THE WORRY BIRDS (2023)
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show with an integral workshop for ages 7-11. A sequence of stories looking at fears, kindness and childhood anxiety. The Tale of Twig finds a crow afraid to leave its nest. The Peculiar Mushroom about a multi-lingual fungus, who pours kindness to all those in need. The Worry Birds, the story of a bright and active girl, who suffers from anxiety. 'It's not always unicorns, penguins and piranhas, it's not always tigga-boom, tigga-boom, tigga-pow! Some days are different, some days are tough, some days are brutal, like this day, right now!' A programme of stories and discussion, developing strategies to deal with anxiety.
DRAGONTALES (2018)
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show for ages 5-11. A witch, a giant, two dragons and the Devil himself! What could possibly go wrong? Listen to the Tales of Wales, Legends from the Island of the Mighty! Listen to the Dreams of Dragons. The adapted stories of The Devil's Bridge, How Culhwch Won Olwen from The Mabinogion, The Witch Ceridwen and the Birth of Taliesin and the story of the young Merlin and the triumph of the Red Dragon!
‘GROW!’ (2015)
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show for ages 5-11. Dimitri runs away from home, but not without taking suitcases full of puppets and toys. At the crossroads, hungry and alone, he opens the suitcases and out pour Dimitri’s ‘friends’ to tell magical tales of friendship, understanding, adventure, tolerance and courage in the face of new experiences. Why are the Sun and the Moon arguing? Who is that floating above the rooftops? As stories unfold and songs are sung, we see the many ways we ‘GROW!’ with each minute passing, as we get a little bit older and a little bit taller!
THE LAST SNOW OF WINTER (2013)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre for their Odyssey community company, for adults with and without disabilities. Devised with the company, the play looks at a group of reluctant travellers who have fled from their homes in search of the best in human nature. But which direction do they take? Will they find a new home by Christmas? And who are the strange people playing golf in the middle of nowhere? Performed as Odyssey’s Christmas show, 2013 at the Wales Millenium Centre.
THE TROUBLE WITH MORRIS (2013)
Commissioned by Blaenau Gwent Youth Theatre with funding from the Arts Council of Wales. Morris is turning 16 and she’s very bright for her age. But the more she looks at the world, the more it just doesn’t make sense, like God for instance and her English teacher’s interest in Olly Murs. It just doesn’t make sense! And everyone is telling her what to do, which makes her very, very angry. And to top it all, she’s a cannibal - what’s a girl to do? A mad, black comedy, devised with the company and performed at the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale, 2013.
WHISPERS ON THE WAVES (2012)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre for their Odyssey community company, for adults with and without disabilities. Sam is pregnant, but she doesn’t know if she is ready to have a child yet. As Sam and her boyfriend Ben take a short cut through the woods on their way to a Christmas party, they stumble across a forgotten shed in the undergrowth. Inside they discover a magical array of old radios, binoculars and photo albums which allow them to look into the past at some tragic incidents with happy outcomes. But who is the Silent Man and why is he writing so many letters? Devised with the company and performed as Odyssey’s Christmas show 2012.
THE SNOW TIGER (2012)
Commissioned by Sherman Cymru. Usko lives in the Snowlands and is fascinated by his mother’s tales of the brave Snow Tiger’s battles with the evil Baba Yaga. But are the stories true or not? When he hears of a baby Snow Tiger in danger in the forest, he marches off to rescue her and confront the Baba Yaga for himself. Toured in English and Welsh as Sherman Cymru’s under 7s Christmas show.
PIECES OF HATE (2011)
Commissioned by Theatr Ffynnon. Devised with director Chris Durnall and Theatr Ffynnon’s company of disabled performers. Pieces of Hate examines the subject of Hate Crime against people with disabilities. Drawing on personal accounts and news stories, a series of episodes unfold through physical theatre and the spoken word, portraying the impact of abuse and violence on the everyday lives of those vulnerable adults who are the victims of Disability Hate Crime.
THE CONDEMNED CELL (2010)
Commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council/Heritage Lottery Fund/Shire Hall Monmouth. A vignette of the three Chartist leaders, John Frost, Zephaniah Williams and William Jones, awaiting their execution in the condemned cell of Monmouth Gaol after the unsuccessful uprising at Newport in 1839.
THE LAST RISING (2010)
Commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council/Heritage Lottery Fund/Shire Hall Monmouth. A play aimed at 13-15 year olds and to be performed by schools and community groups. Examining the rise of the Chartist Movement for political reform in the South East Wales valleys, their march on Newport and the ensuing trial of the Chartist leaders at The Shire Hall Monmouth, where all three were condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered for the crime of High Treason, in 1839. The story is viewed through the thoughts of a young man in 2010, about to cast his vote for the first time in a General Election.
MILLY AND THE MINOTAUR (2009)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds, inspired by G F Watts’ painting of The Minotaur. This is an uplifting tale of a child’s fight against leukaemia. Milly has the ‘best Gran in the world’, who looks after her, while her mother is busy having the twins! ‘It’s all come at once,’ says Gran, but just when things get tough, Milly is helped through the worst times by her secret friend. It just so happens that her secret friend is a Minotaur!
THIN ICE (2009) Working title
Commissioned by Greenwich and Lewisham Young Peoples’ Theatre and co-written with Tunde Euba. A TIE production for 10-13 year olds. Jack’s Island was ‘a piece of paradise’ but now it is a virtual wasteland, on the brink of extinction. The play examines how greed and the accumulation of wealth affects not only the planet’s environment, but basic values and human rights across the world.
THE WOUNDED ANGEL (2008)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 9-12 year olds, based on Finnish artist Hugo Simberg’s painting The Wounded Angel. The study of a violent relationship between two peasant boys and the fears of growing up and entering the adult world of work at the age of eleven. Their story unfolds as they look after an angel they find, while out hunting in the marshes.
THE MOON DRAGON (2007)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. Inspired by Ted Hughes’ book The Iron Man. In the middle of an air-raid, Rain hears the story of The Iron Man and doesn’t want it to end. With her storyteller guardians, Rain continues the tale and sets out on a quest to find the Moon Dragon, whose song keeps the people of the world at peace. While she waits for the phone to be repaired and her parents to ring, Rain meets some strange and wonderful people from ‘across the water’ who help her on her journey.
FLAME BLAME (2007)
Commissioned by Big Eye Arts and Monmouthshire Youth Service. From a series of workshops with Abergavenny Young Fire-fighters, a 15 minute DVD drama looking at peer pressure and the consequences of arson. Performed, filmed and directed by the young people themselves, with the support of Big Eye Arts. To be used as part of a peer education project on arson in Monmouthshire schools.
GOLD OF THE AFON LLWYD (2007)
Commissioned by Torfaen Education Authority. Written to commemorate the closure of Trevethin Community Comprehensive School and to link the history of the three secondary schools of Pontypool and the communities they serve. Three teenagers set off on separate bittersweet journeys to find gold along the valley of the Afon Llwyd and encounter many characters and incidents from the history of the region.
THE BLACK OAK (2006)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds. Two children relocated from the city to the countryside listen as a local farmer’s son relates ghostly stories under the branches of the Black Oak in Luke’s Field. They are enchanted by the Spirit of the Oak and hear of the many and terrible happenings the tree has witnessed over four hundred years.
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS (2006)
Commissioned by Theatr Ffynnon. A short voice-over/narration to accompany the movement based production performed by a cast of people with learning difficulties. An old woman rediscovers toys in her attic, which bring back memories from throughout her life.
THE ENVY OF THE WORLD (2006)
Commissioned by Catapult and the Prince’s Trust. A thirty minute drama documentary film about Aneurin Bevan and the creation of the National Health Service. A sixteen year old ‘hoodie’ explains how Bevan’s achievements touch the lives of everyone in the UK, even in 2006.
THE MUSIC BOX MAKER (2005)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds. A young girl is lost and alone. Katerina’s mother is unhappy and her father has ‘gone to work on the farms’. She goes to the music box makers to help her mother feel happy again. As her story unfolds, the music box makers help the girl come to terms with the unrest between her parents, through music and stories inspired by the paintings of Marc Chagall.
FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE: ANEURIN’S DREAM (2005)
Commissioned by the Prince’s Trust. A play looking at life before and after the creation of Aneurin Bevan’s National Health Service, from the perspective of young people. In 2005, Aneurin, a young ‘hoodie’, has a nightmare about what life may be like, if the health service reverts to the private sector. Back in 1929, a mining family copes with poverty and disease through the General Strike and the election campaign that sent Aneurin Bevan to the House of Commons as MP for Ebbw Vale. Performed by a cast of nine young people.
SHADOW SEEKER (2004)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds on Greek mythology. An adaptation of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Through music, Orpheus is able to charm not only animals and birds, but trees and rocks as well. When his bride Eurydice dies tragically, the grief stricken Orpheus travels down into the Underworld to plead with the god Hades for her return. An array of characters tell the story with music and puppetry.
EAST ANGLIAN PSYCHOS (2002)
Commissioned by Eastern Angles Theatre Company. Snapshots of the lives of five East Anglians who gather for a Christmas Eve reunion, each with a reason for staying in or leaving their home town. Luke, travelling from one life to the next through the eyes of Jack Kerouac. His sister Denise, holding family and friends together while ‘chatting’ to Gizmo over the internet. Sam, her recovering anorexic friend. Matt, the down to earth glazier with a passion for his work. And the mighty Michaela, obsessed by fashion and her hatred of the rest of humanity. Toured a variety of venues from theatres to nightclubs across East Anglia.
DANCE OF THE DRAGON (2000)
Winner in the Global Search for New Musicals in the Cardiff International Festival of Musicals 2002. Commissioned by The Unknown Theatre Company. A new musical performed by a youth company of over forty members. A group of teenagers lost in Snowdonia, are transported into the world of the Soulcatcher. Here they confront their everyday fears as they meet a bizarre array of characters from Welsh history and mythology.
THE REINCARNATIONS OF ELIZABETH ‘R’ (1999)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for GCSE years and Sixth Form examining the changing role of women during the 20th Century. Elizabeth is reincarnated as a Suffragette, a 1950s perfect housewife, a ‘70s feminist activist and a young mother suffering domestic violence at the turn of the Millennium.
SKYLARK SONG (1999)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for lower seniors about the importance of identity in the South Wales valleys. A mysterious body is found at a building site and an English construction worker, a valley policeman and the local archivist debate identity. We are transported back to the story of two girls growing up together during the Depression and WW2 and of how identity becomes important in their lives.
A ROOM OF MY OWN (1998)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre. A play about taking the first steps in sharing unsupervised accommodation, for audiences with learning difficulties.
HALF A POUND OF TREACLE (1998)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. TIE production examining the hardships of the Victorian era for top primary classes. An embittered ex-soldier rehearses a sideshow act with his traumatized friend Clarissa, when they are stumbled upon by an eleven year old girl on the run from the Peelers.
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS! (1997)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. TIE production about power struggles within relationships, for GCSE years. Scenes chronicling the turbulent and tragic lives of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley.
Writer in residence with Greenwich and Lewisham Young Peoples’ Theatre overseeing young adults devising, writing and performing their own piece of drama about racism as part of the Gallery ’37 Project.
KNIGHTS IN THE CITY (1997)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. Linking scenes for a devised re-telling of the story of Branwen, Daughter of Llyr from the Mabinogion, for lower primary TIE production. Two lost knights wandering time in search of their destiny, stumble into the bedroom of a small boy who is plagued by illness. He helps them remember their place in the story of Branwen. Subsequently translated into Welsh and re-toured as a joint production with Gwent Theatre.
HOMEFRONT (1996)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre, working from a devising process. TIE production about three children evacuated during WW2 for upper primary and lower senior audiences. Received subsequent re-tours in 1998 and 2004, due to demand from schools.
QUEST FOR ROMANCE (1993)
Commissioned by Striking Attitudes Dance Company. Compiling and editing text and writing dialogue to accompany dance drama linking the themes of the Arthurian Legends, the Pre-Raphaelite artists and Welsh painter/writer David Jones.
TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (1992)
Commissioned by Wales Actors’ Company. Co-adaptation with WAC director Ruth Garnault of Vera Brittain’s autobiography of her years as a military nurse behind the trenches of WW1.
BIRD IN A GILDED CAGE - THE FINAL APPEARANCE OF MISS MAMIE STUART (1991)
Based on the true story of sexual jealousy and eventual murder by the bigamous George Shotton of his young wife Mamie Stuart. Set during the last few days leading up to her tragic disappearance from Swansea in 1919. Presented by Equinox Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe and S. Wales tour. Subsequently performed by the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven as part of their Autumn rep season 1992.
IT’S ONLY LEMONADE! (1990)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. A TIE production exploring the media and the power of advertising for GCSE classes.
As company member of Theatr Iolo 1988-90, contributing scenes for devised TIE projects for all ages across the curriculum.
RAPE OF THE FAIR COUNTRY (1987)
First ever adaptation of Alexander Cordell’s best selling historical novel about Chartism and the iron industry of Wales in the 1830s. Presented by Chrysalis Theatre.
ARE THESE DEAD? (1986)
Barman turns philosopher as he observes his customers over an evening shift. Presented by Chrysalis Theatre.
SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN (1986)
A biographical account of the lives and crimes of the Moors Murderers, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Received a workshop reading by Made In Wales Theatre Company. Due to claims of further murders by Ian Brady and enormous press interest at the time, the project was shelved and remains unfinished.
ECLIPSE (1985)
Two mood extremes struggle to dominate the character of a man living alone in a bedsit. Presented in rep at the Edinburgh fringe with The Moonpool by Chrysalis Theatre.
THE SUNBATHER (1984)
A clerk from the DVLA turns minder to an American gangster. Comedy sketch presented as a double-bill with The Moonpool as a charity event.
THE MOONPOOL (1983)
A young man locked behind his physical disability, struggles to communicate, as his parents’ marriage begins to flounder. First performed at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
(1982-1985) - Attended Welsh College of Music and Drama – Performers’ course.
MACDEATH (1982)
Scene for scene pastiche of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, written for a youth cast of 40. Performed at Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Theatre.
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show with an integral workshop for ages 7-11. A sequence of stories looking at fears, kindness and childhood anxiety. The Tale of Twig finds a crow afraid to leave its nest. The Peculiar Mushroom about a multi-lingual fungus, who pours kindness to all those in need. The Worry Birds, the story of a bright and active girl, who suffers from anxiety. 'It's not always unicorns, penguins and piranhas, it's not always tigga-boom, tigga-boom, tigga-pow! Some days are different, some days are tough, some days are brutal, like this day, right now!' A programme of stories and discussion, developing strategies to deal with anxiety.
DRAGONTALES (2018)
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show for ages 5-11. A witch, a giant, two dragons and the Devil himself! What could possibly go wrong? Listen to the Tales of Wales, Legends from the Island of the Mighty! Listen to the Dreams of Dragons. The adapted stories of The Devil's Bridge, How Culhwch Won Olwen from The Mabinogion, The Witch Ceridwen and the Birth of Taliesin and the story of the young Merlin and the triumph of the Red Dragon!
‘GROW!’ (2015)
Skirrid Mountain Productions. A one-man show for ages 5-11. Dimitri runs away from home, but not without taking suitcases full of puppets and toys. At the crossroads, hungry and alone, he opens the suitcases and out pour Dimitri’s ‘friends’ to tell magical tales of friendship, understanding, adventure, tolerance and courage in the face of new experiences. Why are the Sun and the Moon arguing? Who is that floating above the rooftops? As stories unfold and songs are sung, we see the many ways we ‘GROW!’ with each minute passing, as we get a little bit older and a little bit taller!
THE LAST SNOW OF WINTER (2013)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre for their Odyssey community company, for adults with and without disabilities. Devised with the company, the play looks at a group of reluctant travellers who have fled from their homes in search of the best in human nature. But which direction do they take? Will they find a new home by Christmas? And who are the strange people playing golf in the middle of nowhere? Performed as Odyssey’s Christmas show, 2013 at the Wales Millenium Centre.
THE TROUBLE WITH MORRIS (2013)
Commissioned by Blaenau Gwent Youth Theatre with funding from the Arts Council of Wales. Morris is turning 16 and she’s very bright for her age. But the more she looks at the world, the more it just doesn’t make sense, like God for instance and her English teacher’s interest in Olly Murs. It just doesn’t make sense! And everyone is telling her what to do, which makes her very, very angry. And to top it all, she’s a cannibal - what’s a girl to do? A mad, black comedy, devised with the company and performed at the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale, 2013.
WHISPERS ON THE WAVES (2012)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre for their Odyssey community company, for adults with and without disabilities. Sam is pregnant, but she doesn’t know if she is ready to have a child yet. As Sam and her boyfriend Ben take a short cut through the woods on their way to a Christmas party, they stumble across a forgotten shed in the undergrowth. Inside they discover a magical array of old radios, binoculars and photo albums which allow them to look into the past at some tragic incidents with happy outcomes. But who is the Silent Man and why is he writing so many letters? Devised with the company and performed as Odyssey’s Christmas show 2012.
THE SNOW TIGER (2012)
Commissioned by Sherman Cymru. Usko lives in the Snowlands and is fascinated by his mother’s tales of the brave Snow Tiger’s battles with the evil Baba Yaga. But are the stories true or not? When he hears of a baby Snow Tiger in danger in the forest, he marches off to rescue her and confront the Baba Yaga for himself. Toured in English and Welsh as Sherman Cymru’s under 7s Christmas show.
PIECES OF HATE (2011)
Commissioned by Theatr Ffynnon. Devised with director Chris Durnall and Theatr Ffynnon’s company of disabled performers. Pieces of Hate examines the subject of Hate Crime against people with disabilities. Drawing on personal accounts and news stories, a series of episodes unfold through physical theatre and the spoken word, portraying the impact of abuse and violence on the everyday lives of those vulnerable adults who are the victims of Disability Hate Crime.
THE CONDEMNED CELL (2010)
Commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council/Heritage Lottery Fund/Shire Hall Monmouth. A vignette of the three Chartist leaders, John Frost, Zephaniah Williams and William Jones, awaiting their execution in the condemned cell of Monmouth Gaol after the unsuccessful uprising at Newport in 1839.
THE LAST RISING (2010)
Commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council/Heritage Lottery Fund/Shire Hall Monmouth. A play aimed at 13-15 year olds and to be performed by schools and community groups. Examining the rise of the Chartist Movement for political reform in the South East Wales valleys, their march on Newport and the ensuing trial of the Chartist leaders at The Shire Hall Monmouth, where all three were condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered for the crime of High Treason, in 1839. The story is viewed through the thoughts of a young man in 2010, about to cast his vote for the first time in a General Election.
MILLY AND THE MINOTAUR (2009)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds, inspired by G F Watts’ painting of The Minotaur. This is an uplifting tale of a child’s fight against leukaemia. Milly has the ‘best Gran in the world’, who looks after her, while her mother is busy having the twins! ‘It’s all come at once,’ says Gran, but just when things get tough, Milly is helped through the worst times by her secret friend. It just so happens that her secret friend is a Minotaur!
THIN ICE (2009) Working title
Commissioned by Greenwich and Lewisham Young Peoples’ Theatre and co-written with Tunde Euba. A TIE production for 10-13 year olds. Jack’s Island was ‘a piece of paradise’ but now it is a virtual wasteland, on the brink of extinction. The play examines how greed and the accumulation of wealth affects not only the planet’s environment, but basic values and human rights across the world.
THE WOUNDED ANGEL (2008)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 9-12 year olds, based on Finnish artist Hugo Simberg’s painting The Wounded Angel. The study of a violent relationship between two peasant boys and the fears of growing up and entering the adult world of work at the age of eleven. Their story unfolds as they look after an angel they find, while out hunting in the marshes.
THE MOON DRAGON (2007)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. Inspired by Ted Hughes’ book The Iron Man. In the middle of an air-raid, Rain hears the story of The Iron Man and doesn’t want it to end. With her storyteller guardians, Rain continues the tale and sets out on a quest to find the Moon Dragon, whose song keeps the people of the world at peace. While she waits for the phone to be repaired and her parents to ring, Rain meets some strange and wonderful people from ‘across the water’ who help her on her journey.
FLAME BLAME (2007)
Commissioned by Big Eye Arts and Monmouthshire Youth Service. From a series of workshops with Abergavenny Young Fire-fighters, a 15 minute DVD drama looking at peer pressure and the consequences of arson. Performed, filmed and directed by the young people themselves, with the support of Big Eye Arts. To be used as part of a peer education project on arson in Monmouthshire schools.
GOLD OF THE AFON LLWYD (2007)
Commissioned by Torfaen Education Authority. Written to commemorate the closure of Trevethin Community Comprehensive School and to link the history of the three secondary schools of Pontypool and the communities they serve. Three teenagers set off on separate bittersweet journeys to find gold along the valley of the Afon Llwyd and encounter many characters and incidents from the history of the region.
THE BLACK OAK (2006)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds. Two children relocated from the city to the countryside listen as a local farmer’s son relates ghostly stories under the branches of the Black Oak in Luke’s Field. They are enchanted by the Spirit of the Oak and hear of the many and terrible happenings the tree has witnessed over four hundred years.
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS (2006)
Commissioned by Theatr Ffynnon. A short voice-over/narration to accompany the movement based production performed by a cast of people with learning difficulties. An old woman rediscovers toys in her attic, which bring back memories from throughout her life.
THE ENVY OF THE WORLD (2006)
Commissioned by Catapult and the Prince’s Trust. A thirty minute drama documentary film about Aneurin Bevan and the creation of the National Health Service. A sixteen year old ‘hoodie’ explains how Bevan’s achievements touch the lives of everyone in the UK, even in 2006.
THE MUSIC BOX MAKER (2005)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds. A young girl is lost and alone. Katerina’s mother is unhappy and her father has ‘gone to work on the farms’. She goes to the music box makers to help her mother feel happy again. As her story unfolds, the music box makers help the girl come to terms with the unrest between her parents, through music and stories inspired by the paintings of Marc Chagall.
FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE: ANEURIN’S DREAM (2005)
Commissioned by the Prince’s Trust. A play looking at life before and after the creation of Aneurin Bevan’s National Health Service, from the perspective of young people. In 2005, Aneurin, a young ‘hoodie’, has a nightmare about what life may be like, if the health service reverts to the private sector. Back in 1929, a mining family copes with poverty and disease through the General Strike and the election campaign that sent Aneurin Bevan to the House of Commons as MP for Ebbw Vale. Performed by a cast of nine young people.
SHADOW SEEKER (2004)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for 6-9 year olds on Greek mythology. An adaptation of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Through music, Orpheus is able to charm not only animals and birds, but trees and rocks as well. When his bride Eurydice dies tragically, the grief stricken Orpheus travels down into the Underworld to plead with the god Hades for her return. An array of characters tell the story with music and puppetry.
EAST ANGLIAN PSYCHOS (2002)
Commissioned by Eastern Angles Theatre Company. Snapshots of the lives of five East Anglians who gather for a Christmas Eve reunion, each with a reason for staying in or leaving their home town. Luke, travelling from one life to the next through the eyes of Jack Kerouac. His sister Denise, holding family and friends together while ‘chatting’ to Gizmo over the internet. Sam, her recovering anorexic friend. Matt, the down to earth glazier with a passion for his work. And the mighty Michaela, obsessed by fashion and her hatred of the rest of humanity. Toured a variety of venues from theatres to nightclubs across East Anglia.
DANCE OF THE DRAGON (2000)
Winner in the Global Search for New Musicals in the Cardiff International Festival of Musicals 2002. Commissioned by The Unknown Theatre Company. A new musical performed by a youth company of over forty members. A group of teenagers lost in Snowdonia, are transported into the world of the Soulcatcher. Here they confront their everyday fears as they meet a bizarre array of characters from Welsh history and mythology.
THE REINCARNATIONS OF ELIZABETH ‘R’ (1999)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for GCSE years and Sixth Form examining the changing role of women during the 20th Century. Elizabeth is reincarnated as a Suffragette, a 1950s perfect housewife, a ‘70s feminist activist and a young mother suffering domestic violence at the turn of the Millennium.
SKYLARK SONG (1999)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. A TIE production for lower seniors about the importance of identity in the South Wales valleys. A mysterious body is found at a building site and an English construction worker, a valley policeman and the local archivist debate identity. We are transported back to the story of two girls growing up together during the Depression and WW2 and of how identity becomes important in their lives.
A ROOM OF MY OWN (1998)
Commissioned by Hijinx Theatre. A play about taking the first steps in sharing unsupervised accommodation, for audiences with learning difficulties.
HALF A POUND OF TREACLE (1998)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. TIE production examining the hardships of the Victorian era for top primary classes. An embittered ex-soldier rehearses a sideshow act with his traumatized friend Clarissa, when they are stumbled upon by an eleven year old girl on the run from the Peelers.
WORDS, WORDS, WORDS! (1997)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre. TIE production about power struggles within relationships, for GCSE years. Scenes chronicling the turbulent and tragic lives of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley.
Writer in residence with Greenwich and Lewisham Young Peoples’ Theatre overseeing young adults devising, writing and performing their own piece of drama about racism as part of the Gallery ’37 Project.
KNIGHTS IN THE CITY (1997)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. Linking scenes for a devised re-telling of the story of Branwen, Daughter of Llyr from the Mabinogion, for lower primary TIE production. Two lost knights wandering time in search of their destiny, stumble into the bedroom of a small boy who is plagued by illness. He helps them remember their place in the story of Branwen. Subsequently translated into Welsh and re-toured as a joint production with Gwent Theatre.
HOMEFRONT (1996)
Commissioned by Gwent Theatre, working from a devising process. TIE production about three children evacuated during WW2 for upper primary and lower senior audiences. Received subsequent re-tours in 1998 and 2004, due to demand from schools.
QUEST FOR ROMANCE (1993)
Commissioned by Striking Attitudes Dance Company. Compiling and editing text and writing dialogue to accompany dance drama linking the themes of the Arthurian Legends, the Pre-Raphaelite artists and Welsh painter/writer David Jones.
TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (1992)
Commissioned by Wales Actors’ Company. Co-adaptation with WAC director Ruth Garnault of Vera Brittain’s autobiography of her years as a military nurse behind the trenches of WW1.
BIRD IN A GILDED CAGE - THE FINAL APPEARANCE OF MISS MAMIE STUART (1991)
Based on the true story of sexual jealousy and eventual murder by the bigamous George Shotton of his young wife Mamie Stuart. Set during the last few days leading up to her tragic disappearance from Swansea in 1919. Presented by Equinox Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe and S. Wales tour. Subsequently performed by the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven as part of their Autumn rep season 1992.
IT’S ONLY LEMONADE! (1990)
Commissioned by Theatr Iolo. A TIE production exploring the media and the power of advertising for GCSE classes.
As company member of Theatr Iolo 1988-90, contributing scenes for devised TIE projects for all ages across the curriculum.
RAPE OF THE FAIR COUNTRY (1987)
First ever adaptation of Alexander Cordell’s best selling historical novel about Chartism and the iron industry of Wales in the 1830s. Presented by Chrysalis Theatre.
ARE THESE DEAD? (1986)
Barman turns philosopher as he observes his customers over an evening shift. Presented by Chrysalis Theatre.
SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN (1986)
A biographical account of the lives and crimes of the Moors Murderers, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Received a workshop reading by Made In Wales Theatre Company. Due to claims of further murders by Ian Brady and enormous press interest at the time, the project was shelved and remains unfinished.
ECLIPSE (1985)
Two mood extremes struggle to dominate the character of a man living alone in a bedsit. Presented in rep at the Edinburgh fringe with The Moonpool by Chrysalis Theatre.
THE SUNBATHER (1984)
A clerk from the DVLA turns minder to an American gangster. Comedy sketch presented as a double-bill with The Moonpool as a charity event.
THE MOONPOOL (1983)
A young man locked behind his physical disability, struggles to communicate, as his parents’ marriage begins to flounder. First performed at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
(1982-1985) - Attended Welsh College of Music and Drama – Performers’ course.
MACDEATH (1982)
Scene for scene pastiche of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, written for a youth cast of 40. Performed at Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Theatre.