March 6th 2022 meeting

Members and friends’ news:

Jenny Rowe is currently appearing in the tour of the Connaught Theatre Worthing resident production company Conn Artists’ production of JM Barrie’s Mary Rose. https://www.conn-artists.co.uk/mary-rose

Simon Moorhead & Emily Rosen-Rawlings’ production of the short film “Breathe” directed by Josh Merrit, made for Screen South, Arts Council and the BBC, showed at the Komedia Brighton as part of a package of short films for the Oska Bright Film Festival.

James Allen’s short film currently in post production will be shown at the DAFTAS, parodying 2021 films at the ‘Rotunda’ (Pop-up on Regency Square) on May 15th 4.30pm. And he’s about to have his first stand up comedy gig in London, following a stand-up writing and performance course. https://www.brightonfringe.org/venues/the-daftas-comedy-short-films-screening-159799/

Wayne Liversidge’ true story is told in the book Love’s Poison, and will shortly be coming out as an audio book on Audible. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loves-Poison-novel-based-events-ebook/dp/B08WRF4MYN

Also in the Fringe:

Lin Robinson’s play Mala Sororibus is at the Rotunda, Regency Square

Philip Willet appears in Crunch by Sarah Archer at the Latest Bar

Both will be presenting extracts at the next meeting.

More details and ticket info at https://www.brightonfringe.org/whats-on/

March’s event saw several new short script readings:

The Frontline by Lin Robinson, was read by Philippa and Lin. Jason wants a job in the Prison Service – but what’s he really after? Funny, insightful look at what really drives some people to join the prison service, the police, the army? Dark undertones for today.

We agreed we’d welcome a return to sketch comedy over the current cheap panel and reality shows currently dominating the TV schedules.

Pickman’s Method (working title), written and presented by Adrian Jameson, a regular at Cabaret Lab and now reinventing the horror story. A two hander work in progress set in an art studio in a creepy old Boston house sparked great conversation around Gothic horror and Grand Guignol theatre, M.R. James and Christmas and Halloween horror stories on TV, film and stage. Adrian is planning live theatre around short, punchy, explosive tales.

Discussions ranged around:

The Warren will not be present at the Fringe this year.

The financial impact of lockdown for venues, production companies and individual performers.

What makes a venue?? Fly tower, lighting equipment, backstage facilities …

Critiquing some current films

And the Amazon/Apple/Netflix phenomenon – it’s a new world out there for writing and production – a new creativity, new studios and huge new TV series on the horizon.

February 6th 2022 meeting

No meeting held in January.

February’s meeting saw a friendly gathering

News:
 
Wayne’s story Love’s Poison will soon be available as an audio book on Audible.
 
James has several short films currently in production.
 
Louise is appearing in Let The Right One In at Northbrook College.
 
Robert announced his novel Architecture for Beginners is to be published by Hobart Books.
 
Sarah and Philip are in pre production with Sarah’s new comedy drama play Crunch, with Philip in the leading role, for their Fringe run at the Latest
 
Neil is teaching performing arts to 16-18 year olds and is involved with a playwriting competition from the National Theatre.
 
Jenny’s had a short story published, is rehearsing Mary Rose for a tour beginning at the Connaught Theatre then working with the Maydays improv troupe at Brighton Fringe.
 
Thomas & Philippa continue with a range of writing and training/coaching projects.
 
Wine and conversation covered …
 
Taking your play to the Edinburgh Fringe
Brighton Fringe venues, publicity & promotion, fliers and fees
Writing your show’s Fringe brochure blurb
Brighton Hippodrome Theatre
Arts Council England funding – and the practicalities of starting and running a new theatre venue in the region with no funding
Touring company tales – scenery that doesn’t fit the venue spec, lighting issues …
Casting your play and actors’ pay – lo/no pay and the national Minimum Wage
Things especially when filming your script on location that could potentially involve the police …
Taking your film to Cannes
Sending your script to film festivals
Sussex Playwrights are looking to start a short plays publishing project – news to come
Possible future collaborations for Sussex Playwrights with teen writers, workshops at the New Venture Theatre