Within days of its publication on Production Scripts, my latest monologue, The Secret Agent made its first sale. Only a review copy but a sale nevertheless. It was purchased by a teacher at a high school in the US who also purchased various other scripts. He may have been amassing material for a high school review or just for some drama class exercises.
The Secret Agent joins my other scripts which are all now increasing in popularity. There are a lot more ideas in motion and I will be publishing further scripts, both monologues and full length pieces throughout 2013 and beyond. In the meantime, happy New Year to all my blog followers and readers.
Showing posts with label play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label play. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2013
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
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Grid#Productions Up-date - Gothic Themes
Things are moving slowly with Grid#Productions but better to be cautious and come up with some real quality than to steer the whole thing on to the rocks.
The strategy will be to focus on productions based on Gothic and macabre tales inspired by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and more. The origins of Gothic horror are said to be steeped in Horace Walpole's 'The Castle of Otranto' written in 1764. However, we can probably go back a lot further to unpublished tales, often handed down through the generations in poetic form. However, Walpole's tale was the first published story that spawned a new and exciting genre.
The focus on these tales is because they lend themselves so brilliantly to the dramatic form. With moments of drama, suspense, romance and sometimes eroticism, it is a genre that that has been explored many time, especially in film but perhaps less so in theatre. However, whilst not wanting to jump on the back of the recent production of Frankenstein, audiences are attracted to themes and plot lines that appear to dwell on legend, myth and unexplained circumstances.
Please go to the Grid#Productions site and follow it for up dates as and when they are available.
The strategy will be to focus on productions based on Gothic and macabre tales inspired by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and more. The origins of Gothic horror are said to be steeped in Horace Walpole's 'The Castle of Otranto' written in 1764. However, we can probably go back a lot further to unpublished tales, often handed down through the generations in poetic form. However, Walpole's tale was the first published story that spawned a new and exciting genre.
The focus on these tales is because they lend themselves so brilliantly to the dramatic form. With moments of drama, suspense, romance and sometimes eroticism, it is a genre that that has been explored many time, especially in film but perhaps less so in theatre. However, whilst not wanting to jump on the back of the recent production of Frankenstein, audiences are attracted to themes and plot lines that appear to dwell on legend, myth and unexplained circumstances.
Please go to the Grid#Productions site and follow it for up dates as and when they are available.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
RolePlay by Alan Ayckbourn
With less than two weeks to curtain up, tickets for RolePlay by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by someone called Simon Paul are selling fast.
The production happens at St Barnabus Church, Lavenham Road, London SW18 on 14th, 15th and 16th July at 7:30pm. The play is the third part of a trilogy themed along the lines of damsels in distress. The action takes place in a Docklands flat where a young couple have arranged a dinner party for their respective parents to meet for the first time. Their best laid plans start to go awry when one of their neighbours literally drops in. All good fun.
Go to the Southfields Theatre Group web site for more information: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
The production happens at St Barnabus Church, Lavenham Road, London SW18 on 14th, 15th and 16th July at 7:30pm. The play is the third part of a trilogy themed along the lines of damsels in distress. The action takes place in a Docklands flat where a young couple have arranged a dinner party for their respective parents to meet for the first time. Their best laid plans start to go awry when one of their neighbours literally drops in. All good fun.
Go to the Southfields Theatre Group web site for more information: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Friday, June 3, 2011
Creating an exciting piece of theatre...
My own experience of writing for the theatre is to think this way. First of all, come up with a clear vision of what the finished production will look like. This is what I am doing for the first show that will be produced through Grid#Productions.
I used the same process with my first piece, Cinderella. Okay, so the story is very familiar. However, I wanted it to be a simple show that could be produced by an amateur theatre group on a very tight budget. In fact most shows can be produced very simply.
Once the vision is there, the rest sort of falls in to place. It is a matter of introducing the various characters and ensuring a good plot line that has a beginning, middle and an end. This is all rather similar when starting a business - putting on my hat as a business adviser for a moment. It's all about that vision of where you want to be. At the end of the day, if you can see the big picture, the detail will fall into place much more easily.
I used the same process with my first piece, Cinderella. Okay, so the story is very familiar. However, I wanted it to be a simple show that could be produced by an amateur theatre group on a very tight budget. In fact most shows can be produced very simply.
Once the vision is there, the rest sort of falls in to place. It is a matter of introducing the various characters and ensuring a good plot line that has a beginning, middle and an end. This is all rather similar when starting a business - putting on my hat as a business adviser for a moment. It's all about that vision of where you want to be. At the end of the day, if you can see the big picture, the detail will fall into place much more easily.
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:
Monday, May 2, 2011
Southfields Theatre Group now on Facebook
Yes! You can now find the Southfields Theatre Group on Facebook. You can keep up to date with news and events of the Group. Alternatively, you can just check out the new look web site at: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Profiles of members are gradually being up loaded. Details of the forthcoming show, RolePlay by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Simon Paul can also be found including booking information.
Profiles of members are gradually being up loaded. Details of the forthcoming show, RolePlay by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Simon Paul can also be found including booking information.
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/
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The fun and joy of Facebook
Even that esteemed bastion of taste and all that is decent and upstanding, the BBC, admitted this week that Facebook has revolutionised the way we use computers. Has it? I don't know! What I do know is that it is a wonderful way to promote stuff. It is especially good for writers and other creative types like wot I is!
It is also a very immediate way to get out a message to hundreds, thousands and potentially millions of people within minutes, hours or days at most. Unlike Twitter, you can send out a bit more than half a sentence. Combined with Twitter it is a full-on assault on an unseen and unsuspecting audience. If you haven't already realised the power of Facebook, then click on any of the links in this text or on my Facebook mug shot further down the page.
It is also a very immediate way to get out a message to hundreds, thousands and potentially millions of people within minutes, hours or days at most. Unlike Twitter, you can send out a bit more than half a sentence. Combined with Twitter it is a full-on assault on an unseen and unsuspecting audience. If you haven't already realised the power of Facebook, then click on any of the links in this text or on my Facebook mug shot further down the page.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Murder in Company
Last night saw the final performance of the Southfields Theatre Group's latest offering, Murder in Company, written by Philip King and John Bowland and directed by Tony Parkin.
The play is set within an amateur dramatic group under the curse of a local prowler who has been attacking women, including a member of the cast. When one of the characters is murdered, suspicion falls on various cast members, both for the murder and as the local prowler.
This is a very difficult play in terms of the pace (in the first two acts) and the characterisations, especially in act three where the cast have to play characters within the play they are rehearsing as an amateur group. Despite the play itself, the members of Souhtfields Theatre Group managed a sterling performance and created a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre. Roll on the next show, a war-themed review, 'Hang Out the Flags' sometime in November.
The play is set within an amateur dramatic group under the curse of a local prowler who has been attacking women, including a member of the cast. When one of the characters is murdered, suspicion falls on various cast members, both for the murder and as the local prowler.
This is a very difficult play in terms of the pace (in the first two acts) and the characterisations, especially in act three where the cast have to play characters within the play they are rehearsing as an amateur group. Despite the play itself, the members of Souhtfields Theatre Group managed a sterling performance and created a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre. Roll on the next show, a war-themed review, 'Hang Out the Flags' sometime in November.
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
1001 Arabian Nights and a matinee
Okay, so the show took place at the end of last week. Please see this link for some brilliant pics.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tickets on sale now...
Tickets are now on sale for the Southfields Theatre Group Production of 1001 Arabian Nights and a Matinee. To book your tickets, please follow this link: http://www.1001-arabian-nights.co.uk/
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Taking a back seat...
Well, after several weeks of working like a dog, there appears to be no let up. Therefore, along with the great and the good of the Southfields Drama Group, I have decided to take a back seat on this year's pantomime. As that also means delaying the completion of my latest script, the Group will buy a script off the shelf for this year's production. Ahh, shame! Still, the great Simon comeback will happen next year, when hopefully work will permit. This will give me some breathing space to complete what so far is a good script and by this time next year will be a brilliant one! Oh, I can smell the fresh air already. So, watch this space for further news of the forthcoming production which I shall announce as and when I know what it is. Any guesses? Alladin? Puss in Boots? Donkey in Drag? Hippo in Hat. Who knows, who cares. Bound to be a corker though.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Dates for next show
The next production of Southfields Theatre Group will be a pantomime to be announced in due course. The production dates will be Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Friday 8th & Saturday 9th January 2010. Please get in touch via the group web site: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
Friday, October 2, 2009
New Web Site for Southfields Theatre Group
Southfields Theatre Group now has its own web site: http://www.southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
It's still a work in progress but a good start. Take a look to find out more about our last production of Forty.
It's still a work in progress but a good start. Take a look to find out more about our last production of Forty.
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