'I quit boxing after my first play. Getting punched in the face turned out to be good preparation for being a writer'
What got you started?
The Diy ethic of the Jam and the Clash. When I was 18, I sent some poems to Paul Weller's publishing imprint, Riot Stories, and they published them.
What was your big breakthrough?
Getting my play Remember Me? on at Stratford East theatre in London when I was 19. I'd sent the play to about 20 theatres; Stratford East was the only one that wanted to do it. I realised later this was like winning the lottery.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
A career in boxing. I thought I'd end up being a heavyweight professional, but I packed it in as soon as I got my first play staged. Getting punched in the face turned out to be very good preparation for being a writer.
What got you started?
The Diy ethic of the Jam and the Clash. When I was 18, I sent some poems to Paul Weller's publishing imprint, Riot Stories, and they published them.
What was your big breakthrough?
Getting my play Remember Me? on at Stratford East theatre in London when I was 19. I'd sent the play to about 20 theatres; Stratford East was the only one that wanted to do it. I realised later this was like winning the lottery.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
A career in boxing. I thought I'd end up being a heavyweight professional, but I packed it in as soon as I got my first play staged. Getting punched in the face turned out to be very good preparation for being a writer.
- 1/11/2010
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
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