Why There’s No I in Theatre

Anyone who has ever worked for their living or played team sport will probably have been told at some point: “There is no I in team.” Writing my first murder mystery play, The Importance of Being Murdered, caused a variation on that theme pop into my head: “There’s no I in theatre”.

Even before the first rehearsal, I recognised the importance of script editors in fine-tuning my original words. Thank you, Fiona Webb and Kirsty Stephen, for applying your wisdom and experience of live theatre to polish my play.

Then at Hawkesbury Drama Group’s first readthrough, I was impressed by how much each actor added to my words, from an unexpected regional accent to comically eccentric pronunciation. When I first laughed aloud at their delivery, I tried to hold back because it’s bad manners to laugh at your own jokes. Then I realised these were no longer my jokes. They were shared with the cast whose interpretations were adding colour to the words I’d written.

At this point, the cast were all still sitting down, reading from scripts. Further nuance will be added when they’ve learned their lines and blocked the moves, adding gesture and body language.

By the time the play is performed, more layers of interest will have been added by the production team, including wardrobe, set designers, and tech.

No actor, no matter how brilliant, can carry off a show without such a team of experts behind the scenes.

Not even the brilliant Andrew Scott in his one-man show Vanya, (his own adaptation of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya), would have gained as much acclaim without the hard work and specialist skills of the invisible forces in the wings and elsewhere. (By the way, Vanya is available to watch now on National Theatre Live, and I highly recommend this absolute tour-de-force by Scott.)

When watching the closing credits of films, I’ve often marvelled at the number of people involved in their production. Many of the job titles listed mean nothing to me. Best boys? Sounds like child labour to me – Victorian child chimney sweeps spring to mind. Gaffers? Is their sole duty to look after the film’s stock of gaffer tape? Grip? Whatever he does, it must be important never to lose him.

Thankfully, theatre credits are usually easier to understand. Next time I’m at a play, whether in Hawkesbury or elsewhere, I’ll be sure to read the fine detail of the programme to acknowledge the contribution of everyone involved in the production, on stage and off.

Meanwhile, break a leg, Hawkesbury Drama Group – I’m looking forward to enjoying our show!

Tickets now available from hawkesburydrama@gmail.com – and they’re going fast, so book now to avoid disappointment!

This post was first published in the April 2025 issue of the Hawkesbury Parish News.

IN OTHER NEWS

Last week, I sent the manuscript for my next novel to Rachel, editorial director at my publisher Boldwood Books, which meant I had a few days’ respite to work on other things before her suggested edits landed in my inbox demanding my attention.

Mostly I’ve been working on event planning for two local public events:

the Badminton Benefice Festival of Music, which will bring a delightful series of free musical events to our local parish churches this summer and autumnthe next Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival event, which will take place at our local parish church on Saturday 27th September

I’ll share more information about both of those events here, and the websites will be updated, as our plans are confirmed.

Meet Stephen Oram in Bristol on Monday 14th April at Bookhaus

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to going to an author event simply as a member of the audience – much more relaxing! Congratulations to author Stephen Oram, who will be launching his latest speculative near-future sci-finovel, We Are Not Anonymous, on Monday 14th April at 6pm at Bookhaus, Bristol. Stephen is based in Fitzrovia, London, and I’ve been following his writing career since the outset. He was a very popular guest speaker at last September’s Hawkesbury Upton Lit Fest, so I’m delighted that he’s heading in our direction again for his next event.

If you’re in striking distance of Bristol and love intelligent, wry sci-fi inspired by modern technological and societal trends, come and join us!

Book your ticket here.