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Previous Guestbook Entries
2005 - 2011

CatLeave me a message now...

As a result of this guestbook, over the last couple of years, I have been lucky enough to receive messages from all over the world. 

This has brightened up my life no end! 

When what is often a fairly hard grind at the desk turns into something that gives people pleasure performing and watching, the process doesn’t seem quite as lonely.

There are 401 guestbook entries in 17 pages and you are on page number 15

Comments by Tracey Martin

 

 


Hi David,

I have just finished reading your book "Theatre For Children" and found it really helpful and informative.

I would love to direct one of your plays for christmas 2005 and I'm having difficulty in choosing one that would be suitable for the festive season but could be revived at a later stage in the year.

Ideally the cast should have some children as I run theatre school and would love to use some of my students.

My idea is to gear the play towards and audience aged 5 - 10 approximately. I would really welcome your advice.

Thanks in anticipation

Tracey Martin (dance & drama teacher/choreographer)
Drogheda, Ireland.





Dear Tracey,


Many thanks for your message.


So pleased that you found my book helpful. I wasn't quite sure whether you wanted a play which would have a cast of adults, plus some children - that was certainly your implication.


If so, you might have a look at BABE, THE SHEEP-PIG. This has a cast of 8 or 10, plus a flock of sheep (usually played by girls) and 4 puppies (usually played by young boys!).


You could try THE OWL AND PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEE... Children can play some of the Jumblies, and also they can be fish and birds in various scenes.


THE PIED PIPER uses a mix of adults and children.


Finally, THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN... also uses children - a lot of them! Plus 5 or 6 adult actors. I do hope one of these fits the bill. None of them have a specifically Christmassy feeling.


Any of them might work well for you.


All good wishes,


Yours sincerely,


David Wood


 

Ireland

 


Comments by Judith Vasey

 

 



Dear David

My biggest childhood memory was listening to a cassette of the Owl and the Pussycat with Hattie Jaques, Harry Seacombe and Roy Castle.

Is there ANYWHERE I can go to get a copy for my 3 kids who I know would love it?
Regards





Dear Judith,


Many thanks for getting in touch.


You will be pleased to hear that I can indeed supply the cassette version of THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEE...


I will send you an email with details!


Best wishes,

David Wood



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Dr. Pamela Merkys

 

 


HI Mr. Wood,

It's one thing for a person to have multiple talents, but when someone shares their gifts with others as you have, that is the greatest talent.

I have just finished reading your book "Theatre for Children," and wanted to say how very much it helped me.

I just finished my a "children's play" and used your book for reference, although the target age group is a little older than those referred to in your text. Most helpful was the information you provided on writing about death for children.

You say "we must all have a sense of responsibility and treat sensitive issues carefully."

Since the subject of my play is not death, but rather decline, and it was not treated gratuitously, and is aimed at the teenage audience, I believe the quote from your text helped to allay the concerns of my co-writer and a few other persons.

I have enjoyed seeing many of your plays performed, and your performances in movies and televsion. I hope you keep up the pace in sharing your creativity.

Sincerely,

Dr. Pamela Merkys
(Psychologist/Writer)







 


Dear Dr Merkys,


Thank you for your very kind email. I am delighted that my book THEATRE FOR CHILDREN, has been helpful. I also hope very much that your play gets produced and is well received. Yes, for some reason death is often seen as taboo in plays for children. I have always reckoned that children know as much about death (or as little should I say) as we do. Most of them have experienced the death of a pet or of an elderly relative.


Yes, I have always tried to tackle the subject head on, yet sensitively. In two of my plays, the character who dies is seen, at the end of the play, like all the other characters, to become a human being/actor again and therefore revive and take a bow! I say "human actor" because the characters I am thinking of were a rabbit and a seagull! I think the death I most "enjoyed" was in a little known play of mine called HIJACK OVER HYGENIA, which is all about the cleanest kingdom in the world. A major character is an antiseptic spray, called AUNTIE SEPTIC. In the course of the battle against the invading MEASLYGERMS, AUNTIE SEPTIC sprays herself till she is totally empty and therefore is, sadly, dead. She is given a respectful send-off by the other characters who realise how brave she was, and how much she has contributed to their survival. I am quite sure that children understand all this and don't get disturbed by it.


All good wishes,


Yours sincerely,


David


 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Peter Farndon

 

 


Dear David
Please would you kindly let me have details of where to send the cheque for
£6 for a tape of the Gingerbread Man songs as mentioned on your website.
Many thanks
Peter Farndon
PS Our amateur group produced "Owl and Pussycat" last year and its magic on
the audience was just the same as when I first saw it in London in its
second season





 


Dear Peter


I am sending you an address. Thank you for ordering a tape of THE GINGERBREAD MAN songs. This cassette version is narrated by Bernard Cribbins, and the songs are sung by the original old Vic cast from 1977!


Delighted to hear that the OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEE... has lost none of its magic! The last production I saw was at the Minack in Cornwall, produced by the Abbotts Company, and it still worked a treat, I am glad to say. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School did a lovely production a few years ago. I wish I could organise a professional revival.


All good wishes,


Yours

David





 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Laura

 

 


Hi David,
I have just appeared as "Bruno Jenkins" in my college's performance of The Witches!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the play (apart from all the doughnuts!!) and it was so much fun being a little boy AND a mouse!!!!
Thanks






 


Dear Laura,


Many thanks for letting me know that you have been enjoying yourself as Bruno Jenkins.


How much weight did you put on?! I hope you didn't have to stuff your face for too many performances! As you may know, there is a professional production of THE WITCHES on tour at the moment.


They have just finished a West End season and this week are in Belfast. Then they go to Wimbledon, Southampton, Plymouth, Woking, Norwich, Wolverhampton, Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Bromley.


You don't say where your college is, so I don't know if it is visiting "somewhere near you"! It is one of Dahl's best stories in my opinion. I didn't like the way the film version changed the ending. I know that Dahl himself hated the fact that the mouse turned back into a boy!


All good wishes, Yours, David



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Mairi Clarke

 

 


I would really like to get a hold of a copy of the musical version of "The Old Man of Lochnagar" that David Wood did. Do you have any idea where I could buy one from? My parents bought me the cassette while on holiday in the Cairngorms one year and it was played to death whenever we went on long journies. I absolutely loved it and now I'm a bit older I would like to ensure that any children I may have don't miss out on the experience. I searched the house from top to bottom last time I was home, but I think the Pig Eagle must have eaten it!!! Many thanks!
Name: Mairi Clarke






 


Dear Mairi,


Delighted to hear that you have happy memories of THE OLD MAN OF LOCHNAGAR. When I adapted the book by the Prince of Wales, and Whirligig Theatre toured it, I honestly thought it would become a regular feature of the British theatrical landscape!


In fact, it has never been done since! After the tour, we took the play into the West End to the Albery Theatre, where it got great reviews, as it had on tour. And the production was filmed for Channel 4, who put it out the following Christmas.


Unfortunately, it has never been released on video or DVD. First Night Records did the cast album, which featured Iain Lauchlan, who played the Old Man, narrating the story. I think this must be the tape you are referring to. Ian has since gone on to great things as the co-creator of the Tweenies! I will send you an email about possible ways of getting hold of the tape. Meanwhile, the script of the play is available from Samuel French Ltd, who handle the amateur rights.


All good wishes, Yours David


 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Karen

 

 


Hi
We are hoping to produce The Ideal Gnome Expedition again, in November, and I would like to know what would be involved if we were to suggest to the theatre management that you be asked to do a "Magic and Music Show" around the same time.
If you're interested please let me know. 2005 is a big year for us, as not only is it our 70th anniversary, but we are also moving to a brand new theatre [The Carriageworks, opening October 2005].
Thanks
Karen (Chair. Leeds Children's Theatre)






 


Dear Karen


This is a lovely idea! I would be very happy if we could make it work!


Let's make email contact.


Best wishes,

David



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Ian Wallbridge

 

 


represent the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop in the heart of the Lake District.
I am trying to find a distributor for "The Gingerbread Man" on both DVD and VHS, as I believe this would sell well in our shop and via our mail order system. If you can suggest any companies that might be able to help I would be grateful.
Many thanks,
Ian Wallbridge





 


Dear Ian Wallbridge


I know it is possible to buy the DVD and the VHS on the internet. But I am not absolutely sure who is the distributor! I will make enquiries and get in touch with you by telephone.


Thanks for your interest!


All good wishes,


Yours sincerely

David Wood



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Leigh

 

 


Hello David,
I am an Australian drama teacher and youth theatre worker living over here in London for two years. Having read a number of your books and applying your techniques for children's theatre I would love to actually hear about your adventures and experiences. Would you be able to let me know if you ever deliver speeches as conferences/seminars or if you hold workshops for lovers of children's theatre.
I saw your adaption of James and the Giant Peach at Polka Theatre and was blown away. I am now booked into see The Witches and cannot wait. What you do for children's theatre is inspiring!
From Leigh :)






 


Dear Leigh,

Thank you for your kind email. So glad you enjoyed JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.


Yes, I sometimes do talks and workshops, but not on a regular basis.


On Thursday March 17th I will be talking to the Mercury Musicals Developments, a group of people who write or want to write musicals. They have asked me to talk about writing musical plays for children.


This will be at 7 o'clock pm at the Actors' Centre in Tower Street. I am sure you would be allowed to come if you wanted to. If you do send an email to Georgina Bexon at GEORGINA@MERCURYMUSICALS.COM


I may be giving a talk at Goldsmiths College on Wednesday May 11th, though I don't have any more details yet.


Have you seen my THEATRE FOR CHILDREN book, published by Faber? That carries most of my thoughts and experiences!


All good wishes,


Yours,

David


 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Dan Martin

 

 


Hi David,
A bit cheeky to contact you this way, I hope you don't mind. Anyway, I keep coming across your name and your work. In fact trying to see The Witches in London this weekend - I hope it's first night yesterday was a success.
Anyway, I am an actor/singer, and was Sinbad (with Peter Pontzen) at Christmas, and was just wondering when any of your next shows would be casting - if indeed you are involved at this level, and if so, if you had any names you could recommend I contact.
I know you came to see our show, and I'm sorry not to have known who you were at this time, so I could have introduced myself.
Any info you can provide would be very helpful and much appreciated, and I hope you don't mind me contacting you this way.
Best wishes
Dan Martin





 


Dear Dan,


SINBAD was great fun. I am sure you enjoyed the season at Chippy.


I am afraid I am not directing anything or casting anything at the moment.

Maybe later in the year. Why not send me a CV and I will put you in the file for later use!


All good wishes,

Yours sincerely

David



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Becks Paul

 

 


Hello!
I'm a second year BND Performing Arts student at Cricklade College in Andover, Hampshire.
To accompany a children's performance, which is almost at completion ready for the Christmas period, I have to produce a report on the acting styles and/or performance techniques that are most commonly used to enrich young children's theatre.
I thought that the best idea would be to go straight to a knowledgable source and try to gain access to the key ingredients that make theatre enjoyable and understandable for children. Karen at the Leeds Children's Theatre told me to get in contact with you.
Any aid you could give me in this matter would be great.
Thanks!
From: Becks Paul





 


Dear Becks,


Thanks for your message. You really need to read my book, THEATRE FOR CHILDREN: GUIDE TO WRITING, ADAPTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING. It is published by Faber. There is a whole section on the type of acting techniques used in children's theatre!


I will forward you separately details of how you can get the book a bit cheaper than in the shops!


But maybe your college will have the book in the library.


Good luck, and all good wishes!



David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Graham Jones

 

 


Dear David Wood,
I am writing to ask for some advice please. I have written a musical for the stage i.e. I wrote the book and lyrics and a composer, Dan Jones, wrote the music. We now have a sort of "package" : the book with lyrics, a CD of the music without vocals, electronically performed. John Manders who has his own company was interested (may still be) but I think he would like to see an amateur production before committing himself. I have sent the package to Samuel French Ltd. (they have published two plays of mine) and another to Theatre Clwyd, but I fear neither will be hooked. The Sherman Theatre seems too busy to respond.
Have you any advice?
Incidentally, my wife and two grandchildren saw your Dahl play at the Sherman recently and thought it was superb. I should have gone!!!
Best wishes,
Graham Jones





 


Dear Graham,


It might be worth getting in touch with the Mercury Musicals Workshop, who help and advise aspiring musical theatre writers, and advise about forthcoming competitions. You could try Georgina Bexon, GEORGINA@MERCURYMUSICALS.COM


It might well be a good idea to arrange for an amateur production of the show, which could be recorded and videoed. This might encourage other companies to do it.


Unfortunately there is no secret way to get your musical produced by professionals or to get it published. It really is a case of sending packages off to people, everybody you can think of! You may be sceptical about The Sherman, but it might well be worth sending a copy to Phil Clark.


Delighted to hear that your wife and grandchildren enjoyed DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD.


All good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Amy Harlan

 

 


Dear David,
Many of the other contributors to this guestbook have known or heard of you for most of their lives. I sadly and yet happily! learned of you two and a half weeks ago when I was in London for vacation and picked up "Theatre for Children" at the National. Already my excitement and passion for children's theatre has been renewed and I can't get enough knowledge fast enough!
I attended school (in the USA) for theatre but have no background in children's theatre which kills me!
Can you help me? Who can I write? What books can I read? What plays should I read? Who should I know about? Who can I talk to? I want more than anything to create children's theatre but I am starting from scratch. I would appreciate any insight you have!
Thanks you again for me so passionate and excited about what you do, and for being the a great influence on people old and young!
From: Amy Harlan, Texas, USA






 


Dear Amy,


Thank you so much for your enthusiastic e-mail. Sorry for the delay in replying, but we have been having a few problems with the website. You don't say exactly where in Texas you live. But there are several interesting children's theatre options open to you in that state of America! Are you anywhere near Dallas? If so, get in touch with the Dallas Children's Theatre. Mention my name if you like - they have done a couple of my plays.


My main contact is Artie Olaisen, who is the Associate Director. ArthurRex3@aol.com. I'm sure he will suggest some books or other people to contact or websites to look at. The University of Texas at Arlington has a children's theatre course, I believe. You will be able to find some useful anthologies of plays for children, edited by Lowell Swortzell or Coleman Jennings. These are published in the States and should be available in libraries.


Then try Samuel French, Dramatic Publishing and any other US play publishers. They will send you lists of available children's plays, some of which you might like to read. You are lucky, because in the United States, there is far more academic interest in children's theatre than there is in the UK. Many Universities have departments in which children's theatre is studied, notably Northwestern in Chicago and NYU. I'm sure you will find some websites based at these Universities.


Look at the website of the American Alliance for Theater and Education for for info about plays and other things. I hope to be doing sessions at their Conference in Chicago in July.


Good luck, and thank you for writing!


David Wood.


 

United States

 


Comments by Casey

 

 


Dear David,
I recently attended the Australian premiere (!) of The Twits. As a High School student, I want to work in Children's Theatre when I'm older; however I really wanted to ask two questions:
1. How long do you usually take to write a play, or an adaptation.
2. Do you write on computer or on paper. What script format do you use when you write?
Also, I remember reading somewhere that you were to adapt Goodnight Mister Tom, having read the book and loved it, I wondered whether it will be adapted?
From: Casey





 


Hi Casey!


Good to hear from you. Delighted to hear you saw a production of THE TWITS. I wonder who did it. I would be interested to know!


In answer to your questions, first, it is impossible to say how long it takes to write a play. It depends what else I am doing at the same time! I always find that the planning takes much longer than the actual writing.


I have been known to spend several months thinking about a play and planning the structure, then actually writing it in two and a half days! Often it takes longer.


I always write by hand on the back of my old scripts! I don't like using new paper! This sounds very superstitious, and it is probably very silly, but it also avoids wasting good paper! I have never been able to write plays or books on a computer keyboard or even a typewriter.


It somehow makes the text look too finished too soon! I'm afraid there is no news on GOODNIGHT MR TOM. I still hope to adapt it and am exploring various production possibilities. Maybe in a year or two!


All good wishes


Yours David.


 



 

Australia

 


Comments by Zac

 

 


Hi David
I am using Jay's 'What music fills my ears' speech from the See Saw Tree for an audition for the NYT. Is there any TV or film character you would suggest I look at as inspiration? Many thanks. I found the website to have some very interesting and helpful background on the play.
Thankyou very much for reading and for any help.
From: Zac





 


Dear Zac,


Thanks for writing. Delighted you are using Jay's speech. Good luck with your audition! The best character to look at for inspiration is the spiv character in DAD'S ARMY, played by James Beck. The character is called Private Walker. You really feel he could sell snow to the Eskimos! Maybe I'm not allowed to use the word "Eskimos" any more. Maybe I should have said "Innuit". Glad you enjoyed the website.


Best wishes


David.


 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Selena

 

 


Hello there,
My name is Selena and I have been serching for a very long time now for the Tv series of Chish and Fips.
I wached it as a very young girl and it has stayed in my memory ever since. I have always been asking people about it amd searching alover the web but with no result.
I would really be thrilled to watch the series again and pass it to my children to watch but I have run out of Ideas. Plase could someone out there help me in this quest.
Thankyou very much for reading and for any help.
From: Selena





Dear Selena,


Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, CHISH 'N' FIPS was never released on video, let alone DVD! There was a cassette released of the songs, which I could probably tell you more about, if you were interested. But I don't think it is going to be possible to provide you with copies of the actual programmes.


All good wishes.


Yours David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Cassandra

 

 


Good Afternoon,
I have read your book on Children's Theatre. Very enjoyable. And greatly highlighted.
I am now taking a course in Principle of Design and Susie Caulcutt and your productions come to mind for my short research paper.
I know you both worked on many projects together.
I was wondering how your work together went.
How the process of design goes for a children's shows?
How did you meet and begin working together?
Do you still work together on shows?
What is it like collaborating on a project?
Thank you.
Your work in children's theatre is wonderful.
When I graduate from college, I dream of having my own children's theatre too.
Peace ~ Cassandra






Dear Cassandra,



Susie and I first worked together in 1969! I talk about her quite a lot in my book. She was suggested by a colleague for THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEE..., which I was directing in London. I like her designs, because they bring to life my ideas, often translating them into a 'real' version of the pictures I have in my head, but often improving and enhancing them. She sees what I see, only better!



What is unusual about our collaboration is that I write the plays as well as direct them. As I writer I am aware of practical design considerations. As a director I have to make sure the concept we come up with will be practical and financially viable.



We usually have a number of chats after Susie has read the play. She will ask questions. I will elaborate on my stage directions, giving more clues as to how I see the play working. Then she will set to work. She will show me her ideas quite early on, discuss them, then start work on the model. She also designs the costumes.




When the set and costumes have been agreed and costed satisfactorily, the work begins to make everything. Susie is very hands on with the workshops and the wardrobe people, and attends rehearsals in the theatre before the dress rehearsal and the first performance.



For children's theatre there is often the need to design fantasy places and costumes, often using a sense of scale to trigger the imagination. Rarely does Susie have to design a conventional room!



Good luck in all you do. All good wishes,



David



 

United States

 


Comments by Stephan Bessant

 

 


Hi David,
Steph here - I love your website - it's really good fun. I will always have wonderful memories of touring BFG, always hoping Mr Pedley would let me go on just once as the big man himself! But I always hold my head high when I tell people I played the fleshlumpeater.
Bless you, really honoured I got the chance to meet, and work with you.
From: Stephan Bessant





Dear Steph,


Thanks for your message and your BFG memories! Keep in touch!

Best, David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Gareth and Charlotte

 

 


Hi David!!!
me and my sister have been big fans of yours since we were both very young and especially liked the theatre production of the gingerbread man as show on channel 4. our mum recorded this off the tv when it was first shown and we use to watch it all the time, unfortunatly we have misplaced the tape :( where could we get a copy of the gingerbread man? all we have been able to find is the animated version :( please help us david!
many thanx in advance
From: Gareth and Charlotte





Dear Gareth and Charlotte,


Thank you for your message. Glad you enjoy my plays, especially THE GINGERBREAD MAN. Unfortunately the Channel 4 version isn't available on video or dvd. I will find out if I can have a transcript made, and if so how much it would cost.


Best wishes, David



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Sally Anne Lambert

 

 


Many, many, many congratulations on receiving your OBE. So well deserved. I love the picture of you meeting the Queen. What an honour...for the Queen! such a fantastic memory!
From Sally Anne Lambert






Dear Sally,


Thanks for your kind message! We had a lovely day at the Palace! All four of us were able to go.


Do hope you are well and as busy as you would like to be!


Love from us all,


David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Naamhyun Kim

 

 


Hello Mr. Wood.

I am Naamhyun Kim from the Brirish School of Brussels which you visited a week ago. I have some questions that I actually wanted to ask you.
Here are the questions.......

1. Did you arrive well in London, after you visited...

2. I never read one of your books but I saw them on television in Canada, and in America.... Did you do it for the young kids? Because it was a really good thing to do...

3. Are you feeling well these days? Last time when you visited 6R (my class) you said that you had a bad throught or a cold...
These were the questions.
From: Naamhyun Kim






Hello, Naamhyun Kim, and thank you for your message!


I had a good journey home to London on Eurostar. It arrived on time!


Yes, I read some of my stories to the very young ones, and they seemed to enjoy them.


When I left the school I realised I had been talking A VERY GREAT DEAL!!!

And my voice was beginning to croak! For the last few days it has gradually been returning to normal, I'm glad to say, because I have two schools to visit next week.


I really enjoyed coming to your school, and hope you enjoyed Book Week!


Best wishes,


David Wood



 

Belgium

 


Comments by Bethany Hange

 

 


Dear David,

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed your book, Theatre for Children. I am currently a senior theatre major at a college in Pennsylvania, USA.

This January I will be directing a production for young audiences as mysenior project. I regret not having heard about your plays until after season decisions had to be made. As I continue to work with Children's theatre I plan to make use of your great works, but since this particular show has already been chosen, (and alas, it is not yours)I come seeking your wisdome as a director whom I respect...

1. Do you have any formal training in theatre, or is your background mostly literary?

2. How have you gleaned most of your wisdom? Experience? People around you? Educators?

3. What was your biggest rookie mistake as a director?

4. Have you ever directed a play you didn't write? If so, was is more difficult? If not, why not?

5. If you could give me only one piece of advice as a director of Children's Theatre, what would it be?
Thank you so much for your time!
From: Bethany Hange






Dear Bethany,


Thanks for your e-mail. I wish you lots of luck for your forthcoming production! I hope they give you an audience of children for your actors to play to. Until you have a real audience of children out front, your production is incomplete! I always think of the audience as a character in the play!


Here are some answers to your questions....


1. I have had no formal training in acting, directing, writing or

adapting. As I say in my book, it is perhaps impudent of me to write such a book when so untrained! But I have learnt everything I know from DOING it, which I think, because I have been doing it for so long, makes me qualified to share my theories and techniques. I have a degree in English, but I don't consider this a literary background. Theatre has always been my main interest. And theatre for children had been my main area of work for many years.


2. I think at the root of your question is the difference between

Theatre In Education and Children's Theatre. In the UK there used to be a severe division between the two disciplines. Read the introduction to my book for a little bit more info on this. In the United States, children's theatre and TIE are respected academically much more than in the UK. That is why you can do a degree at so many universities in the US, majoring in work for children. Over here, I meet very few people who are specifically educators. But I do believe children are always educated (with a small e) by a good theatre experience.


3. It sounds a bit pompous, but I can't remember a really big mistake!

What I can say is that I try very hard to make sure my actors take the work seriously. So many inexperienced actors seem to think that children's theatre is all about enforced jollity! My belief is that, just like farce, the actors have to play everything entirely for real, even if they are playing an unlikely character like a worm or a pepper pot! As a director it is also very important to see things from the point of view of the child in the audience. Is the focus right? Children can't always see everything on stage at the same time. Is the pace right? Can the children follow the story? The three great virtues for me are PACE, CLARITY and SINCERITY.


4. I have never directed a play for children that I didn't write! No one

has ever invited me to!


5. Never think what you are doing is easier than adult theatre. Never

underestimate your audience. Never see children's theatre as a rung on the ladder towards working in adult theatre. Enjoy the fact that children's theatre has its own techniques and its own rewards - if we get it right!


All good wishes,


Yours sincerely,


David Wood





 

United States

 


Comments by Thomas Ramsay

 

 


Please when will DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD becoming out as a script to buy?
from - Thomas Ramsay
P.S. Have you thought about adding a couple of extracts from your play script on the website?





Dear Thomas,


Thanks for your message. DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD has its premiere in November 2004 at the Sherman Cardiff. Hopefully Samuel French will want to

publish it. If so, it will probably be in print within a couple of years.

The amateur rights will probably be released at the same time. The

professional rights will be negotiable.


For your info, French will publish my adaptation of JAMES AND THE GIANT

PEACH within the next few days.


Your idea of having some script extracts on the site is a good one, though

I'm not sure of the copyright situation, particularly with adaptations.


All good wishes,


David.



 

United Kingdom

 


Comments by Manda

 

 


Hi....
I have been involved in some of your plays!!! I was in Hansel and Gretel and The Witches. I am involved with Leeds Children's Theatre which on a whole has a known fondness for your plays. I'd like to say, keep up the good work, I hope you continue ro write plays and I hope to hear of your future success.
- thankyou
Manda






Dear Manda,


Delighted you have taken part in some of my plays. Hope you enjoyed it!

Leeds Children's Theatre has a very good reputation, and I am delighted that

they have put on so many of my plays.


For your information, three of my Roald Dahl adaptations are opening before

the end of 2004. The brand new one, DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, will

be at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. THE WITCHES will be at Birmingham Rep,

followed by a long tour. And JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH will be at Polka

Theatre, Wimbledon.


I still have plans to write more plays!


All good wishes,


Yours sincerely,


David





 

United Kingdom

 

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