Actors and writers
Actors and Writers London, also known as AWL, hold professional rehearsed play readings on the 4th floor of the Polish Centre, Hammersmith on alternate Mondays. As well as providing a platform for play readings for all kinds of writers, with seated viewing for maybe 100 people with a bar in the same space, it holds three writing competitions a year and a showcase, for its members, all for a mere £10 per year. As a member, there is also small entry fee of £4 to see a play reading, for non-members the fee is £6, you have the superb chance to meet and mingle with like-minded people who love the theatre and plays.
On Monday, 11 February, the play I attended was “Concoction” by Barry Langley, read by four actors. Two scientists clash over each other’s illicit affair with the other one’s wife. Maurice runs an IVF clinic in Barnes. Embarrassingly for him, his wife is strongly opposed to having any children of her own and their marriage is a stalemate. A family friend turns up at their house two weeks late for a party and puts the cat amongst the pigeons. The play was directed by Orsolya Nagy.
Having seen this very interesting play, I can only describe the style as a cross between Alan Ayckbourn and Ibsen. Barry Langley, the writer, said he had no influences and this is just coincidence. After every play reading, there is a chaired discussion. Other recent readings I’ve seen include Was This The Face? by Meryl Walker and The Embrace by Paul Devaney.
With a deadline of 11 March for AWL’s ten-minute competition piece, themed “Losing The Plot” – should one write something funny or serious – maybe even about memory loss or Alzheimer’s? Could it be about Brexit or about a relationship that is breaking up? The choice is in the writers’ hands.
AWL was established in 1973 and is run by a Committee of volunteers. AWL support writers to see their work brought to life before an informed audience and benefit from objective expert feedback. Check it out and find out what you’re missing. ENJOY! www.actorsandwriters.london
Penny Nair