SPEED DATING

Mercury Musical Developments held a speed dating night at the Actors Centre -  no, not the romantic kind!

It was to link up composers, lyricists, book writers, directors and producers.  There were, of course, too many writers, and we were all trying to dodge each other in a vague attempt to speak to people who could help us move our shows on.  I talked to some really interesting people though, and was particularly impressed to see the fresh new faces of Rival Theatre Company really listening to writers and taking an interest.  Producer Jamie Wilson was also there, giving good realistic advice.  He put some tough questions to me which made me realise how hard it is to pitch an idea face to face.  I always discover afterwards what it was I wanted to say!

In the end, when the dust settled, the writers did end up together, mainly to laugh and rant about life.  It was great to see  composer, lyricist Susannah Pearse again.  She is a wonderful comic writer and is off to Edinburgh to do a reading of her new show.  It was also good to see David James, from the Writers' Guild, who never ceases to make me laugh about the business of theatre, and God you do have to laugh!  So many West End shows have bombed recently, shows by the 'right' people and produced by the 'right' people.  Nothing can guarantee a show's success.   However, experienced or hard working people are, the cards are always unseen in this game of risk.