners and Word:Play/NWxSW was born…
The idea behind Word:Play is simple: to champion the next generation of playwriting talent by challenging them to write a 15-minute play inspired by a particular word (this time, “division”). With the Bike Shed’s support, we’ve given the project a cross-regional twist by commissioning writers from our native North West and the South West’s thriving theatre scene. We’re excited about uniting two regions at opposite ends of the country and showcasing work by some of the exciting new voices from the North West and South West.
The writers include Luke Barnes (writer-on-attachment at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse), Ella Greenhill (on attachment with Paines Plough), Tom Wainwright (Bristol Old Vic and Bath Theatre Royal), Natalie McGrath (Coasting, Bristol Old Vic), Bea Roberts (developing work with BBC Radio 4, Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory) and Becky Prestwich (developing a new play with Tobacco Factory).
Last week, we had a cracking time touring the North West – heading to Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, Ellesmere Port, Preston and Liverpool. We’re thrilled to launch the South West leg with a week at the Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter; where, in a sense, it all began. Tonight, we have a special informal post-show Q&A, hosted by the Bike Shed’s Artistic Director David Lockwood in the bar. So come join us for cocktails and chat…
We’re thrilled to call Exeter our home this week. For full details on all things Word:Play, check out our website.
Hope to see you at the Bike Shed this week,
Adam and Hannah
Box of Tricks
—
Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
11th-16th March 7:30pm
www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk