Theatre writing

My latest play 'Cheap Bedsits', shows at Theatrefest '09 in Barnstaple, Devon, on:
Thurs 25th, Sat 27th, and Sun 28th of June. In the Baptist Hall, Boutport Street.

For information click here:

Landlord Mr Chan, offers reduced rent to any tenant who is willing to fake a disability! While Lambeth Borough Council give him subsidies for renting-out his bedsits to the'genuinely' disabled! Will his twisted scam bring him closer to his dream of financial security.....!

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The cast:

Mr Chan..............................

Male, aged late-forties. Chinese. A no-nonsense, but likeable guy. Played by an English actor.

Male, aged thirties. Stout, pot-bellied. English. A laid-back, yet sometimes bad-tempered character....
...It’s only the drink that makes him bad-tempered!

Female, aged early to mid-twenties. English.
Is an honest aspiring actor – until tempted by the lure of cheap rent!

Male, aged around twenty. English. A bit of a ‘bad lad’, but not obnoxious however.

Female, aged around fifty. English. A plain-speaking, bureaucratic council employee.

Alan...................................

Kate...................................

Neil....................................

Council Inspector...............

Cheap Bedsits was written as a piece of entertainment, and also to ask questions about what are 'acceptable' roles for actors to portray in theatre. My play has occaisionally been wrongly interpreted as 'politically incorrect' - but, I note, mainly by those who are of a generation old enough to remember 'The Benny Hill Show' of the 1970's!...a show which has had such a traumatising effect on its viewers (or victims) that whenever they hear, say; a 'faux Chinese accent', they instantly have a flashback to Benny Hill and make an immediate connection with bad taste - even after thirty years!

I however (with the benefit of being uncorrupted by Mr Hill and his crimes against comedy), take a more open minded approach! By deliberately using so-called 'racial stereotypes' and 'risque' subject-matter such as 'disability', I aim to 'provoke thought'. I also attempt to question what an actor may, or may not, be able to portray in our time of social-awareness and the ever-present paranoia of who might, or might not, be at risk of being offended.

LATEST UPDATES....

The test-run for 'Cheap Bedsits' at the Bamboo Garden, Exeter on 27th & 28th May
was a success and recieved a good response! A review in the 'Express & Echo'
newspaper on 11th June was also positive (link to follow)!
Many thanks to all those who attended - Joe!

The play is performed by members of THE NORTHCOTT THEATRE COMMUNITY COMPANY. NCC is open to everyone over 20 – no experience necessary! To hear about productions, workshops, masterclasses and theatre trips then join NCC. You can do as much or as little as you like. Either on stage or backstage, this is your chance to have a go, face new challenges, make new friends and above all, to enjoy yourself! The Northcott Community Company (NCC) gives you the chance to work with the theatre professionals in the south west’s premiere producing theatre. Tel: 01392 493493 or visit: EXETERNORTHCOTT.COM

Theatrefest'09

Back to Homepage