I am now getting all my scripts uploaded so that customers past, present and future can enjoy performing my
Simon Paul and His Literary Stuff - oh, and sometimes a bit of other stuff as well...
Showing posts with label pantomime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pantomime. Show all posts
Sunday, August 25, 2013
My Scripts - BIG UPDATE
Forget below. I have now found a new place to sell my wares: Script Circle.
I am now getting all my scripts uploaded so that customers past, present and future can enjoy performing myridiculous drivel brilliant masterpieces.
Unfortunately, the site where my scripts were for sale, Production Scripts, has folded.
The former owners have intimated that the site has been sold on and that it will be up and running again in due course. However, there is no concrete evidence of this. Consequently, until I get a chance to clean up this blog, all the links to my scripts are now broken. If you would like further information about my scripts then please contact me directly. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
I am now getting all my scripts uploaded so that customers past, present and future can enjoy performing my
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Frog Prince - Coming to a Living Room Near You!
Thanks to Nicole for getting together the DVD of The Frog Prince of which this is a short trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqw-caAtYYs&feature=youtu.be
Labels:
comedy,
DVD,
entertainment,
frog prince,
pantomime,
theatre
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Frog Pince
It turned out to be a brilliant run with audience feedback more than exceeding expectations. As writer as well as director, it was particuarly satisfying to see my work performed and in such a manner that, with an amateur group, was as close to my vision for the show as possible. Just to clarify, in an amateur group, one works with people who choose to come along. One does not have the luxury of being able to cast West End pros. With The Frog Prince, I had the pelaseure of working again with some regular members of Southfields Theatre Group but also some new members of varying theatrical experience. I think for everyone, the experience was a pleasurable one and, crucially, we all learnt a lot and, made new friends in the process.
So, what next? Well, I for one have some other scripts that are works in progress. Not sure yet what the Southfields Theatre Group intends to put on but it will be a dramatic piece round about May/June, another reveiw for charity in the autumn, followed by the next winter panto. What will my contribution be? Not sure yet but what I do know is that I need a rest.
Labels:
comedy,
drama,
entertainment,
frog prince,
pantomime,
theatre
Friday, January 20, 2012
First night nerves...
After a slow and somewhat nervous start, the opening night of The Frog Prince proved a rip-roaring success. Although audience numbers were slightly disappointing (sign of the times) everyone left with happy, smiling faces. Feedback from a good proportion of the audience was that the show was brilliant - trust me on this, ask them! Three more performances to go and tickets still available: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/19213
Labels:
comedy,
drama,
entertainment,
frog prince,
gothic,
pantomime,
theatre
Thursday, January 19, 2012
World Premier of The Frog Prince
Yes, tonight, Thursday 19th January 2012, marks the World Premier of The Frog Prince.
Our audience of one, eight year old Ben, rated it 10/10 after watching the dress rehearsal last night. In just under five hours time, it's all hands to the deck, all cooks to their stations and all drivers in their cabs as the curtain rises. Will you be there, or will you be square? Don't miss out on the theatrical highlight of the year: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Our audience of one, eight year old Ben, rated it 10/10 after watching the dress rehearsal last night. In just under five hours time, it's all hands to the deck, all cooks to their stations and all drivers in their cabs as the curtain rises. Will you be there, or will you be square? Don't miss out on the theatrical highlight of the year: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Three Things to Celebrate in 2012
Yes, 2012 is a great year for the UK. During the summer, we shall be watching the Olympics, hosted in London, the best city in the World - probably. Shortly before that, we shall be whooping it up with HM Elizabeth II to celebrate her phenomenal 60 years as sovereign. Finally, this week sees the World premier of The Frog Prince by Simon Paul. Book here: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Support your local theatre group at Amdram
Support your local theatre group at Amdram
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Frog Prince
My latest script, The Frog Prince will be premièred next week, 19th through to 21st January at St Michael's School, Granville Road, London SW18.
The story has been taken from the traditional frog prince story with elements added from the lesser known story of The Well at the End of the World. Whilst loosely written as a pantomime, it could also be viewed as a straightforward (if such a thing exists) comedy. It is fairly fast paced and has a running joke reflecting the times we live in.
To find out more and to book tickets, go to: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
The story has been taken from the traditional frog prince story with elements added from the lesser known story of The Well at the End of the World. Whilst loosely written as a pantomime, it could also be viewed as a straightforward (if such a thing exists) comedy. It is fairly fast paced and has a running joke reflecting the times we live in.
To find out more and to book tickets, go to: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Frog Prince
The Frog Prince written and directed by Simon Paul of the Southfields Theatre Group will be performed on 19th, 20th and 21st (including a matinee) January 2012 at St Michael's School, Southfields, SW London. Tickets are available through TicketSource.
This is a World Premier containing an array of weird and wonderful characters on their quest for the Well at the End of the World. The production will see a number of new members of the Group joining some of the regulars in an amusing and entertaining romp around the UK. Don't miss it - book now to avoid disappointment.
Labels:
comedy,
drama,
entertainment,
pantomime,
theatre
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Frog Prince
Coming soon...
January 2012 to be precise.
The Frog Prince
a new pantomime
written by
Simon Paul
directed by
Simon Paul
More information as and when available at:
Friday, August 12, 2011
Pantomime season is looming...
With pantomime season looming, now's the time to start searching for a script.
The Production Scripts web site has a good choice of original scripts, including two of mine. The first is a simple version of Cinderella which was written for the Southfields Theatre Group when it first formed. The script was written on the basis that the group was new and that most of the founding members had never done any acting, at least since school. It is a very simple production but also very funny.
The second script I have written is Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves. As yet unperformed, it again has been written with amateur groups in mind.
If you do not care for either of my scripts, you will find a good choice of others at Production Scripts. A good function of the site is that you can purchase reasonably priced read through copies of scripts before you go on to buy performance licences.
The Production Scripts web site has a good choice of original scripts, including two of mine. The first is a simple version of Cinderella which was written for the Southfields Theatre Group when it first formed. The script was written on the basis that the group was new and that most of the founding members had never done any acting, at least since school. It is a very simple production but also very funny.
The second script I have written is Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves. As yet unperformed, it again has been written with amateur groups in mind.
If you do not care for either of my scripts, you will find a good choice of others at Production Scripts. A good function of the site is that you can purchase reasonably priced read through copies of scripts before you go on to buy performance licences.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Pantomime season is looming...
Now is the time that many groups will be considering their pantomime production for the coming winter season. To help you with your choice, here are a couple of suggestions. Cinderella was first performed by the Southfields Theatre Group in January 2009. It received very good reviews and played to a total audience of around 500. It is a fairly traditional take on the story and was written specifically for amateur groups on a tight budget.
Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves has yet to be performed so why not be the first group to give it a try? It too can be done on a fairly tight budget and it is a very humorous script. In each case, as the author, I will be happy to advise on any aspects of the production of either pantomime and to do any rewrites that might help to produce the show to your needs.
Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves has yet to be performed so why not be the first group to give it a try? It too can be done on a fairly tight budget and it is a very humorous script. In each case, as the author, I will be happy to advise on any aspects of the production of either pantomime and to do any rewrites that might help to produce the show to your needs.
Labels:
amateur,
drama,
pantomime,
production,
simon paul,
theater,
theatre,
writer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves by Simon Paul
You can now purchase a review copy of Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves direct from me here:
Cinderella by Simon Paul
You can now purchase a review copy of Cinderella direct from me in pdf format here:
Monday, September 6, 2010
Southfields Theatre Group
Two new shows are now in the planning stages by the Southfields Theatre Group.
The first is a revue with a war theme which will take place at the Earl Spencer pub in Southfields on 11th, 12th and 13th November. All profits from the show will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
The second show is the traditional pantomime which will take place on 6th, 7th and 8th January. More information and updates will appear on the group web site: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk/
The first is a revue with a war theme which will take place at the Earl Spencer pub in Southfields on 11th, 12th and 13th November. All profits from the show will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
The second show is the traditional pantomime which will take place on 6th, 7th and 8th January. More information and updates will appear on the group web site: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk/
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Writer's block!
I suppose it comes to us all at some point. I am stuck on scene six of Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves. This scene is where Ali's dim son, Duncan and the slave girl Morgiana express their love for each other. However, while they are both on stage at the same time and their respective speeches are addressed about each other, neither are addressing the other directly - if that makes sense. It is intended to be a little like the opening of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. But it's just not coming together. So, do I just struggle on; rethink the scene and give them some direct interaction; change the situation; or should I scrap the scene altogether and write them into another scene? I don't know.
I didn't have these problems with Cinderella but then the story was already there and it was just a case of write a funny script. With Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves, I have taken a familiar story and made considerable changes. It's now about World domination through cornering the market in myrrh! Oh what fun!
Labels:
comedy,
drama,
pantomime,
theatreatre
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Cinderella
My Cinderella script is now available on a 'read through/workshop' licence as well as various performance licences. Have a look here.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
See my profile at Production Scripts
You can view my profile at Productions Scripts here.
This is an excellent site for script writers. Before being able to buy your scripts easily online, potential buyers also have the opportunity to see an excerpt of your play. It is a very user-friendly portal both for buyers and writers. Check it out.
This is an excellent site for script writers. Before being able to buy your scripts easily online, potential buyers also have the opportunity to see an excerpt of your play. It is a very user-friendly portal both for buyers and writers. Check it out.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Cinderella by Simon Paul now available online
My Cindrella script is now available to buy online at the Production Scripts web site.
Within seconds, you can have access to a full review copy or a licence to perform for as many nights as you require.
Within seconds, you can have access to a full review copy or a licence to perform for as many nights as you require.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
New pantomime in sight...
After months of scribbling, my latest pantomime, Ali the Barber and the Forty Thieves (C) is nearly finished. That said, there are still a couple of scenes to complete. However, they are written in my head and should be a formality to download onto paper. In the meantime, here is a small taster of what can be expected in the finished product.
Scene 1: Ali’s Barber Shop, Baghdad ― in which three strange customers come in and tell Ali their tale
(The stage is in darkness as the Narrator begins to set the scene.)
NARRATOR Long, long ago in the ancient city of Baghdad. In the even more ancient empire of Persia, there lived, in the company of his domineering wife and somewhat dim son, a man called Ali. Now Ali and his family were simple law abiding folk just like the majority of Baghdadians. (Frowns and ponders for a moment.) Ali himself was a simple man, a barber by trade. But trade was in regression, Baghdad was in recession, beards were in fashion so Ali and his family lived on rations. (Having exhausted himself through the last sentence the Narrator takes a moment to calm himself.) Phew! Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Ali, the barber. (At this point the lights come up on stage to reveal a barber shop and Ali walks on sweeping the floor.) And here is our hero, sweeping the floor, as if he'd been flooded with customers. Still, he does take pride in his little boutique bless. Now, on with the story. Ali, as I said was a barber. Now the thing about Barbers is that they meet all sorts of people and pick up all sorts of snippets of information. Ali was no different. Although in Ali's case a little bit of knowledge was definitely a dangerous thing! Anyway, when he had customers, he had a natural way of getting them to talk. So, one day oh, it will have to wait. It seems Ali has some customers...
(Into Ali's shop walk three very well dressed gentlemen but looking shabby and dusty from travelling from afar. Customer 1 looks particularly shabby and has a bandage on his head and long hair underneath. Customer 2 has dreadlocks and Customer 3 has a particularly long beard. Customers 2 and 3 each carry an ornate box.)
CUSTOMER 1 Good morning boy. Get your master, we require some grooming.
CUSTOMER 2 Yes. My locks require urgent attention.
CUSTOMER 3 A shampoo and set for my beard. It's full of dust and stuff. (Pulls a chicken from out of his beard and throws it offstage.)
CUSTOMER 1 Well, boy. What are waiting for? Get your master here pronto. We're desperate.
CUSTOMER 2 Speak for yourself dear. (Turning to Customer 3.) Anything edible in there by any chance?
CUSTOMER 3 Nothing more so than might be lurking in that Gordian knot on your head!
CUSTOMER 1 Oh plug it you two. Now boy, do we get some service here or do we take our business elsewhere.
ALI I am the proprietor of this establishment sir. I can see that you are not from these parts and are much travelled. From the looks of your beards, you must have been on the road a long time since the last city. I suspect that some misfortune has occurred during your travels. Would you like me to call the constable?
CUSTOMER 1 You are an observant and wise man. There is no need for a constable. What happened, happened. We shall find the men that accosted me and grind their bones to dust. In the meantime, we need a shave. Is that too much to ask?
Scene 1: Ali’s Barber Shop, Baghdad ― in which three strange customers come in and tell Ali their tale
(The stage is in darkness as the Narrator begins to set the scene.)
NARRATOR Long, long ago in the ancient city of Baghdad. In the even more ancient empire of Persia, there lived, in the company of his domineering wife and somewhat dim son, a man called Ali. Now Ali and his family were simple law abiding folk just like the majority of Baghdadians. (Frowns and ponders for a moment.) Ali himself was a simple man, a barber by trade. But trade was in regression, Baghdad was in recession, beards were in fashion so Ali and his family lived on rations. (Having exhausted himself through the last sentence the Narrator takes a moment to calm himself.) Phew! Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Ali, the barber. (At this point the lights come up on stage to reveal a barber shop and Ali walks on sweeping the floor.) And here is our hero, sweeping the floor, as if he'd been flooded with customers. Still, he does take pride in his little boutique bless. Now, on with the story. Ali, as I said was a barber. Now the thing about Barbers is that they meet all sorts of people and pick up all sorts of snippets of information. Ali was no different. Although in Ali's case a little bit of knowledge was definitely a dangerous thing! Anyway, when he had customers, he had a natural way of getting them to talk. So, one day oh, it will have to wait. It seems Ali has some customers...
(Into Ali's shop walk three very well dressed gentlemen but looking shabby and dusty from travelling from afar. Customer 1 looks particularly shabby and has a bandage on his head and long hair underneath. Customer 2 has dreadlocks and Customer 3 has a particularly long beard. Customers 2 and 3 each carry an ornate box.)
CUSTOMER 1 Good morning boy. Get your master, we require some grooming.
CUSTOMER 2 Yes. My locks require urgent attention.
CUSTOMER 3 A shampoo and set for my beard. It's full of dust and stuff. (Pulls a chicken from out of his beard and throws it offstage.)
CUSTOMER 1 Well, boy. What are waiting for? Get your master here pronto. We're desperate.
CUSTOMER 2 Speak for yourself dear. (Turning to Customer 3.) Anything edible in there by any chance?
CUSTOMER 3 Nothing more so than might be lurking in that Gordian knot on your head!
CUSTOMER 1 Oh plug it you two. Now boy, do we get some service here or do we take our business elsewhere.
ALI I am the proprietor of this establishment sir. I can see that you are not from these parts and are much travelled. From the looks of your beards, you must have been on the road a long time since the last city. I suspect that some misfortune has occurred during your travels. Would you like me to call the constable?
CUSTOMER 1 You are an observant and wise man. There is no need for a constable. What happened, happened. We shall find the men that accosted me and grind their bones to dust. In the meantime, we need a shave. Is that too much to ask?
(C) Simon Paul, 2010
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