Theatre News

Forest Forge Writer Nominated For Prestigeous Award

David Lane, the writer commissioned by Forest Forge to write two news plays to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary, is celebrating this week after being nominated for the national Meyer-Whitworth scriptwriting award. The Meyer-Whitworth Award is one of the largest awards for playwriting in Britain, with a prize of £10,000 awarded to the writer.

David, who is currently working with Ringwood-based Forest Forge Theatre Company on their two autumn productions of The World Outside and Born, received the nomination for his play BEGIN/END that he wrote for the Half Moon Young People’s Theatre. The production was created for teenage audiences and toured throughout the UK in Spring 2010.

As part of his work with Forest Forge David has written two new plays, inspired by life in the New Forest. The World Outside is the professional touring production for the company. It examines what happens when an absent father returns to the New Forest and a celebratory homecoming turns sour as disturbing revelations test everyone’s loyalties: to their loved ones, and to what they choose to call home.

Born is a shorter companion piece that will be performed by Forest Forge’s Youth Theatre at selected venues throughout the tour. It is the alternative view of The World Outside story, seen from a teenager’s point of view.

Sophie Dubber, General Manager at Forest Forge said: “We are really pleased that David has been nominated for the Meyer-Whitworth award. It is fantastic that his work is getting the recognition it deserves and we hope it also demonstrates Forest Forge’s commitment to working with the highest quality of writers and bringing them to Hampshire to tell the stories of the New Forest.”

The World Outside and Born will be touring from Thursday 22 September, and plays at a variety of venues around the region including The Mowlem, Swanage; The Jellicoe Theatre, Bournemouth; and Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.