Getting a lucky break is one of the classic dramatic devices in musical theatre but in reality getting a foot in the theatre door is usually the result of hard graft.
West Yorkshire Playhouse recognises securing that first break can be hard which is why they are staging A Season of New Writing that kicks off onThursday 24 May.
Literary Director Alex Chisholm has pulled together a dizzying array of world premiers, commissioned adaptations, new work and masterclasses to help new people get their first start.
“The season is about writers, artists and creating new work. There’s a huge amount of work that goes on the Playhouse, both in terms of what goes on stage, and also behind the scenes in developing new work, new artists, new writers and all kinds of people who make theatre,” says Alex.
“There’s some fantastic work going on and a lot of things in the season that are comedic, that are tragic, are unusual or just great stories. It reflects the wealth of talent and abilities that we have in this region.”
Ok, great that you’re putting on new shows but what if the shows are rubbish or the writers can’t write? Aren’t you just giving them false hope?
“That’s a point, but all the things we show have been through some sort of selection so there’s been a point where we’ve chosen them.. Obviously there’s a variety of levels of experience, and where people are in terms of their work.
“But there will a different thing for different people, but one of the highlights for me is a showing of a new adaption of Benjamin Zephanian’s Refugee Boy which is a beautiful work that is so relevant and passionate. We’ve engaged the brilliant writer and poet Lemn Sissay, who some people will know of, to create this adaptation of the book which is performed on Thursday 31 May.”
For a major theatre the Playhouse is always game to take risks, and this time it’s a world premiere of Leandra Ashton’s pan European love story Napoli.
“Napoli is a play I’ve been trying to buy for a long while which I got sent and really liked. I met Leandra, who is from Richmond in North Yorkshire, and I thought it had tremendous potential, so I am really glad I’ve supported it into production.
“It’s has had a really good response because it is an epic and romantic story stretching from Napoli to North Yorkshire, so what more could you want from a drama.”
But it’s not just a cliquey luvvie fest so if you a have burning desire to get your work heard or produced there are tons of opportunities to get your break.
“For people very actively involved in theatre, or are hoping to get into theatre, there are loads of things that will be helpful for them. There’s a free industry day on Saturday 26 May when they can come in and talk to people who are already working professionally in theatre to get their ideas and help.
“There is a discussion event on Wednesday 30th May with writers to discuss the very live issues around what sort of theatre we want to making today, and how and who is going to be making it.”
The season also has an outpost in Bradford’s Theatre in the Mill showcasing The Rain King and Rabbitskin which are both works in progress.
* A Season of New Writing runs at West Yorkshire Playhouse and Theatre in the Mill from 24 May to 1 June. Tickets are available from 0113 213 7700 or www.wyp.org.uk.