I’ve written many short plays and sketches. Here are some of them. Reading scripts are usually available on request.
A Page Turner
Commissioned by The University of Birmingham’s Department of Drama and Theatre Arts
A 10 minute play for four female actors
First production directed by Gwenda Hughes
The Twenty/Twenty Conference in March 2010 celebrated 20 years of the MA/Mphil(B) in Playwriting at the university.
A Page Turner was one of twenty plays commissioned from previous students to be performed by Year 3 Undergraduates at the conference.
The cast for A Page Turner was drawn from: Courtney Busa, Aimee Cassettari, Sarah De Quidt, Sam Doherty, Alexandra Falleyn, Elmina Ferguson, Jo Harlow, Jo Newman, Sharandip Phull and Charlotte Rowlands
First performed at George Cadbury Hall, Selly Oak, Birmingham from 4-6 March 2010 and then at the 20/20 Conference on 13 March.
In A Page Turner Belle is determined to talk to Alex, now a famous author. While Alex’s agent Elodie tries to keep the book signing going smoothly an old, unfinished story starts to emerge. Will Richard and Judy save the day? Will Karen make a profit on Ebay? Will meek little Belle get her revenge?
Kind of Dark
Written by Lance Woodman
A new version (see original below) of this short play was produced as part of The Miniaturists 8 show at The Arcola Theatre on 1st July 2007. Suzanne Bell directed Raquel Cassidy and Mark Arends.
This is (still) a dark play looking at the impulse for revenge.
If You Could Bottle It…
by Andrew Higgitt and Lance Woodman
Performed at Script Slam 2004 – 16th August
Theatre red in tooth and claw
artworcs in association with SCRIPT presented Worcester’s first ever Script Slam at The Marr’s Bar.
A fun-filled night of freshly-minted, cutting-edge, make-you-laugh-make-you-cry theatre in a lively cabaret setting.
Eight of the County’s leading professional writers challenged to write four brand new short plays inspired by the term ‘Worcestershire Sauce’ in only a week.
The Company: Director: Alexander Delamere. Cast: Bella Merlin, Catherine Skinner and Rob Swinton. Stage Manager: Claire D’Angelo-Smith.
Drill
by Lance Woodman
A short, comic theatrical monologue commissioned and produced by artworcs. The sketch was first performed at artworcs’ Artburst event at The Marr’s Bar in Worcester on Tuesday 17th August 2004.
A 5 or 6 minute curtain raiser for a longer show. It’s not suitable for Hamlet but would work as part of a cabaret, sketch show or presentation of shorter pieces. Kim has to deliver a health and safety drill for the event. S/he’s not confident.
The drill involves audience interaction.
This is a monologue. It is suitable for a male or female performer. It requires no specific set. It does require a clipboard and a whistle as props. These are obtainable from all major theatrical suppliers.
Credits for the Worcester 2004 production:
Peter Sutton – Colin (the character is now called ‘Kim’)
Lance Woodman – Director
Smoked
Written by Anna Chen and Lance Woodman
A man’s last cigarette. A five minute audio play written with Anna Chen for the BBC Sparks Radio Drama Writers’ Group. Recorded in February 2004 at Bush House. Directed by Sally Avens and featuring Declan Wilson, Philip Fox, Grae Cleugh and Andrew McLay.
Kind of Dark
This 20 minute play was selected for professional script-in-hand performance by Swan Playwrights at their Black Night event. The show was on 24th October 2003 at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster. Kim Greengrass directed and Greg Higgs and Alison Carney acted.
This is a dark play looking at the impulse for revenge.
A Man Walks into a Bar
A 10 minute play for two actors. Professional rehearsed reading at Swan Playwrights’ Bar Stories event, December 2000. Bella Merlin and Rob Swinton were the actors and Kim Greengrass directed.
Tea and Empathy
A short monologue. A woman makes a new friend and begins to assert herself. Read by Susan Jameson, directed by Mark Babych. Part of the Worcester Swan’s ‘Armchair Theatre’ event in Autumn 1997
Lance Woodman 