Bush Theatre, Temi Wilkey, London Playwrights’ Workshop and One Fine Play present Making It with Temi Wilkey, a podcast about making theatre and making it as an artist in the dynamic landscape of UK theatre.
Hear from emerging playwrights, theatre makers and theatre companies about how they make theatre, why they make theatre and what they do to survive. If you’re looking for a practical insight into how people write and make plays, then subscribe to our new podcast.
You can subscribe via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn.
Listen to Making It with Temi Wilkey
Episode 1: Richard Gadd Talks Anti-Comedy & Solo Shows
Temi sits down with Richard Gadd to talk about his journey into being a writer, actor and comedian. He won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2016 for his show, Monkey See Monkey Do, and has been awarded the 2020 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for his play, Baby Reindeer, that was staged at the Bush Theatre in Winter 2019 and is soon heading to the West End and New York.
In this episode, Richard reveals what made him start to write and how he continues to be an obsessively driven playwright, from repeatedly editing drafts to performing his own work. Richard discusses structure, themes and his relationship to theatre. This is an open conversation that gets into the mindset of an exciting talent.
Episode 2: Jasmine Lee Jones Talks About Playing With Form
Temi sits down with Jasmine Lee Jones, to talk about her journey as a 21-year-old playwright. Fresh from theatre school, Jasmine’s play, seven acts of killing kylie jenner, was staged at the Royal Court upstairs.
In this episode, Jasmine reveals her process as a playwright and what her journey has been like so far. From releasing an artist’s creativity to being open about what her working day looks like, this is a raw and honest depiction of what it is like being a young playwright in London today.
Episode 3: RashDash Talk About Devising Physical Theatre
Temi sits down with Abbi Greenland, Becky Wilkie and Helen Goalen from the prolific and highly respected company, RashDash. In this episode, Abbi, Becky and Helen talk about how RashDash formed and what they consider a RashDash show. From working physically and utilising live music, RashDash explore how they tackle a play and work together as a company.
In 2018 RashDash staged a highly original adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters – at the Yard Theatre in London – in collaboration with the Royal Exchange Theatre. Their acclaimed back catalogue includes The Darkest Corners, Two Man Show, Snow White and Rose Red, We Want You to Watch and Oh, I Can’t Be Bothered.
Episode 4: Yasmin Joseph Talks Authenticity and Self-Belief
Temi sits down with Yasmin Joseph to talk about her journey to becoming a playwright. An alumna of the Soho Theatre Young Writers Lab and one of The 503Five resident playwrights at Theatre503; Yasmin staged her play, J’Ouvert, at Theatre503 in 2019.
In this episode, Yasmin explores what inspires her and explains how her process is dictated by her writing. From studying at WAC Arts to university, she reveals her journey of finding her own voice as a playwright and the difficulties she has faced along the way.
Episode 5: Ben Weatherill Talks Genre and Audience Expectations
Temi sits down with Ben Weatherill who talks about his journey from being the Literary Manager at the Old Red Lion Theatre, all the way to having his play, Jellyfish, transferred to the National Theatre. Ben’s plays have also been shown at the Curve Theatre, and the Finborough Theatre.
In this episode, Ben talks candidly about writing characters that are real and how he tackles topics that make audiences’ change their minds. The discussion also ranges from what Ben did as a day job to what he does to tackle the blank page.
Episode 6: Ella Road Talks About Creating Character & Calling Yourself A Writer
Temi sits down with Ella Road, who had her play, The Phlebotomist, staged at the Hampstead Downstairs in 2018, and then in the Main House in 2019. Ella talks about her journey from drama school to being a writer for the stage.
In this episode, Ella openly shares her thoughts on hierarchy in the creative industry as well as what she does to create character, her mental health and calling herself a writer.
Episode 7: Zia Ahmed Talks Poetry & Dramatic Structure
Temi sits down with poet and playwright, Zia Ahmed, who had his debut play, I Wanna Be Yours, presented by Paines Plough and Tamasha in association with Bush Theatre. Zia chats about his journey as a poet and how it has informed his writing.
In this episode, Zia talks candidly about the impact of his writing and how it intertwines with mental health.
Episode 8: Outbox Theatre Talks About Devising With Autobiography & LGBT+ Stories
Temi sits down with Ben Buratta, Emily Joh Miller & Yasmin Zadeh from Outbox Theatre. Making theatre queerly, Outbox collaborate with LGBT+ performers, artists and communities to tell stories in bold and exciting ways.
In this episode, Outbox reveal their journey in the rehearsal room and where they get their inspiration when devising. This is a candid and insightful conversation that that goes from personal experiences to refining structure. Outbox Theatre’s play And the Rest of me Floats played at the Bush Theatre in 2019.
Episode 9: Zoe Cooper Talks About Finding Your Voice
Temi sits down with playwright and theatre practitioner Zoe Cooper. In early 2019, her play OUT OF WATER, was staged at the Orange Tree Theatre and was produced in association with the RSC. She was shortlisted for the Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright at the 2019 Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for the ‘Best New Production of a Play’ Award in the Broadway World UK Awards.
In this episode, Zoe talks openly about her experience of writing short plays to exploring full length plays. She reveals how she found her voice as a playwright and the urgency of her writing.
Episode 10: Margaret Perry Talks About The Rehearsal Process
Temi sits down with Margaret Perry, an award winning playwright. Her debut play, Porcelain, was staged at The Abbey Theatre, Dublin in 2018 and her play, Collapsible, was staged at the Bush Theatre in early 2020.
In this episode, Margaret talks openly about her process of writing her first play as well as the experience of sitting in the audience for her first previews. She also shares her insights on the most valuable time to attend rehearsals.