Podcast Review: HOW TO WRITE A PLAY WITH MIKE BARTLETT

Are you a budding writer not sure where to begin? Perhaps you’ve managed to get something onto the page, but don’t have any theatre contacts to proceed further. Or maybe you’re a bit nervous about offending someone and ending your writing career before it even gets going.

No matter where you are in the new writer continuum, do listen to How to Write a Play with Mike Bartlett (produced by the Old Fire Station in Oxford).

We're hugely lucky the Olivier award-winning playwright and screenwriter (best known for Doctor Foster, King Charles III, Love Love Love, Cock, The 47th and Press) has given his time and expertise to this project.

Originally recorded from live sessions at the Old Fire Station last April and May, all 11 30-minute episodes are now available on the Old Fire Station’s website. Listeners are invited to pay what they can ­– the bargain of the year for cash-strapped writers who want access to Bartlett’s words of wisdom.

The structure of Bartlett’s series of podcasts is straightforward. Each podcast is led by engaging and knowledgeable Alex Coke from the Old Fire Station, a creative arts centre that admirably shares its building with the homeless charity Crisis. Editing and music is by Hannah Gallardo.

Each podcast is split into four sections. An introduction by Alex, including what’s happening at the Fire Station that week; Bartlett’s invaluable writing course, up-to-date views of the theatre world today and answers to questions from listeners.

We’re also treated to various tips, writing exercises and useful thoughts from Bartlett along the way. 

For starters he suggests drawing the outline of a body on a big piece of paper (no, this isn’t a Scandi crime drama in the making) and noting down on the inside something you remember from every year you’ve been alive. Then write on the outside of the drawing of the body something that happened every year in the world. There are connections outside and inside, says Bartlett, providing good ideas for plays.

There are plenty of other useful exercises and pointers from Bartlett to get your juices flowing. I especially liked the four C’s of writing and the Just a Minute rules of playwriting.

Bartlett also shares a lot of his own personal experience, including how he found his way in the arts world. He started out as an actor and then went into directing, but didn’t feel he was getting anywhere. So, he wrote a play – and the rest is history.

So, what can you expect from the podcasts?

A number of topical issues are discussed. For instance, what effect will AI Chat GPT have on plays and writers’ careers, how should Arts Council funding be allocated and what should a new writer do if a theatre ghosts them.

There are two special guests during the series: Paines Plough’s artistic director Katie Posner and playwright and screen-writer Penelope Skinner (her latest play, Lyonesse, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, kicks off in the West End in October).

And there’s plenty of self-deprecating humour. A running gag involves American writer Tony Kushner (Angels in America), who I hope might consider being a guest one day if Alex and Bartlett agree to do another series (yes, please).

As well as the audio podcasts, the website handily offers written transcripts for each episode for those who prefer information in writing, or simply want them for reference purposes.

I did enjoy the mix within the podcasts, but to be honest would like to hear more from the brilliant Bartlett about how to write. I'd love to hear more of his exercises and advice, and maybe a bit less about the goings on at the Fire Station and issues concerning the theatre world in 2023. It's totally fine including the latter, but when this podcast really takes off is when Bartlett gives you actual, practical information.

And if you don’t have time to listen to all the podcasts (although you should make time if you’re serious about writing), I’d recommend Episode Three where Bartlett really nails the general plot structure for pretty much every story imaginable. It’s sheer genius, and Bartlett generously passes it on to budding writers everywhere. 

How to Write a Play with Mike Bartlett podcast is available here.

To post a comment, you must register and login.