BUDS

Attended the Script Yorkshire second BUDS in Bradford on Sat, which had learnt from mistakes of the first in Leeds before Christmas and went much smoother. It was particularly useful to be able to give and get feedback there and then. The stricter timing and frequent breaks helped a lot, and we didn't have any early exodus (last time, the pieces which over-ran seem to have had the effect of making most of the audience run too). Most of all, it was fun. (When it stops being that, I shall stop writing.)

Colin Lewisohn directed an excerpt from my work-in-progress play 'The Black Prince', with Eddie Butler in the title role, Warwick St John as Hugh, my limp lettuce lawyer would-be hero, and Alissa Juvan as the femme fatale of the piece (with Colin as her pimp). It went great and I'm working on it further, with some research to do to help the development.

BUDS brought forth a lot ov variety, from my own favourite talking statue to goon a type radio play, Scarborough vikings and a Vicky Pollard stylee Virgin Mary.
The discussions/feedback were helpful too.

Rain, Rain, don't go away

Went to a rainy but inspiring Authors North, Soc of Authors get-together today in Carlisle. Speakers were John Murray (former editor of the sadly deceased but excellent 'Panurge' and a writer/editor committed only to what is best, not best known or most saleable) and the talented and intriguing writer, Clare Sambrook.

If only we had another 'Panurge'...! (Though I do have several other urges.)

Haworth, Yorkshire

Took New Zealand playwright friend, who is over staying with me, up to Haworth today, as she'd never been to the Bronte Parsonage. It was fairly quiet there (impending world cup factor?), so its charm came through - even down to being served by a dead-ringer for Mrs Overall/Julie Walter's 'Two Soups' rolled into one, in a cafe (just never ask that waitress for a latte, is all I can say). Heading off to the Dales afterwards, I realised how good it is to be based in Yorkshire, where there's no shortage of inspiration around.

And it seems I've won the World Cup sweepstake at work. Better than a kick in the teeth, I suppose (or should it be a kick in a lower zone, judging by some of the fouls around).