How To Write A Play with Mike Bartlett
Old Fire Station
5.0from 5 ratings
- 12
- Episodes
- 5
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
About How To Write A Play with Mike Bartlett
Playwriting advice, writing tips, writing exercises, answers to your questions, and thoughts on the theatre world in 2023 from Olivier Award-winner Mike Bartlett, presented and hosted by the The Old Fire Station, Oxford (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/). This podcast series runs alongside the eleven-week course of the same held in-person, held at the Old Fire Station, Oxford. You can find show notes and transcripts here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
- Publisher
- Old Fire Station
- Category
- arts · arts · education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 19 Apr 2023
- Latest episode
- 14 Jul 2023
Latest episodes
12 episodes in the feed.
14 Jul 2023
Series Finale - Week Eleven: What is the Higher Purpose?
In the last episode of the series, we discuss commissions and how our writers can take the next step. - Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) ‘I was living in a fool’s paradise’: Adrienne Kennedy on meeting the Beatles and losing control of her play – The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/jun/06/adrienne-kennedy-on-meeting-the-beatles-american-playwright-john-lennon (https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/jun/06/adrienne-kennedy-on-meeting-the-beatles-american-playwright-john-lennon) ‘Play’ by Samuel Beckett: https://youtu.be/s2QJ0FYE3pw (https://youtu.be/s2QJ0FYE3pw) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
7 Jul 2023
Week Ten: Reviews and characters
Episode 10: Reviews and characters This week we talk about reviews (should you read them?) and Mike discusses character. - Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) WhatsOnStage: Time Out retires one- and two-star review ratings: https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/time-out-retires-one-and-two-star-review-ratings_58852/ (https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/time-out-retires-one-and-two-star-review-ratings_58852/) Hugh Laurie’s song “Mystery”: https://youtu.be/3sW-LcxijrM (https://youtu.be/3sW-LcxijrM) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Jun 2023
Week Nine: Character, and BONUS interview with Paines Plough's Katie Posner
Episode 9: Character, plus BONUS interview with Paines Plough's Katie Posner This week we look at how to develop character in your work, and Mike interviews Katie Posner from new writing development company Pains Plough's work. Show notes: Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Tour the Writer Programme https://painesplough.com/get-involved/tour-the-writer/ (https://painesplough.com/get-involved/tour-the-writer/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
23 Jun 2023
Week Eight: Self-censorship in the arts, and editing.
Episode 8: Self-censorship in the arts, and editing. This week we look at how to edit your work, and discuss how people in the arts might censor themselves. Show notes: Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Lyn Gardner in The Stage: Bite your tongue: is self-censorship stifling the important conversations? https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/opinion/bite-your-tongue-is-self-censorship-stifling-the-important-conversations (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/opinion/bite-your-tongue-is-self-censorship-stifling-the-important-conversations) New York Times: The Battle of ‘Miss Saigon’: Yellowface, Art and Opportunity https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/theater/the-battle-of-miss-saigon-yellowface-art-and-opportunity.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/theater/the-battle-of-miss-saigon-yellowface-art-and-opportunity.html) American Theatre: I Am Miss Saigon, And I Hate it. https://www.americantheatre.org/2017/04/13/i-am-miss-saigon-and-i-hate-it/ (https://www.americantheatre.org/2017/04/13/i-am-miss-saigon-and-i-hate-it/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Jun 2023
Week Seven: Solo shows and using the theatre
Episode 7: Solo shows and using the theatre This week we discuss solo shows, and Mike takes us through three exercises to help you think about your play. - Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) The Stage: “I have a confession: I hate solo shows – except when I don’t.” - https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/i-have-a-confession-i-hate-solo-shows-except-when-i-dont-david-benedict-i-found-my-horn-re-member-me (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/i-have-a-confession-i-hate-solo-shows-except-when-i-dont-david-benedict-i-found-my-horn-re-member-me) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Alex’s top 5 recommended solo shows that you can buy: Salt by Selina Thompson: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780571352265?gC=5a105e8b (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780571352265?gC=5a105e8b) Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Every-Brilliant-Thing-by-Duncan-Macmillan/9781350282087 (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Every-Brilliant-Thing-by-Duncan-Macmillan/9781350282087) Class by Scottee: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Class-by-Scottee/9781913630010 (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Class-by-Scottee/9781913630010) We Were Promised Honey! by Sam Ward: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/We-Were-Promised-Honey-by-Sam-Ward/9781350381353 (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/We-Were-Promised-Honey-by-Sam-Ward/9781350381353) Joseph Morpurgo: Hammerhead: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-Morpurgo-Hammerhead-NextUp/dp/B07ZWZ4G1C (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-Morpurgo-Hammerhead-NextUp/dp/B07ZWZ4G1C) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Jun 2023
Week Six: Saving the Arts and Starting Off, with Penelope Skinner
Week 6: Saving the Arts and Starting Off, with Penelope Skinner This week we discuss arts funding, and how to start your play – with a guest appearance from playwright Penelope Skinner. Show notes: Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) “The arts in Britain are teetering on the brink. Here is my plan to save them.” - Nicholas Hytner in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/17/arts-council-britain-plan-save-new-body (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/17/arts-council-britain-plan-save-new-body) “Divided opinion: why Nicholas Hytner is wrong about splitting arts funding.” - Lyn Gardner in The Stage: https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/divided-opinion-why-nicholas-hytner-is-wrong-about-splitting-arts-funding (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/divided-opinion-why-nicholas-hytner-is-wrong-about-splitting-arts-funding) Penelope Skinner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penelope_Skinner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penelope_Skinner) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 May 2023
Week Five: Structure and Adaptation
Episode 5: Structure and Adaptation This week: how do you structure a play? And how do you adapt a play for film? Show notes: Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Cynthia Erivo to star in movie adaptation of hit play Prima Facie: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/may/15/cynthia-erivo-prima-facie-movie (https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/may/15/cynthia-erivo-prima-facie-movie) How to watch the film adaptation of King Charles III by Mike Bartlett: https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/20/how-to-watch-king-charles-iii-film-and-who-plays-the-monarch-17413357/ (https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/20/how-to-watch-king-charles-iii-film-and-who-plays-the-monarch-17413357/) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 May 2023
Week Four: Form and Dialectic
This week: form and dialectic! What is form and structure? How can we play with it and what's out there? Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Show Notes: Theatre Spaces: https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/170-what-are-the-types-of-theatre-stages-and-auditoria (https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/170-what-are-the-types-of-theatre-stages-and-auditoria) Open/ Closed time and space in scriptwriting - from Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write by Stephen Jeffreys https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/playwriting (https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/playwriting) Oxford Playwriting https://www.oxfordplaywriting.co.uk/ (https://www.oxfordplaywriting.co.uk/) Oxfordshire Theatre Makers https://www.oxfordshiretheatremakers.com/ (https://www.oxfordshiretheatremakers.com/) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 May 2023
Week Three: Plot and Politics
This week: plot and dialectic. How do you tell your story? Plus – how can theatre interact with politics? Show notes: Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Seriously... podcast episode What Kind Of Scotland? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fk5btn (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fk5btn) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
5 May 2023
Week Two: Drama, and ChatGPT - a new playwright?
This week: drama! What is drama, and how do you make it happen? Also – what impact could AI have on theatre? Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (mailto:info@oldfirestation.org.uk) Show notes: The Art Newspaper article on the photo award: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/04/18/the-camera-never-lies-creator-of-ai-image-rejects-prestigious-photo-award (https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/04/18/the-camera-never-lies-creator-of-ai-image-rejects-prestigious-photo-award) The Stage article on AI in theatre: https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/editors-view-what-impact-will-artificial-intelligence-have-on-theatre (https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/editors-view-what-impact-will-artificial-intelligence-have-on-theatre) NPR on Clarkesworld closing submissions: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159286436/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-magazine-clarkesworld-artificial-intelligence (https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159286436/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-magazine-clarkesworld-artificial-intelligence) debbie tucker green: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debbie_tucker_green (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debbie_tucker_green) Tony Kushner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Kushner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Kushner) David Grieg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Greig_(dramatist (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Greig_(dramatist)) John McGrath: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McGrath_(playwright (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McGrath_(playwright)) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Apr 2023
Week One: How to Start!
In Episode One, we kick off the Old Fire Station's How to Write a Play (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ ) course with Mike Bartlett. We discuss how to start a play, where they come from, and some exercises to use. We also talk about how playwrights and theatres can work together, and Mike answers your questions. Got a Question for Mike and Alex? Send us your updates and questions: info@oldfirestation.org.uk (https://open.acast.com/shows/64256e420e4e660011bb2e9c/episodes/info@oldfirestation.org.uk%C2%A0) Show notes: Sarah Kane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Kane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Kane) The Artist’s Way: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Artists-Way-by-Julia-Cameron/9781788164290 (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Artists-Way-by-Julia-Cameron/9781788164290) Royal Court Theatre: https://royalcourttheatre.com/ (https://royalcourttheatre.com/) Hampstead Theatre: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/ (https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/) Headlong Theatre: https://www.headlong.co.uk/ (https://www.headlong.co.uk/) The Stage - “Theatres told to stop ‘ghosting’ playwrights”: https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/theatres-told-to-stop-ghosting-playwrights (https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/theatres-told-to-stop-ghosting-playwrights) Support the Old Fire Station: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/support-us/) Transcript available here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 Apr 2023
Trailer
On this brand-new podcast presented by The Old Fire Station, Oxford (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/) we'll be talking to triple Olivier Award-winner Mike Bartlett (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/profiles/mike-bartlett/) about how to write a play. This podcast series runs alongside the eleven-week course of the same held in-person, held at the Old Fire Station, Oxford. You can find show notes and transcripts here: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/ (https://oldfirestation.org.uk/our-work/how-to-write-a-play/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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