MOORGATE PART 1  'OUTSIDE' is the first of two 45 minute plays for BBC Radio. It tells the story of the Moorgate rail disaster that occurred during the height of the rush hour on 28 February 1975 from the moment the train hit a dead-end wall at 40 mph in the tunnel of a terminal station to the moment the last two survivors were located nine hours later. The biggest disaster in the City of London since the Blitz, the rescue operation was unplanned for and the play describes in the most dramatic terms, how the emergency service did their jobs on the hoof, but quickly realised they were ..read more

Four actors rehearse a play. A city burns. Try as they might, these bright young things of the Bombay scene can't ignore a city whose identity crisis mirror their own. . ​ Ninaz Khodaiji is a theatre-director, writer, actor and theatre programmer.   She was Writer in Residence at Oval House Theatre, London (July 2005 - March 2006) where she developed and directed Strangers, as well as the London run of Insomnia. Insomnia was developed through the Royal Court Theatre and has been published three times. It was on the 2005 syllabus of Syracuse University, NY & the CIEFL, India.  ..read more

A double bill of new short plays from Jane Stokes and Melville Lovatt ​ THE SEANCE by Jane Stokes  "Pat visits a medium hoping to get in touch with her late husband, Pete.  When she can't get through to him we wonder: Is this psychic all she's cracked up to be, or is something more sinister going on?" ​ Jane Stokes is a published academic who has taught film and media studies for many years. Jane currently teaches at the University of the Arts, London. She has been studying creative writing for some time and presents her work here as she prepares to launch a second career in writing ..read more

Following our discussion evening “From Concept to Page” earlier this season, next Monday evening will host a discussion on what to do once you have a play ready for production. How do you get a director? How do you get a venue or secure a booking? How do you get actors and a production team together? How do you get rehearsal space? What are the costs involved? What sort of deals are available at different venues? How do you handle marketing and publicity? What else do you have to consider as a producer? And if your production is successful, how do you build on that? Francis Beckett will l ..read more

In One of Us, Professor Alice Todd has written a book about the history of women, which includes a chapter on transgender and the university Queer Lot feel under threat. Sammy is a transgender student who gets involved in some direct action and the professor is in the firing line. As Sammy and Alice continue their clash, which will ultimately be life changing for both of them, they also find themselves forming a respect and even a friendship for one another.  Jane Berthoud is an award winning producer of scripted comedy. She worked for BBC TV and radio for nearly 30 years during which tim ..read more

Join us on zoom for our very latest Members short play competition. This season the theme was STRANGER THAN FICTION We have 6 plays as follows:1. THE TRUE STORY OF SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC2. JACK 3. MOVE FAST AND BREAK THINGS4. GREAT EXCITATIONS5. DEGENERATE MR DAHL6. A DEVIL OF A DRIVE ​ Join us online and vote for your favourites ..read more

Next Monday’s meeting is an opportunity for members to discuss the play development process and how it works best for them. How do you get started? What works for you? What are the problems you come across? Are there areas where a person acting as a “sounding board” would be helpful? When you have a draft script, are there additional things that Player-Playwrights could do apart from mentoring and giving it a reading? What roles can actors play in developing a script? Please come and bring your own questions, suggestions and thoughts. The discussion will be led by members of the committee.&nbs ..read more

Danny finds himself utterly unprepared for the challenge of being a father. He's an East End builder like his father; "a cowboy, sort of”.   Forced by his young wife's illness to care alone for baby Sam, he begins to unravel until a crisis teaches him to be a parent and a man. Brian Eley writes for theatre and film. He is also a song writer. His short plays have been presented at South London’s Theatre 503 and other fringe venues.  Brian was co-writer of ‘Red Trees’ (2017) a feature documentary directed by Marina Willer. 'BOY' will be performed by Terry Scotchmer ..read more

PLAYER PLAYWRIGHTS kicks off a new season of play readings and events with two exciting Monday night specials: ​ Monday 22 January, 2024, 7.30pm, On Zoom Annual 'Play-Off' from last year's short play competition winners and runners up: March competition on theme of A Story With A Twist  Winner - THE ONE CENT MAGENTA - Peter EyreRunner up - THE FIXER - Jane Fookes July competition - A Stroke of Luck Joint Winners - Peter Eyre with TOMBOLA and Stephen Dinsdale with DETENTIONRunner up - IN PASSING - Mary Conway November competition - Scare Us Stupid Winner - THE SCAR ..read more

Join us on line for this season short play contest for Members, on the theme of SCARE US STUPID! ​ Here is the running order for the 9 plays. Join us and vote for your favourite. The authors will be revealed after the winners are announced ​ 1. 50 BERKELEY SQUARE 2. THEY'RE COMING 3. THE SCARIEST GHOST HUNT EVER 4. WILTON 5. SUZY CORTINA IN A TIGHT CORNER 6. THE ACCIDENTAL GHOST 7. UNCLE SIMON 8. ONLY TAKING AN INTEREST 9. A DEVIL OF A DRIVE ..read more