Writers aged 25 and under were asked to submit a full-length play with no restrictions or guidelines on content. Over 300 plays were submitted. Four were selected to receive staged readings as part of the Young Writers Festival:
Brilliant Adventures by Alistair McDowall on 2 and 3 March
Ain’t No Law Against Fish ‘N’ Chips by Rose Lewenstein on 9 and 10 March
Reflection by Rianna Mitchell-Henry on 30 and 31 March
Where the Shot Rabbits Lay by Brad Birch on 13 and 14 April
All tickets £8
Running time of readings approx 1 hour 30 mins
(Please note: on the days of readings, performances of Goodbye to All That and Vera, Vera, Vera start at the later time of 8.30pm)
About the Readings and Writers
h2. Brilliant Adventures
Rob’s less than impressed by his brother Luke’s new flat. That is until he discovers it’s ideally placed to become the area’s drug supply epicentre. Thrown into a dangerous world, the brothers must salvage what’s left of the home and family. Luke’s got an ingenious solution which could solve all their problems…
Alistair McDowall is 24-year-old writer from the North East of England. Previous plays include Plain Jane, Some Stories, and 5:30. He has been a writer-on-attachment at the Royal Court and is currently on attachment with Paines Plough. Brilliant Adventures was recently awarded a Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting. Caroline Steinbeis directs Brilliant Adventures.
Cast for Brilliant Adventures: Ian Bonar (Greg), Bryan Dick (Rob), Neil Grainger (Luke 2), Robert Lonsdale (Luke), Felix Scott (Ben) and Jeremy Swift (The Man).
h2. Ain’t No Law Against Fish ‘N’ Chips
As Pete struggles to find a job in the east end of London, he finds solace in the words and cause of some radical locals. But as Pete’s ideological fervour grows so does his sense alienation from the people most important to him.
Rose Lewenstein lives in Hackney and wrote Ain’t No Law Against Fish ‘N Chips when she was 25. She attended the Royal Court Studio’s writers groups before writing her play in 2011. Richard Twyman directs Ain’t No Law Against Fish ‘N Chips.
Cast for Ain’t No Law Against Fish ‘N’ Chips: Tobi Bakare (Kyle), Amelia Lowdell (Linda) and Danny Worters (Pete).
h2. Reflection
Jamal’s ready to fly the nest and sort his life out but his overbearing mother and criminal record are standing in his way. Will a chance encounter with a wealthy businessman offer Jamal the opportunity he’s been waiting for? A lyrical play with a sharp eye and a fresh voice.
Rianna Mitchell-Henry is 18 years old and lives in West London. She is currently studying for an English & Professional & Creative Writing degree and has a strong passion for playwriting. She wrote the play Reflection when she was 17 years old. She describes the play as representing how personal issues and behaviour can effect, influence and direct parenting styles and the impacts, both positive and negative, on children and young people. Gbolahan Obisesan directs Reflection.
h2. Where the Shot Rabbits Lay
In the wake of an acrimonious divorce, a father and son venture into the wilderness on a camping trip looking for reconciliation.
Brad Birch is a 23-year-old playwright from Mid Wales. Brad has had work performed at Theatr Powys, Sherman Cymru, the Royal Court, Theatre 503 and Dirty Protest before becoming the writer in residence at the Undeb theatre company. In 2010 Brad took part in the Royal Court’s Young Writers’ Programme and has participated in a number of Royal Court playwriting groups since. During his time in the groups, he began writing Where The Shot Rabbits Lay. Nick Bagnall directs Where The Shot Rabbits Lay.
Cast for Where The Shot Rabbits Lay: Lewis Lempereur-Palmer (Boy) and Nicolas Tennant (Man)
In addition we will host “Saturday Shorts”: www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/ywf-2012-saturday-shorts, ten 10 minute plays by 8-15 year olds.
Find out more “Young Writers Festival 2012”: www.royalcourttheatre.com/season/young-writers-festival-2012
The Young Writers Festival is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and is in partnership with the European Commission Representation in the UK, with additional support from the Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.
The Young Writers Festival Development Phase has been supported by John Lyon’s Charity.
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