As far back as I can remember I have always had an affiliation with the theatre!  I was born, a few weeks prematurely, seven hours after VE day – my mother was celebrating at a backstage party when I decided to arrive.  Her cousin was Sir Rex Harrison. The first thing I can vividly recall were dreams – cardboard cut-out trees (stage scenery no doubt)……….

My childhood ambition was always to become an actor – but my father wanted me to have a proper career!  He gave me very little choice – a teacher, a doctor or a veterinary surgeon.  I absolutely detested the sight of blood so teaching was the only option!  This was not a problem though – I graduated and taught English and Drama……..

During my few years as a teacher I was able to develop new ideas and to direct a number of established plays as well as a few snippets of my own.  Eventually I joined a repertory theatre company in Salisbury as an ASM – and from there I started my own Theatre-in-Education company.  I also performed in Summer Season in Weymouth and appeared in a one-man show which ran for 84 performances…………..

In the early 1980s I was approached to write a pantomime for a 1200-seater theatre in the Rhondda, South Wales.  I had just one week to produce a working script – complete with 35 original songs – for a cast and chorus of 50 people!  Furthermore I was invited to play the Dame and to direct the production!  Most of the performers had never been on stage before.  What a challenge!  My vision was not only to use the stage but the whole auditorium as well – even down to characters in full costume acting as ushers, programme sellers etc!  And it worked! The then Mayor of Rhondda said it was the best show he had ever seen anywhere………..

The success of this spurred me on to keep writing!  I have only had one of my plays performed since – again with me as director.  Nevertheless this has not deterred me from persevering.  Who knows what is out there?  I have had my rejection letters – the latest from Playscripts Inc. 

I have received encouraging and positive thoughts from my internet friend Gloria.  She has led me to believe that her favourite play is one called ‘They’re Dropping Bombs Not Ham Sandwiches’.  This is a dialogue set not so very long ago between a WW11 veteran and a youth caught up in the troubles of Northern Ireland.  The play takes place in a hospital corridor. The story illustrates the Second World War through flashbacks and all roles are enacted by a cast of five.  I will not go into too much detail as, with all of my plays, there is a proverbial ‘twist in the tale’. 

Currently I have been working on the book and lyrics for a new musical ‘Signs of Fire’ which explores the last year in the life of Van Gogh.    In addition I am working on a novel based on my experiences whilst living in Istanbul – ‘Swim With the Tide’.  I first visited this most magnificent city as a student in 1966 spending 6 months there on  work exchange.  The following years until 1970 I spent several holidays with the many friends I had made.  In 1970-71 I lived there – and worked as an English teacher and as an actor appearing in a few Turkish feature films.  Maybe, one day, the book will be completed – sitting on a roof terrace overlooking the Sea of Marmara surrounded by all the sights and sounds that are so precious and dear to me……

I have organised and maintained a few writer’s groups on Yahoo – my good friend Gloria is a moderator on these!  From meeting other group members I have learnt so much more about writing – we all have our inspirations and our heartaches.  It is fantastic to become published or performed but it is much better to persevere and let the words pour from within.  All my characters speak from my heart and soul – and I am sure that in most cases writers experience the same.  I become each individual.  I must have lived many lives before!  And I hope and trust that I will live many, many more……..