The Read Through

Theatre is one of the great loves of my life. Visiting theatres, watching live performances and savouring their memory is an abiding joy. But theatre… ain’t cheap. And unlike film and television its very nature has an in-built scarcity which is part of the experience.

The theatre world is slowly broadening access with streaming platforms, which is a great step forward, but only a handful of the thousands of great plays in existence can be seen. How can people connect with the vast spectrum of dramatic literature out there? Especially new writing. Well, we can read them. Yes, we’re looking at the blueprints rather than the finished product, but alongside watching plays, I’ve always loved reading a play text.

Reading a play offers a unique experience, different from the novel or short story, which is complete in itself. Holding a copy of the text and creating a play in the mind is a powerful and often thrilling way to engage with the art form. And one which can greatly enhance a visit to a play which you arrive at knowing really well.

I want to carry on those conversations about great plays by great writers that start in theatre foyers across the world. Whether the West End is on your door step or your nearest theatre is a hundred miles away I’ll post what plays I’m reading, spread the word about great theatre and encourage anyone out there to pick up a play and enjoy that first read through.