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Lance Woodman

Playwright and Drama Worker

From the programme of the first production:

I knew when I was asked to write a play based on storytelling that I could rely on the Youth Theatre to generate plenty of ideas in their devising sessions. From them came the storytelling styles that are the foundation of the 'Stories...'

Another key inspiration was the setting: I knew the play was to be staged in the foyer. I wanted the play to be all 'about' the space and not merely to take place in it.

But what story to tell? The breakthrough came when I visited the Swan during the winter's floods. While we the audience stood in the bar in our glad-rags, some canoeists paddled past the window. We waved at each other. In that bizarre moment everything clicked into place... apart from the writing, the re-writing, months of rehearsals and, of course, tonight. I hope you enjoy the show.