Jon: What do you need to write a play?
David:
Well you need a really good idea. You need an idea that excites you. If
you aren’t excited by the idea when you start then you won’t be in six
months time and that can be how long it takes to write a play. The
other really important thing to consider is the audience you are
writing for. I write plays for young audiences and their families. Some
of the plays I write are aimed at 3 year olds and some are aimed at 12
year olds. Before I start writing a play I have to think very carefully
about the language I use and the issues I address.
Jon: How do you keep a play interesting?
David:
Well, there are two things that I think help keep a play interesting.
Firstly it is what the play looks like. A lot of the work that we do
has to be very visually appealing so that children of all ages and
abilities can engage with what we are showing them. Secondly and most
importantly you must set up a story that the audience engages with and
the way I do that is set up a conflict between one or more of the
characters that is resolved towards the end of the play.
Jon: Finally, have you any top tips for all our budding playwrights taking part in this year’s WebPlay?
David:
Never discount any of your ideas. Write them all down especially if you
are writing your first draft as you never know what magical place an
idea will take you. If you ever get stuck for an idea just keep writing
and you’ll find that more and more ideas will come to you. It is only
when you come to the second draft that you should start editing. Then
you can decide which scenes work the best. It is at this point that
your play will really start to take shape.
'Sensationally silly and utterly brilliant... a sensational piece of ensemble playing…utterly brilliant.'
- Sunday Herald * * * * *
