How it all began

2010-05-01T16:54:00.015+01:00

I'll start with the title. Someone once said "How do you make a small fortune in theatre? Start with a large one."

Still, that doesn't mean to say you can't. Over the next few posts I will give you my hints and tips on how to write a successful stage play and who knows you might be on your way to Hollywood (or at least Cricklewood) stardom.

Along the way I hope you will share your hints, tips and experiences.

It all started a long, long time ago while eating a Galaxy far away.

After relating the story of the "Bricklayer, the soap and the Goldfish down the plughole" (It's a long story, I'll tell you later) to a friend she said "you ought to write a play about that."

I said "you've got to be joking, the highest qualification I got from school was a grade 2 gcse (that gives my age away, gcse) in Art for a pot Totem pole. Me, write?"

She said "why not? It's not like you have to have a masters degree in Engerlish like what I have got. You know how what people talk like and that's all what you need to know. So give it a go, Joe"

Did I mention that she spoke in rhyme and forgot peoples names?

Anyway, the upshot of it was, I did give it a go and to my amazement the local amdram group gave it an outing. This is how my first stage play Salmon Chanted Evening was born way back in 1995. It was a runaway success and was performed again 3 years later by another amdram group.

OK, OK, I know what your saying, you're not going to get rich on the royalties from that.

Well you're absolutely....right. I didn't get rich on just that, Oh no. That's
where it all started.

There is one thing though. I wish I had started writing at an earlier age. If you're thinking of writing a play don't put it off. Do it. Do it now. No, hang on a bit until I've given you an idea of how to start.

More importantly how to get it performed. Without paying them. They will pay you.

So, stay tuned for more posts where we will get going on your journey through un-paid lovey land (amdram) to the bright lights of the West End and Broadway. Notice I didn't say which West End and which Broadway.

Meanwhile, take a look at Comedy Plays

Be sure and come back now!

How to make a small fortune from writing plays

How it all began