Just to say a huge thank you to all the women who came to the development day on Friday at the Sony Theatre. It really felt like the beginning of something very special. Lets hope its the start of the journey for Jam and Chutney.

We began the day looking at the issues faced by women in their work, rest and play. We talked honestly and openly - the 'key' behind my intentions of the play. When we began looking at the positives of our lives we were stumped, the room fell silent. (but of course really we do know there are lots of positives just couldn't think of any at the time)

During lunch we read extracts from 'Like Water for Chocolate' the vehicle of the play. I am sure we will still laugh in weeks to come at the naked woman running across the fields....

After lots of cake... we began with objects of domesticity and key statements where the actresses made instant reactions to them. Afterwards we began placing loosely based characters in a situation but then sadly time run out. The workshop could have gone on much longer...there is still work to be done...stories to be told.

Later that day I had to discuss another project with Max Stafford Clarke whom asked what we had been doing that day, I told him that we had been looking at the middle class facade and he said 'very interesting and what a very ambitious project...'

I just want to say it is so refreshing to work with such a big group of women who are all passionate about the lack of opportunities for this age group 25+ - this voice needs to be heard on stage. What we achieved was the tip of the iceberg and lets hope there'll be a future opportunity to develop the characters and dialogue. We realised there's a whole audience of people out there who want to see real and honest theatre about what women really experience.

I love my art and abstract of the wall stuff but now is the time for good honest storytelling and a revisit to good basic down to earth stories that the average person can relate to.

I'll never forget the impro with the whisk.... thanks guys and hope to work with you all very soon xx

Future development:

I am in the process of collecting true stories, verbatim, if you would like to contribute an interview or stories that could be put forward get in touch.

Thanks

1.618 Theatre