Writing Room member produced radio play

Writing Room member Gill Parsons has produced a radio play, Giving.

Here, Gill shares her experience of The Writing Room and how it has helped her produce Giving.

Gill Parsons on The Writing Room.

“The Writing Room is a beacon for anyone wanting to hone their skills or even just get started in writing drama. For me and numerous others The Courtyard/Feral Writing Room continues to provide an environment to learn and progress. It gives writers the opportunity to create and develop dynamic and exciting dialogue. A place to find support, camaraderie and direction. It’s influenced how I think about what I write. But more than that, how I shape my characters and what they get up to is all in the mix. Crafting drama that provokes reactions in the audience is a large part of my motivation.

I first came across the Writing Room about 5 years ago. I’d been writing in different guises over many years: publishing journal articles, producing research papers, writing reports. All things I enjoyed doing but it was time for a change, for a different challenge. In fact, to tread a different path from the comfortable, familiar worlds I’d grown used to. That’s what it looks like now. In truth I might have been dragged kicking and screaming to this new and scary world.

When a friend suggested I join the Writing for the Stage Hereford Courtyard course she was attending, I froze. Me, do that? No way. I was fearful that if asked to come up with ideas, I’d be found seriously wanting. At the time a course of 3 workshops were on offer. With little time to think or reflect I said I’d ‘bite the bullet’. That was then and this is now.  I’m excited that a professional production of my black comedy radio drama ‘Giving’ has recently launched as a podcast. Support from Feral Productions and The Courtyard has been crucial in developing this. Success has followed: interest is being expressed to use and apply the work on higher education courses; and I’ve given interviews to hospital and local radio stations. With Arts Council funding this made and set in Hereford audio drama will I hope pave the way for others who might be afraid to take the plunge into creative writing to see they too can progress.

What plans do I have for future work?  I continue to attend the Writing Room and am now involved in working on a collaborative drama for Feral Productions and Open Sky Theatre being delivered for The Courtyard.”

Listen to Gill’s audio drama Giving below:

When three sisters come together to organise a party at the request of their elderly mother, they find themselves faced with an unexpected dilemma…

Credits:

Written by Gill Parsons

Directed by Ellis Kerkhoven

Produced by Estelle van Warmelo

Sound Design by Adam Bertenshaw

Admin by Chloe Bradman

Cast:

Anne played by Madi McMahon

Linda played by Sarah Pearman

Heather played by Kate Pothecary

Kimberley/Nurse played by Judith Eveson

Captain/Doctor played by Ellis Kerkhoven