We invited John Mitton, director of The British Theatre Challenge, presented by Sky Blue Theatre Company at the Jack Studio to tell us about this year's event, the plays and the writers.
Diversity and representation are integral values upheld by the BTC
The journey from page to stage can often seem like a daunting one for emerging playwrights, especially those who lack recognition and funding. Recognising this challenge, the British Theatre Challenge (BTC) was conceived with the aim of providing a platform for aspiring playwrights to see their works performed and published, thereby opening new doors in the world of theatre.
The BTC, now in its ninth successful run, offers a unique opportunity to five winning writers selected from a pool of 416 submissions spanning 20 different countries. These writers are given the chance to have their plays professionally produced, directed, and performed for a week-long run, effectively creating a mini-festival dedicated to celebrating the craft of playwriting and championing fresh voices in theatre. The plays are not only performed live but are also filmed and made available for viewing on YouTube, ensuring a wider reach for these budding playwrights. Moreover, the winning plays receive the opportunity to be published through the BTC’s publishing partners, further cementing their place in the theatrical landscape. To date, the BTC has produced 70 plays, with an impressive 59 of them receiving offers of publication as a direct result of the initiative.
One of the unique aspects of the BTC is its commitment to engaging with audiences on multiple platforms. In addition to live theatre performances and YouTube streaming, the BTC plans to launch a new podcast featuring discussions about the selected plays, the playwrights behind them, and the creative process involved. This multi-platform approach encourages audiences to delve deeper into the art of playwriting, prompting them to reflect on the various elements that contribute to a compelling theatrical experience.
Diversity and representation are integral values upheld by the BTC, with a focus on promoting inclusivity both on and off the stage. The initiative recognises the importance of diverse voices in theatre and aims to provide a platform for underrepresented playwrights to showcase their talents. By engaging with aspiring writers and students of theatre, the BTC seeks to empower the next generation of theatre makers and foster a more inclusive and vibrant theatrical community.
The BTC’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its meticulous selection process and dedication to showcasing the best writing in the best possible way. Regardless of background or experience, all participants in the BTC are given equal opportunities to shine, ensuring that the spotlight remains firmly on the playwrights and their craft.
This year’s plays are as follows:
Each Fallen Robin by Emily Carmichael
Synopsis: Will and Fran are colleagues at a carpentry workshop in east London. The action takes place one evening in December 2019. They are snowed in at work and finding it difficult to get home. They smoke weed, leading Fran to open up about her strained relationship with her live-in boyfriend.
Emily Carmichael is an actor who, like many frustrated creatives during the pandemic, started writing plays during the first lockdown in 2020. Emily was thrilled to be one of the five 2021 British Theatre Challenge winners and would like to thank the Sky Blue Theatre Company for giving her the confidence to keep writing. Since then, she has had two full-length plays staged at the Tower Theatre in Stoke Newington (Air) and the Etcetera Theatre in Camden (Perfect Bodies), having produced and directed the latter independently to sold-out performances. She is currently working on her next (currently untitled) project, which will break away from her small-scale, intimate approach to explore one of her favourite styles of theatre and dramatic storytelling in general: a sprawling family saga.
The Injured Party by Scott Gibson
Synopsis: Two married couples are on their way to dinner when a casual remark sets off a chain of arguments and misunderstandings, ultimately leading to unexpected consequences.
Scott Gibson, a native of Colorado, USA, has been writing plays for nearly twenty-five years. His works have been produced in both the United States and Great Britain, earning him recognition in various playwriting competitions. Notably, his one-act play The Seated Queen was a runner-up in the Sterts Theatre's Original Play Competition and was performed at Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, Cornwall in March of 2020. Most recently, his short work The Restaurant Play was the grand prize winner at Riot Act Theatre in Jackson, Wyoming in September 2023.
Can There Be Justice for TJ? by Evonne Fields-Gould
Synopsis: Vivian, is a distraught mother seeking justice for her son, who was killed by a police officer. The play explores the impact of the tragedy on Vivian and her family.
Evonne Fields-Gould’s works have been performed at various festivals and conferences, earning her accolades and awards. Her first stage play, Life, Love and Boobs, was performed at the Fade to Black Play Festival in Houston, Texas, in June 2017. In May of 2021, her one-act play Winter Rests on a Wounded Heart was presented as a stage reading for Wake Up and Live with the Arts in Cleveland, Ohio. Fields-Gould is a member of the Dramatist Guild of America and continues to explore important themes through her writing.
You Butterfly by Steve Eddison
Synopsis: Family secrets are unearthed when Frank's attempts to hide his wife's deteriorating mental state are thwarted, leading to unexpected revelations.
Steve Eddison, a semi-retired primary teacher and prolific writer, brings his unique perspective to the stage with "You Butterfly." With a diverse range of interests, including writing and amateur dramatics, Eddison's plays offer a blend of humour and insight. Married with two grown-up daughters and a rescue dog, Eddison's passion for storytelling shines through in his work.
The Magic in Christopher by Lee Brodie
Synopsis: Set on Christmas Eve 1932, 12-year-old Christopher a series of seemingly magical events that challenge his family's beliefs and perceptions.
Lee Brodie playwright and TV producer who brings his storytelling expertise to the stage in this play. A professional TV Producer in the United States, Brodie has worked on a range of non-fiction programs and developed new shows, including Drive By History, which airs on PBS. Inspired by his experiences in television, Brodie's play offers a captivating exploration of magic and wonder.
Sky Blue Theatre was formed in 2007 and has been supporting and producing work by emerging and established writers across the globe ever since. We are living through dramatic times; concerns over health, security and the environment compete urgently for attention and support. Playwrights present issues in ways which help us make sense of things which often seem chaotic. They ask important questions and stimulate discussion with their writing. Now more than ever we need playwrights who can do this – making us laugh, cry and better understand the world we live in.
Throughout the week audience members will be asked to vote for the play they enjoyed the most. The writer with the most votes will be presented with the Anne Bartram Playwright Award for audience appreciation.
