A message from playwright and LTG Patron, Jessica Swale, for the members of Chesil Theatre and all the entrants to the Take Ten Competition...

Ah... writing. Sometimes writing can be utterly joyful. On those days where ideas seem to flow with all the energy and gusto of a kid whizzing down a waterslide, throwing their arm up as the spray cascades, what could be more rewarding! But that is only sometimes. Other times, it can be absolute hell! The 'tyranny of the blank page', as you sit waiting for inspiration to strike- and you wait- and wait... and yet ideas seem as rare as a night bus on a winter's night when you're miles from home and left your gloves in your other coat. Then writing is tough.
 
So kudos to every one of you who's had the courage to pick up a pen (or open a word document) and write, because it is no easy task. To construct a scenario, a world, people from dust and make them whole, make them speak! Sometimes- if you're lucky- even make them funny?! It takes time, commitment and, I would argue, a good deal of chutzpah.
 
And yet the rewards can be glorious. There is little that makes me feel more alive than sitting quietly in the back of a theatre and hearing an audience laugh or gasp when an actor breathes life into a character who, not long ago, was a mere kernel of an idea in my head. And now there they are, a character, living, being! To create, to imagine and to share is a wonderful thing. And it's a great privilege.
 
We live in a time when theatre is changing rapidly. After far too long hearing certain voices dominate, and only a small canvas of life explored on our stages, now we are finally embracing all voices. Hoorah! At last, encouraging folks who may not have been heard in the past to share their stories, their ideas. The enrichening of the canvas of storytelling as a result is an absolute thrill. Now, from our seats in the audience, we can hope to share in the adventures of a great span of people, with vastly different, colourful, contrasting life experiences. So my plea to you is carry on writing, whoever you are- your voice is valuable-
and we want to hear it!
 
Write. Write as much as you can. Write every day, even if it is just for yourself. Anais Nin once said 'we write to taste life twice- once in the moment, and once in retrospection.' And by writing for the theatre- there is a third purpose too... to share your stories with the wider world. And we can't wait to hear them.
 
Good luck to you all and carry on- jump on that waterslide and enjoy every moment!

- Jessica Swale