Stagecraft secrets

Playwrights who despair of having their work performed might well take a leaf out of Welsh subscriber Roger Pinkham’s practice and mount their work themselves.

Over the last decade he has written for the Penarth Players and in this way learned not only their capabilities but stagecraft. ‘You can’t learn playwriting without practical experience,’ he says. ‘Words are important but so is lighting, directing and decor. Why not become your own director and learn the job.’ Since 2002 the group has presented an annual mystery evening, each scripted by Roger. ‘It was a nightmare at first since we fed them as well,’ says Roger, ‘but it is amazing what intelligent amateurs can do. And we made a lot of money to boost further productions.’