Plays written by UoG students are brought to life at The Everyman

Eight students have seen their imagination and vision brought to life in a collaborative partnership between University of Gloucestershire and The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

Original plays written by students from the University’s BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing and BA (Hons) Creative Writing programmes were performed over two days by professional actors to audiences at The Everyman, including playwrights from theatre’s Writers’ Lab.

Directed by The Everyman’s Artistic Director, Paul Milton, the 20-minute script-in-hand performances were followed by discussions about the plays between the actors and the students who created the work – Flynn Haines, Hannah Lyons, Tom Edmonds, Bee Scorer, Anna Rand, Gracie Jones, Sadie Wilson and Carys Meredith.

From a laugh-out loud comedy to a dystopian drama, and from a tale of teenage rebellion to a post-apocalyptic vision of zombies and cannibals, the public performances at The Everyman formed part of the students’ academic programmes to support their learning.

Student Sadie Wilson said: “It’s been really beneficial and exciting to have an opportunity to write a play and have it performed on stage – it’s a really unique and exciting experience.”

Aleksandra Andrejevic, Academic Course Leader for BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing, said: “The Everyman Theatre is one of the key partners for our Creative Writing degree, and we are delighted that our students have this opportunity to directly experience the industry. 

“The Showcase is an exciting event, and students work hard for the whole semester to develop their plays. Working with Paul Milton as the Creative Director and four professional actors, gives them a real insight into professional theatre, plus it’s a lot of fun.

“Within the degree, we focus on helping our students to develop not just within but also beyond academia, so that one day they can flourish in the ‘real world’ just as they did during their studies.”

Paul Milton, The Everyman’s Artistic Director, said: “The Everyman Theatre has for many years been working in partnership with UoG on its annual Dramatic Writing Showcase. 

“We are always thrilled to offer opportunities to student writers, and the Showcase gives them the chance to see their work brought to life by a professional company of actors. 

“This year the plays were of a very high standard and played to full audiences in the Everyman’s Studio Theatre.  The post-show discussions offer advice and guidance to the writers, which gives the project a valuable legacy.”

Image: left to right, Aleksandra Andrejevic, the four professional actors who performed the students’ plays , and Paul Milton, The Everyman’s Artistic Director