Abandon
Writing Room Extra’s showcase for 2023
About the work
Fifteen writers, one word, a myriad of meaning...
Hurtling into the new year, our long-running group of resilient writers sink their teeth into the bones of one word in all its manifestations.
These short rehearsed readings combine to be the first showcase of the year from the hugely popular writers' group, delivered for the Courtyard by Feral Productions and Open Sky Theatre.
Throw caution to the January winds and cosy up with us in the Nell Gwynne Studio for an evening of unrestrained creative talent.
Performances
16th Jan 2023
The Courtyard, Nell Gwynne Studio
Meet Your Maker
By Samuelson Obigbesan
In this short play a writer struggles to impress his date, who strongly resembles a character he created. She blames him for her tragic backstory and he’s terrified!
A Decree of Absolution
By Geoffrey Young
In this short radio play a writer, driven to the edge of insanity by the discovery that his wife has cheated on him, kidnaps and her partner in crime by boat. Atop the waves, recriminations and vengeance follow.
A Dish Best Served Cold
By Mary Elizabeth Davies
In this short play a woman, driven to despair by her father’s past abuses, recalls how, one Saturday morning, despite her fears, she felt compared to kill him.
The Last Wish
By Bee Costello-Bates
In this short play petty criminal Owen makes a dying wish to his son Paul but it’s illegal. Will Paul carry out Owen’s last wish and live with the consequences or refuse to live with the guilt?
Rescuing Tomek
By Keith Miller
In this extract from a TV pilot an emotionally bruised Polish detective reluctantly agrees to help a Welsh police force track down his long-time nemesis. In so doing he leans that help from outsiders is not welcome.
I’ll be Right Back
By Ellie Davies
In this short film script Ryan would give anything to make a good impression with Alice’s parents. She’d even risk unravelling the very fabric of time itself with the help of her dance revolution machine and a particularly catchy track by Busted.
Cold Shoulder
By Jordan-Alicia Todd
In this play extract set in London in the 1660’s, the division of care for ailing parents between siblings causes a confrontation. Is Poll lazy, or truly in need of help?
Secret
By Margaret Murphy-O’Conner
On this shirt play set in 1989’s middle England, Diana and her husband Clive visit her elder sister Sylvia after many years. Diana wants to find out why Sylvia has always been hostile.
The Ironmonger's Sons
By Richard Loveridge
This extract from a full length play takes place in the backroom of a local hotel where an enquiry is being held to determine if Isaac’s drunkenness resulted in his wife’s death. Its conclusion will have a profound impact on the lives of his two sons.
Seen but Not Heard
By Gill Parsons
In this extract from a full-length play set in 1950’s Britain, 6-year-old Uma is to leave the family home. Her parents wonder if she will ever return and what exactly she did wrong.
Apple Pie, Live or Die!
By Judy Woodfield
In this short film script set during WWII British soldier Bill has been traumatised by the horrors of Auschwitz and finds himself forced to march 600 miles towards freedom. Could the simple apple pie determine his fate?
The Hanged Man
By Morgan Martin
In this short play an inmate in a futuristic prison faces the ultimate punishment for their vicious crimes: empathy.
Cast/ crew
Performers: Alexandra Burring, Taryn Hodges, Ellis Holt, Nancy Rodell John, Sam Rimmington & Dan Williams.
Mentored by Lisle Turner
Directed by Claire Coaché
Produced by Estelle van Warmelo