"In my old job I felt brain-dead. Playwriting has brought me to life"

Hometown
Born in Hereford. Spent most of my professional playwriting career in Worcester, and moved to the north west about a year ago.

What do you do?
Playwright and drama worker (self-employed). I also lecture in playwriting and drama at UCE Birmingham and Birkbeck College, London.

How long have you been doing it?
Professional playwright since 2000. University lecturer since about 2001.

What was your very first role in theatre?
Amateur actor and amateur deviser/playwright

What else have you done in theatre?
I’ve stage managed, acted, directed and, most of all, written. I started getting professionally produced in 2000. Since then I’ve written for stage and radio. I am currently under commission to Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Have you got qualifications?
Degree in drama
MA (a second, higher-level degree) in playwriting studies
Both achieved in my mid-to-late 30s

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I was a computer systems developer for 18 years

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I started a part-time drama degree, which became a full-time degree. I attended a playwrights’ group at my local producing theatre (Worcester Swan) and helped run events. By the time I pitched an idea with a group of colleagues, the theatre knew me, knew my work and knew I would deliver.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A sea lion. It’s probably too late now.

What do you do all day?
It’s very seasonal and depends on the commission. Teaching gives some sort of structure to the year (although I do pick up one-off education projects on an occasional basis). I like each writing job to develop its own work pattern – not chaotic, but open to the possibilities that a new project might offer.

What’s the best thing about your job?
In my old job I felt brain-dead. Playwriting has brought me to life.

And the worst?
Lack of security and periods of lack of self-confidence where there’s no-one but myself to pick me up

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Commissioned playwright

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Write. Get work on its feet (even if it’s only read by friends at home). Go to the theatre to see the work of living playwrights from every background. Read all sorts of plays. Be open to change.