My Process On this occasion, my involvement in the completed production was minimal, aside from delivering a first draft script which immediately went into rehearsal with no edits, changes or revisions called upon. That, in itself, is a little nerve-wracking in that my usual process allows me to cogitate on what I’ve written as  a first draft before going onto to layer, edit, revise etc. over a number of drafts until I reach the 95% R&D version I’m satisfied with to place before the public. That process allows me to identify what works and what doesn’t work before it hits the rehearsal room (that’s over 34 years of experience practicing my craft, for you!) whilst scaring myself with the 5% remaining in which fear, doubt and sweaty palms can kick in).

However, this was not my usual R&D process, the focus was not a text driven one, but a strategic one for the producing company – to test the model of the structure and casting requirements as a touring vehicle. Production and outcomes were the goals identified in the R&D as opposed to the script. That’s a pressure pot for any writer, experienced or otherwise, to deal with, because you are trying to nail it as much as possible first time. Inevitably, I am my own worst critic and I sit watching it in performance thinking how I might have added more nuance and layers, what I might have edited out or added in, what I might have questioned second or third time around. But, it looks amazing, it sounds amazing and, judging by a first night, enthusiastic audience response, it delivers pretty much along the lines I had hoped for, but without (in my opinion) the finesse and gloss I would normally adorn it with.  To be fair, most of the audience are not aware (or really bothered) by it being a first draft – but one or two of my peers and long-standing ‘fans’ who know my work have eagle eyes and ears to match and question me afterwards with some puzzlement, mingled with admiration for the combined efforts involved. Personally, although it’s not a process of writing I favour (or much enjoy) I take my hat off to everyone involved for pulling it all together (it’s highly technical) but also for showing such faith and dedication to the work, such as it is and that is, in itself, highly rewarding. It might not be a process I’d be keen to repeat but it’s certainly been one way of compressing my thoughts and forcing my hands (and brain) into action.