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Last Site Update
19 May 2012

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Amanda Whittington Theatre Luncheon

A memorable NANDA luncheon was held at the Welbeck Hotel when over 40 guests attended an excellent theatre luncheon with Amanda Whittington, the renowned local playwright as guest speaker.

Amanda gave a fascinating insight into the way plays are crafted and the process used for getting them staged by theatres. She explained that the modern route was usually for Theatres to commission a writer to work with the creative team of a theatre and arrive at a consensual view, This would involve character, storyline , setting and presentation. Conflicts of approach and opinion are then fully aired, discussed and resolved. Her two most successful plays “Ladies Day” and “Ladies down under” used this process and immersed her not only in the writing but also in to the work and ambitions of the Hull Truck Theatre Company ; the commissioning agent.

She understood that for new writers the procurement of commissions could be difficult but she advised that a number of agents specialised in promoting new writing and welcomed the submissions of scripts. She also confirmed that theatres and the BBC and other agencies were on the constant look out for new writing.

Amanda confessed she was particularly pleased with number of Amateur Societies who had taken to her plays which were now being performed throughout the Country. She went on to answer a series of questions about the nature of the characterisations raised by the guests present who had or were about to perform in several of her plays. She explained that in the case of “Ladies Day” the play was derived from a meeting at the races where she quietly absorbed the rich and diverse assembly of assorted ladies. She felt that their conversations and antics would make for a real comedy.

Thanks were extended to Amanda for her time and excellent presentation and also to Jack Barrett for the organisation of the event.