Playwriting Real-life is a podcast for emerging playwrights, hosted by Kimberley Andrews, co-founder of London Playwrights. Each episode explores the practical and emotional challenges that new writers face, from finding time to write when life is busy to coping with rejection. It also tackles decisions such as whether it is worth paying to submit work to theatres and competitions. The tone is honest and supportive, aimed at helping writers navigate the realities of building a playwriting career.
Episodes
Interview with playwright Sierra Gale
In this episode, Kimberley talks to London Playwrights member, Sierra Gale. Sierra is a Canadian playwright who is working on some exciting projects. In this interview she shares how her playwriting journey began, and how she's navigating both her local and the UK theatre scene. Follow Sierra on Instagram : sierragale.solo_painted_path
Should you use AI to help you write a play?
Kimberley Andrews discusses whether emerging playwrights should use AI to write a play.With easy access to AI, it can be tempting to think it can be used as an easy editing tool for playwrights. But is it really useful? Is it really writing? Is it it improving your work or diluting your unique voice? londonplaywrightsblog.comSupport us: https://buymeacoffee.com/londonplay7WIN a year of script deve
Interview with playwright Horatio Holloway
In this episode, we talk to Horatio (Raish) Holloway about his new play, I can't stop the Loneliness, which is coming up at both the Union Theatre and in the summer at this year's Camden Fringe. Raish shares his thoughts on getting your work on stage and building a creative community - whilst juggling a playwriting MA and other creative commitments. I Can't Stop the Loneliness takes
Interview with playwright Deane McElree on Brief Play About Rage
In this episode, Kimberley talks to playwright, Deane McElree about his play, Brief Play About Rage. Deane shares his insights on self-producing and getting his play on stage.BRIEF PLAY ABOUT RAGE28 APR - 2 MAY - Omnibus Theatre Returning to the stage after its ★★★★★ Camden Fringe debutVal and Hugh are hosting Nell tonight: Val’s oldest friend, and the most obnoxious house guest imaginable. As Ne
Cockfosters - from new play to five sell-out runs: Interview with writer Tom Woffenden
In this episode, Kimberley Andrews interviews playwright Tom Woffenden about the journey of his play, Cockfosters, which began as a new play and is due to open for a five week run at Southwark Playhouse this December. Tom shares his thoughts and advice on co-writing the play, putting it on stage for the first time, and how this led to several sell-out runs. Cockfosters opens on 4th December 20251
Interview with Scott Younger about his new play Champagne
In this episode Kimberley interviews playwright, Scott Younger about his new play, Champagne which is being performed as part of this year's Grim Fest.---------------------------------------------Murder, a vampire and sparkling, lethal white wine…Vampire Count Stabbenspine visits his dear childhood friend, Duchess Marguerite, but brings a terrible curse. Can the duchess’ son Edvin save his mo
Table Readings
In this episode, Kimberley dives into the practical considerations of having a table reading of your play.When is a good time for a table reading? How do you organise a table reading? How much might it all cost?
September goal setting and making the most of the final months of 2025!
Feeling like the year is slipping away — and your playwriting goals with it? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to make real progress before December rolls around.In this episode of London Playwrights: Playwriting Real-life, Kimberley shares practical tips for taking stock of where you are, setting clear priorities, and breaking your goals into manageable steps. Whether you want to polish a
Interview with Shirin Brown about her play My AI Twin
Shirin Brown is a London Playwrights' member from New Zealand (hello to our friends in NZ!). Her new play is on from 29th of July and in this play she tells us about the process and shares her tips for getting your play on.
Interview with playwright Roger Francis
In this episode Kimberley interviews playwright Roger Francis who has 3 productions of his plays coming up in the next few weeks. In this chat, Roger shares his insights into how he started writing, getting his work on stage, and overcoming the challenges of producing. Find out more and book tickets for his upcoming projects here: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/im-a-philosopher-why-the-
The Podcast is back! What's coming up at London Playwrights in 2025?
Since we've taken a little break from the podcast, we thought it would be a good time to catch up and give you a summary of everything we've got going on so far this year. Strap yourself in and get ready to get involved with some writing resources which take your playwriting to the next level this year!Check out www.londonplaywrightsblog.com for more information.
#WrAP2025 Week 4 Summary
A summary of #WrAP2025, our January playwriting challenge! Find out more at londonplaywrightsblog.comNEW Zoom workshops booking NOW. Head to the website for info.
#WrAP2025 Week 3 Summary
A summary of Week 3 of our January playwriting challenge, WrAP2025. Find out more on www.londonplaywrightsblog.comKeep writing everyone!
WrAP2025 Week 2 Summary
A summary of Week 2 our January playwriting challenge #WrAP2025. Find out more at www.londonplaywrightsblog.com
#WrAP2025 Week 1 Summary
Get the lowdown on the week of #WrAP2025 prompts!Please note: due to the tight turnaround, this podcast is unedited so please excuse its' rough and ready nature (and occasionally, Kimberley's dog snoring in the background!).Not signed up for #WrAP2025 yet? It's not too late - head to www.londonplaywrightsblog.com for all the details
Why signing up for #WrAP2025 will boost your playwriting for the new year!
It's that time of year again when we start thinking about resolutions and what we want to achieve in the year ahead. Back for the 8th year running, our January playwriting challenge ticks off all those playwriting goals and kicks off your year. With daily email prompts to take you through the whole process of writing a first draft, zoom meet-ups and write-along sessions, and weekly podcasts -
Interview with playwright Christine Rose
In this episode, Kimberley talks to author and playwright, Christine Rose. A member of the London Playwrights Community, Christine's WrAP2024 play, Sanctuary, has made it from the page to the stage in less than a year! Christine shares thoughts on her process and tips for making it happen.Sanctuary runs at the Hope Theatre from 26-30 November. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.us/th
Interview with Sam Parker from Exeter Northcott Theatre
In this episode, Kimberley Andrews interviews Sam Parker from Exeter Northcott Theatre. A champion of new writing, Sam has launched several initiatives for artists in his role at the theatre. In this episode, Sam shares his knowledge of the new writing scene in the South West and gives us some great tips for playwrights wanting to get their work out there!
Playwright to Watch! Interview with Beatrice Onions
In this episode Kimberley talks to playwright, Beatrice Onions, about being an emerging writer in New York and the challenges young writers face. Beatrice Onions is a Writer, born in Wales, raised in New Zealand, and based in New York. She has received rigorous arts training from around the world, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, New York University’s Tisch School of t
Producing a Scratch Night: Interview with Kelly Long from Pathway Theatre
In this episode, Kimberley interviews Kelly Long from pathway theatre. Kelly is a theatremaker who currently produces and curates Hatch & Scratch, a scratch night at the Golden Goose. In the interview they talk about the importance of scratch nights and Kelly share some advice for anyone thinking of setting up one of their own. Find out about Pathway Theatre and Hatch & Scratch here:https:
Getting back into writing after taking a break
The podcast is back! Welcome to the new season of Playwriting Real-life where we talk about being a playwright in the world today. In this episode, Kimberley Andrews shares some tips for getting back into writing after taking a break. Whether a new job, other commitments, or just plain old life has caused you to take a break from writing, it can be hard to know where to start if you want to get b
WrAP2024 Week 4 Summary
Your weekly summary of our January playwriting challenge, #WrAP2024!
WrAP Week 3
Your Weekly summary of WrAP2024 pur January playwriting challenge.
WrAp2024 - Week 2 Summary
Your weekly summary of our January playwriting challenge #WrAP2024.
#WrAP2024 Week 1 Summary
Your weekly summary of our January playwriting challenge WrAP2024!
How accountability can help you to write plays!
The lack of accountability for playwrights can be a motivation killer! Find out how making yourself accountable can give you a boost!Head to londonplaywrightsblog.com to sign up for our January Playwriting Challenge, #WrAP2024
Interview with playwright Harry Cowper
Playwriting Real-life is the podcast from London Playwrights!In this episode, we speak to Harry Cowper, whose latest play, Monumentum is on at the Bread & Roses Theatre this month. Harry shares his writing process and talks about how he got the play from page to stage!This episode also features Unsung, a monologue written and read by Judit Hollos. Get your tickets for Monumentum here: https:
Putting on a one-person show: interview with Errol McGlashan
In this episode, Kimberley interviews Errol McGlashan about his show, Something to Take Off the Edge, which is currently being performed across the Camden Fringe and was also selected as part of the RSC's 37 Plays.Something to Take Off the Edge is a tragicomedy about cellmates Ezra and Terry flirting with heroin, chocolate Hobnobs and Shakespeare while serving long term prison sentences back
Interview with playwright Max Wilkinson
We have our first podcast guest! In this episode, Kimberley talks to playwright Max Wilkinson about his new play, UNION, which is on at the Arcola this summer. Find out more about the play on the Arcola's website. Find out more about our next Playwriting Lab with Max Wilkinson which starts in September over on www.londonplaywrightsblog.com
Should you bother writing plays in these difficult times?
In the aftermath of Covid and the current cost of living crisis, it's a difficult time for theatre - and everyone else. Is it worth writing plays when there are fewer opportunities around for new writers to get their work seen, let alone earn a living from it? Head to www.londonplaywrightsblog.com to find out how you can support new writing!
Improve your dialogue writing skills
You don't have to have lots of free time to improve your dialogue writing skills! In this episode, we share some tips and tricks which you can incorporate into your normal day or use when you are short on time.
How to Pitch
How do you learn to pitch confidently? Good pitching skills can help you to sell your work and even help you to write your play and develop your ideas! Kimberley shares her tips for making pitching become a second nature...
Redrafting Tips!
Need to redraft but not sure where to start? This one is for you! Kimberley Andrews shares her tips for rewriting and editing your play. Find out more about redrafting at londonplaywrightsblog.com
#WrAP2023 Week 4 Summary
Our weekly summary of #WrAP2023, thr January playwriting challenge from London Playwrights!
#WrAP2023 Week 3 Summary
#WrAP2023 is our January playwriting challenge where writers receive prompts straight to their inbox to help them write a play in just a month!Here's your summary of week 3!
#WrAP2023 Week 2 Summary
#WrAP2023 is our January playwriting challenge where writers receive prompts straight to their inbox to help them to write a play in just a month!Here's your summary of Week 2!
#WrAP2023 Week 1 Summary
Throughout January, we'll be summarising #WrAP2023 in a weekly podcast!#WrAP2023 is our January playwriting challenge where you can write a play in just a month, find out more on londonplaywrightsblog.comIn this episode, Kimberley Andrews discusses the week of writing prompts and how to get the most out of #WrAP2023!
How to stop your day-job from killing your creativity!
Day-jobs, whether a stop-gap, a demanding career, or parenting, are a reality for the vast majority of emerging playwrights. But how can we stop day-jobs from eating up our inspiration and killing our creativity? In this episode, we share our tips for staying motivated when you have to use your energy for something else!
Things to consider before self-producing
Self-producing is empowering and rewarding - but it's also a challenge! Here are some things to think about beforehand to make sure you're prepped and ready to go!
What to do when you've 'finished' your play!
You've finished your play! But have you really? Is it the best it can be? And what should you do next with it? In this episode Kimberley discusses how you can tell if a script is finished and what research you need to do before you take the next steps.
Finishing a first draft (when you feel stuck)
Half way through a first draft but feeling like you can't get to the end? In this episode, Kimberley Andrews shares some tips on pushing through and getting that play finished when you're feeling a bit stuck.
Should you pay to submit your work?
Are playwriting competition entry fees unfair? Is it ever worth parting with your cash to submit your work? And if you decide to pay an entry fee, what should you consider first?
Boosting your confidence as a writer
Do you ever feel lack confidence in your work as a writer or suffer from imposter syndrome? Don't we all?! In this episode, Kimberley Andrews shares her experiences and offers some techniques to help you boost your playwriting confidence and stay motivated and inspired!
Dealing with rejection
Rejection is rubbish isn't it? But if you're applying for playwriting opportunities or submitting your work to theatres, it's an unfortunate part of a writer's life. So how do you stop rejection from eating away at your confidence? And can you find a way to reduce the number of rejections you are getting in the first place? 1
Finding time to write in a busy world
It's hard to find time to write when you're busy isn't it? Whether you've got a demanding job, you're studying, or have kids, writing can get pushed to the bottom of those everlasting to-do lists. In this episode, we'll share some tips on boosting your productivity, squeezing in extra writing time, and making sure your writing sessions are super focused and distractio
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