Two brand new dramas are set to be showcased as the winners of a pioneering Norfolk playwriting competition.
The works, by two amateur playwrights, will be read by professional actors at Sheringham Little Theatre on Sunday August 10, and discussed by a panel led by the venue’s president, actor Suranne Jones.
A two-part event will see On the Edge by Robert White aired in the afternoon from 2.30pm with Shamble by Martha Allison featured at 7.30pm.
Other experts giving their thoughts on the plays include writer and producer Laurence Akers, producer Simon Moorhead, and scriptwriter/poet James McDermott.
Suranne said: “Congratulations to Robert and Martha. I can’t wait to hear their plays read out loud in the theatre to find out their process and what inspired them. Thank you to everyone who entered this year and to our wonderful readers. It’s so wonderful to know that new and exciting writers are out there!”
On the Edge is a comedy set during a storm, in a fictional village ravaged by coastal erosion, and follows the farcical standoff that ensues when a man refuses to evacuate his clifftop home.
Robert, 48 from Gresham, has previously written short stories and penned scripts for sitcom ideas but without any luck.
“I’m thrilled to win this. The idea was inspired by articles on Happisburgh and wondering about the kinds of people who live in its threatened homes. It’s a play about memory and place, and how they shape our lives. Throw in some bad behaviour and animal flatulence and the storm is soon the least of anyone’s problems.”
His wife, Sheringham-born Jo, and his teenage daughters Rosie and Eliza, enjoy the Little Theatre –and are now looking forward to his work appearing on the stage.
Shamble is a psychological thriller exploring the isolation of growing up in a rural community, and a zombie-like creature lurking in a coastal woodland. Its writer Martha, 22, who lives in East Runton, and a barista at the Grey Seal coffee shop in Cromer, also enjoys creative writing.
“I am beyond excited to have my play performed! The subject matter, Generative-AI, is a topic incredibly important to me. I am deeply concerned about its use and channelled that into the depiction of The Shambler which is incapable of original thought.”
“I normally write prose and am working on a couple of books including one about an historic werewolf story, but I did write three plays at university where I was president of the University of Sheffield Light Entertainment Society – or USLES!
Theatre director Debbie Thompson added: “The standard of writing in the winning plays was high, thought-provoking, with strong characters and style. It will be a treat to bring them to life on stage and hopefully encourage more people to try their hand at playwriting.”
Thirty eight people entered the first year of the competition which set entrants the task of penning an hour-long play with a coastal theme and no more than six characters.
A panel of judges whittled them down to a shortlist which will also be outlined at the reading event. The others were: Beach Walkers, by Peter Blakeley; Beside the Seaside…beside the sea, by Jane Crossen; Peregrine’s Progress, by Rachel Osborne; and Where they first met Polly, by Carol Connor.
Tickets for the play competition events are available at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.
