Writers in plea to readers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Writers in plea to readers

FLUSHED with the success of being invited to perform its production of Samurai at the National Theatre, Stroud-based Flies on the Wall Youth Theatre is now looking closer to home for its next big show.

The group meets and rehearses on Wednesday evenings at The Space in Lansdown, and Lansdown itself - its history and its stories - will provide the inspiration for a new play, to be performed in summer 2006.

This ambitious project - called Up and Down Lansdown - has been made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Young Roots Fund.

Writer Steven Deproost and researcher Lucy Heywood are currently in the process of gathering material from which to develop the script.

They are already in contact with Stroud Library, Stroud Museum and local historians, but they also would need to hear from readers of the SNJ with stories of Lansdown past and present, descriptions of local characters and events and reflections on how Lansdown has changed over the years.

"We're not writing a history book," added Steven, "we're looking for inspiration.

"I intend to work with themes - like the sounds of Lansdown - from different historical perspectives. It won't be a straight chronological history."

Anyone wishing to do so can call Lucy on 07951 032954 or via e-mail at lucyheywood@hotmail.com

She will also be at The Space on Wednesday, June 29 between 6.30pm and 8pm. Anyone wishing to leave hand-written information can leave it at the front desk of the SNJ in the capable hands of Penny Lyon.