Writing for theatre...
A selection of the work I've written for the stage.
W.I.T.C.H
In contemporary Scotland a group of women head into the woods to drink wine, share stories and figure out their place in the world. With the help of some witchy women who came before them, a new coven starts to awaken. They just don’t know how much power they have yet. Written by Louise Oliver and directed by Shilpa T-Hyland, W.I.T.C.H. is a high-energy experience that is part protest rally, part gig-theatre, part Witches Sabbath.
Inspired by feminist poet, journalist and original W.I.T.C.H. member Robin Morgan and her memoir Going Too Far, W.I.T.C.H. explores the Witch as a mythical and political figure. It delves into her shared history with matriarchs and healers, sexually liberated women, with revolutionary politics and her contemporary resurgence in popular culture, particularly within today’s political climate.
Following an ideas workshop at the National Theatre of Scotland, the project received some seed money from the RCS’ Make it Happen fund to support a two-day long residency on the Isle of Skye. This time was used to interrogate and respond to the original 1970s W.I.T.C.H. manifesto and connect with the Witch inside of us. Whilst on Skye, we made a creative pilgrimage to Dunscaith Castle, named after and home of the warrior maiden Scáthach of Celtic myth.
In October 2019 we completed a week-long residency at Lyth Arts Centre and W.I.T.C.H. received its first public work-in-progress sharing.
W.I.T.C.H. is still in development.
Drumhead
10 - 15 May 2010 at the Tron Theatre / Mayfesto Season.
How far is too far? In regard to the treatment and interrogation of suspected terrorists or criminals, is torture ever justified? Are these the actions of a society that is supposed to value human rights and fair treatment?
Drumhead was a site-specific theatre experience, part live presentation and part investigation: a social and political commentary on humanity’s relationship with itself. With particular focus on the ramifications of legalised torture methods, experimental performance workshops led the cast’s creative process as well as providing them with a real understanding of both the authority and victim.
The audience was removed from their comfort zone and presented with a piece of interactive theatre. Reports, real case studies and events informed the actors presentation of this challenging and controversial subject. A portion of Drumhead’s profit went to Amnesty International.
First presented in May 2010 in collaboration with the Tron Theatre as part of Mayfesto, their political theatre festival.
"Perhaps unsurprisingly, two of Mayfesto’s strongest productions have shown close links to Live Art : Cora Bisset’s monologue and RWP’s Drumhead both escape the traditional script and deliver a more dynamic presentation". - * * * * The Skinny
Man in a Bath
Glasgay! Festival 2008 Special Commission
What's just below the surface of things? Random thoughts about laundry, train-times and left over Chinese? Stinging thoughts about missed calls, missed opportunities and where to go from here? What about skin, hair, muscle and bone followed by lavender scented bubble bath and those annoying bits of pot-pourri left over from the always disappointing and inappropriately named bath bombs.
Get in the bath and strip it all away; the dirt in your head followed by the skin, muscle and bone. Strip it all away and cleanse your body and soul, submerge and re-surface - fresh, clean, enlightened. Submerge and find out what is just below the surface of things.
One man's inner monolgue as he relaxes in the bath before hitting the town.
Created in collaoboration with Glasgow based actor, Alan McPartlan.
Waiting for Groucho
Presented at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe followed by a sold-out run at Glasgow's Tron Theatre.
A journey from vaudeville to Hollywood stardom and, eventually, comedy legend.
"Waiting for Groucho" is an imagined conversation in which the Marx Brothers reminisce on their journey from two-bit vaudeville performers to Hollywood legends. A merry melange of mirth & mayhem.
In 1959 Groucho, Harpo & Chico Marx reunited to film the sitcom, "The Deputy Seraph". Two years later Chico died ending the 56 year reign of the Marx brothers as the most successful and well-loved entertainers of the 20th Century.
In 1961 Chico was the first of the Marx Brothers to die, bringing an end to a 56 year long career as the most famous comedy act in Hollywood.An abandoned sitcom, "The Deputy Seraph", was the final project that they would work on together but it would not be the last time they met.
It’s about the life of the Marx brothers told from the point of view of the less famous brothers, Chico and Harpo, while they wait for Groucho to arrive for their last gig. As they’re waiting, they reminisce about their time from vaudeville to Hollywood and everything in between.
"An affectionate and intelligent tribute to The Marx Brothers, Waiting For Groucho is played with panache and the kind of madcap style the brothers became famous for". - The Scotsman
A Work in Progress
First presented at the Tron Theatre before heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005.
"A Work in Progress" was my first play. Originating as final year project for my Theatre Studies degree from the University of Glasgow, I fleshed the piece out to a fully formed theatrical comedy in the style of The Reduced Shakespeare Company. Condensing 3000 years of theatrical history into one hour, this irreverant and fast paced comedy was a tongue in cheek and loving send up of all things theatrical.
A great concept ... laden with pop references and approached in a fun and modern way ... well acted and personable ... flamboyant, diverting and frequently chaotic. - Three Weeks Magazine
A Work in Progress was listed in The Sunday Times as Critics Choice