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Peter Read

PETER READ

  
Nationality:    British
email:    Click here to contact     Website:    n/a

Literary Agent:    n/a

Born in Rhosllanerchrugog in North Wales and educated at University College North Wales, Bangor. Was a minister of religion, but resigned on losing faith. Worked in voluntary sector with homeless and in drug rehabilitation centre in Swansea and Cardiff. Fought successfully for the retrial and release of nephew on Death Row, wrongly sentenced for double murder. Since 2005 has been a free lance writer with over twenty plays staged. Won the John Tripp Award for best performance poet in Wales in 2007. He has had three books of poems published and has ghost written seven books including autobiographies of Garry Monk; Roberto Martinez;Dixie McNeil and Kevin Johns. He has written a one man show about Dylan Thomas and has performed the poet in Britain and America. His work has appeared on TV and Radio and he has run writing courses for adults and children. He lives with his partner Rona Campbell a photographer and writer.

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below is a list of Peter Read's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

         Bloomfield or Me         Committee, The         Dixie or Me!         Dylan's Last Journey         Eighth Day, The         Faultline         John Tripp's Tragic Cabaret         No No Nativity, The         Only The Truth         Press Star         Sarah and Eleanor         Shearer or Me!         Three Sides of Eastside         To Hull and Back         Toshack or Me         Vicar Joe         Wemberlee, Wemberlee

Bloomfield or Me

Synopsis:
A revision of the other football plays such as Shearer or Me! Rewritten for the Leicester City season of 1973-4

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Curve Theatre Leicester     2016

Organisations:
Grown in Wales

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  Announcer

Further Reference:
-

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Committee, The

Synopsis:
Abernewid Theatre is struggling. The final curtain is looming for everyone connected with the theatre. Funding is drying up and audiences are disappearing. Friends, and some enemies, rally to the cause to try and save the day with mad cap ideas.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Stiwt theatre Rhosllanerchrugog     Jun 2015

Organisations:
Stiwt Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Dixie or Me!

Synopsis:
Football loving Dave is married to football hating Holly. Will he manage to sneak away and watch his beloved Wrexham? His best friend Vicar Joe is also in trouble. He prays for Wrexham to win during services and the Bishop is not too impressed when told Joe refused to marry a couple because she followed Wrexham and he, Chester. With Holly and the BIsh hot on their heels, will Dave's marriage last and will Vicar Joe keep his Job?

Notes:
The parts of Holly and Natalie can be played by same actor giving a cast of five instead of six

1st Produced:
Stiwt Theatre, Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham     Mar 2004

Organisations:
Stiwt Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  Announcer off stage or recorded

Further Reference:
-

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Dylan's Last Journey

Synopsis:
play about Dylan Thomas' last days in America. Written and performed by Welsh poet Peter Read, 'Dylan's Last Journey' is a seventy minute Drama based on his letters from America, charting the ultimate demise of the poet before his final date with destiny and the whisky bottle. the play recounts Thomas' increasing desperation as he tries to balance the need to write with the demands - and distractions - of a rapturous American public. the many conflicts which dogged Dylan Thomas throughout his life are explored: the dinner parties at which he entertained with his outrageous wit; his gregarious bonhomie; his despondent moments of self-doubt; and his own uncertainty in his love life, as the world premiere of Under Milk Wood approaches. Dylan constantly tortures himself with memories of Wales and an unending internal debate as to whether he should be an actor or a writer. the play culminates in his untimely death as he kills himself with a massive whisky binge. But it's not all gloom and Peter Read has managed to inject considerable humour into the script. "I think Dylan Thomas was a very funny man at times," he says " And I wanted to reflect that in the script."

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
4U, West Street, Fishguard Sa65 9Ad     26 Aug 2011

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
one man biographical play

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Eighth Day, The

Synopsis:
the Eighth Day vividly reveals what it's really like to lose everything. Sam Thwaites has gone from successful businessman to homeless person in a flash, and the play is a darkly comic examination of the frustration and helplessness he experiences. Job, car, home, wife, daughter all gone, Sam is left only with the family dog. Yet his one possession stands between him and a warm bed as his eighth day in a hostel approaches, and a big decision has to be made. the Eighth Day is both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny.

Notes:
written by Richard Lloyd & Peter Read

1st Produced:
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Venue 13     01 Aug 2012

Organisations:
Last Tape Productions

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Faultline

Synopsis:
The play tells the story of the dreadful mining disaster at Gresford North Wales in 1934. The play grew out of interviews with members of families who had lost someone in the tragedy. Through the main stories of Ted McKay, Miss Capper and Jackie Read, Faultline shows how the decision to seal off the mine concealed the truth of why the explosion happened, as well as over two hundred dead miners

Notes:
An ensemble piece in which the characters played various parts. The play is bi lingual

1st Produced:
Stiwt Theatre Rhosllanerchrugog     Sep 2004

Organisations:
Llwyfan Gogledd Cymru

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Social/ Review

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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John Tripp's Tragic Cabaret

Synopsis:
The colourful poet who always stated, 'I was born in Bargoed and am still trying to find out why,' is depicted as a person whose wit was overshadowed by a constant battle with the Black Dog of depression. We meet some of his fictional creations such as the writer Viramu Jones who starves to death in his writing garret, waiting for a bursary from the Arts Council. Sitting in the garden at one of Dannie Abse's parties, he hurls abuse at fellow writers. The sharp side of his character is countered by his love for two women and his affection for his mother. The play, both funny and sad, captures the Tragic Cabaret which was always on in the background, no matter what he said or did. The play was commissioned by the academy of Welsh Writers

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Academy Conference celebrating life of John Tripp     Mar 2009

Organisations:
Academy of Welsh Writers

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
One Man Show

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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No No Nativity, The

Synopsis:
Vicar Joe is a maverick clergyman, often more interested in attending football matches than conducting weddings or funerals, especially if the church services clash with the fixture list. Having responsibility for the church school, he decides to seek sponsorship for their Christmas presentation. His success backfires when the sponsors demand inclusion in the Nativity play. Mothercare, a local garage, a trophy shop, dental services and many more, look forward to playing a major part in the re written story. Marjorie Pritchard, a school governor, is not so keen and the comedy follows her battle with Joe as they fight for control of the Nativity concert.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Swansea Grand Theatre     Nov 2010

Organisations:
Glass Shot Production Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  1            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Only The Truth

Synopsis:
John ap John a North Walian, was the first Quaker to be incarcerated in Swansea. The play centres around the theme of truth. Three main characters, John, and the two jailors, Daniel and jack have their own version.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Studio Grand Theatre Swansea     2005

Organisations:
Society Of Friends Wales

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Social Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  -            Other:  11 male and 2 female which can be performed by a smaller ensemble

Further Reference:
-

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Press Star

Synopsis:
Max is a man who is frustrated, angered and thwarted when dealing with businesses, organisations, _anyone _by telephone. Aren`t we all? His irritation at being just a reference number and talking to a recorded voice with several options is something we can all relate to

Notes:
-

1st Produced:

Organisations:
Fluellen Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Sarah and Eleanor

Synopsis:
The play explores whether Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby were Europe's most celebrated celibate couple or in a Lesbian relationship. While their story is told from the eighteenth century, we also hear the story from the lips of two twenty first century writers who are researching the Ladies of Llangollen. The writers' own troubled relationship resonates at many points with the Ladies' experiences. The play was commissioned by the Llangollen Fringe

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Plas Newydd Llangollen     Jul 2015

Organisations:
Grown In Wales

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Social Theatre

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Shearer or Me!

Synopsis:
A rewrite of Toshack or Me! For the 1994 season when Rovers won the Premiership

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Thwaites Empire Theatre Blackburn     Jul 2008

Organisations:
Blackburn Drama Club

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  Announcer from off stage

Further Reference:
-

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Three Sides of Eastside

Synopsis:
A community play which grew out of interviews with people in the St Thomas area of Swansea. The writer also worked with the local Historical Society. Through research and the reminiscences of people interviewed he created the fictional Davies family. The mother, son and granddaughter tell their stories from war time to the present day

Notes:
Three main actors told the main characters' stories with the ensemble actors acting out some of the scenes described

1st Produced:
St Thomas Community Hall     Jul 2007

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Social/ Review

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  2            Other:  Ensemble - 4 male 4 female

Further Reference:
-

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To Hull and Back

Synopsis:
It is 2003 and Swansea City's season goes down to the wire. They need to win their last match against Hull City to stay in the Football League. City's most avid fan, Vicar Joe has his hands full. Cancelling Mrs Ablett's Daughter's wedding, because it clashes with the final game is a bad idea. The jilted mother goes to war and takes out an injunction to try and close the football club on the grounds of noise abatement. Joe's friend Mick has watched the Swans ten times and they have lost on every occasion. How can Joe get him as far away from the Vetch as Possible? Can God help? Or is he a Hull fan? The play was commissioned by the Grand Theatre Swansea and funded by Arts Council Wales.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Swansea Grand Theatre     2008

Organisations:
Fluellen Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Toshack or Me

Synopsis:
A re writing of Dixie or Me capturing the season when Swansea beat Preston North End to get into the top division for the first time

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Grand Theatre Swansea     2006

Organisations:
Fluellen Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  Announcer

Further Reference:
-

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Vicar Joe

Synopsis:
a one-man show, revolving entirely around the irreverent Reverend and his run-ins with the church council. Kevin Johns clearly loves the character, and Read has taken pains to include topics close to the performer's heart - not simply football and religion, but also a sub-plot about the plight of the homeless.
- Graham Williams, theatre-wales.co.uk

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Depot Studio, Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre, Wales     2009

Organisations:
SA4 productions

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Wemberlee, Wemberlee

Synopsis:
Lee Davies a fanatic Swans fan, heads for Wembley to watch the boys take on Reading in the Play Off Final, for a place in the Premiership. He and his close friends book into a hotel the night before. Disaster strikes when an incident involving the police means that they are unlikely to get to the match. The play which is loosely based on the Canterbury Tales was commissioned by the Grand Theatre

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Swansea Grand Studio Theatre     Feb 2012

Organisations:
Fluellen Theatre Company

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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