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Published by The Open University
In this album, some of our current and most well-respected playwrights offer an insight into the mechanics and beauty of writing for the stage. Contributors include Alan Ayckbourn, David Edgar, Bryony Lavery and Willy Russell, who discuss their own work and the pleasures and pitfalls of crafting a script. All of the fundamental topics, from character and structure to dialogue and editing, are covered in detail in a series of entertaining and insightful interviews. This material forms part of The Open University course A176 Start writing plays.
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A short introduction to this album.
Transcript -- A short introduction to this album.
How do you find your starting point? Playwrights discuss the start of the creative process from developing simple ideas to narratives.
Transcript -- How do you find your starting point? Playwrights discuss the start of the creative process from developing simple ideas to narratives.
What are the best practices to apply when developing a dramatic idea? This discussion ranges from wider issues such as genre to more technical aspects of the art.
Transcript -- What are the best practices to apply when developing a dramatic idea? This discussion ranges from wider issues such as genre to more technical aspects of the art.
Crafting characters is an integral aspect of playwriting - the rhythm and patterns of their speech, their narrative development and even whether they’re on-stage.
Transcript -- Crafting characters is an integral aspect of playwriting - the rhythm and patterns of their speech, their narrative development and even whether they’re on-stage.
Dialogue is all about listening and the interpretation of speech. Here, it is highlighted how dialogue can alter the pace economy of a play.
Transcript -- Dialogue is all about listening and the interpretation of speech. Here, it is highlighted how dialogue can alter the pace economy of a play.
Arguably the key tool in the playwright’s arsenal, all aspects of structure are touched upon here, along with a few invaluable tips of the trade.
Transcript -- Arguably the key tool in the playwright’s arsenal, all aspects of structure are touched upon here, along with a few invaluable tips of the trade.
This is where a play really comes together. Playwrights discuss approaches to editing their work and writing with actors in mind.
Transcript -- This is where a play really comes together. Playwrights discuss approaches to editing their work and writing with actors in mind.
How political should your drama be? Is tackling politics the same as tackling current issues?
Transcript -- How political should your drama be? Is tackling politics the same as tackling current issues?
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Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed November 4, 2026.
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