Reading Between The Lines

Nothing like a deadline eh? Particularly when that deadline is in 24 hours.


Having completed a couple of 24 hour plays in my time where you start at midnight and carry on typing until 6am fuelled entirely by Red Bull, Percy Pigs and fear I thought that 24 hours would be a luxurious amount of time in which to write a new play. And so, feeling a little like a low level secret agent, I diligently got up at 6.50am (on a Sunday as well, saintly) and awaited my instructions; an opening for the scene and videos introducing my actors.


24 hours later, after several discarded false starts, a total rethink at midnight and 4 hours sleep I was furiously proof reading and worrying about the amount of 90s' pop music references that had tumbled out of my tired head and into the script - Let Loose anyone? B*Witched?


All this is in aid of the launch of new Reading based theatre company Reading Between The Lines, the brainchild of Dani and Toby Davies formerly of Bristol Old Vic Theatre school. They've put together an absolutely cracking company of writers, director and actors for tomorrow's Off The Block Writers' Relay and I can't wait to see some old faces and new plays.


If you happen to be in the area then I would highly recommend coming along to the launch, tickets are selling fast but there are still some available here and maybe this time tomorrow you can be like me, driving up the M4 singing along to the Lighthouse Family...

Our Glass House

Right I'm not going to witter on today because there are far more interesting things afoot right now than the fact I've become obsessed with one day getting a writer's hut and spent so long at my desk this week that I actually started watching videos on the NHS about correct posture and back pain. 


Namely the opening of Our Glass House by Common Wealth Theatre. They can explain it much better than I can so here's the blurb: 


"Have you ever had to leave somewhere in a hurry? Had the courage to leave, pack your bags, dance down the side of your house, or leave with nothing, not even the shoes on your feet?

Common Wealth has collaborated with artists, carpenters, writers, illustrators and musicians to transform this council owned house into a world for you to explore. This show is based on real life testimonies from women and men who have survived domestic violence. There is no violence in this piece; we are exploring why people choose to stay and how they eventually leave."

I've been lucky enough to contribute a little additional writing to this project and went to see the finished project on Wednesday. It is a truly unique and very moving experience; one of those nights where a performance stirs you so much you leave shaken and with your brain on fire. 


The stories and statistics I found genuinely shocking and the urgency of addressing domestic violence, just even to try and encourage sharing experiences without secrecy and shame is one of the most startling and vibrant elements of the whole project. 

Aside from being a real technical accomplishment with incredibly intricately crafted design, sound, lighting and choreography the performances are honest and gripping; the whole piece is wrought with powerful stories based on real life testimonies skilfully woven by Aisha Zia, the main writer. 

And what can I say about directors Evie Manning and Rhiannon White who created, lived and breathed Our Glass House from the beginning? I think what they've created is extraordinary and you'll find it hard to find a piece of theatre with more bravery, soul and power. Do not miss. 

Running until 29th April, you can book tickets here.