Regional RSC 37 Plays winners prepare for rehearsed reading at New Vic this October

21st September 2023

Molly Cartwright from Stafford and Tim Wallers from Ludlow will see their words come to life in rehearsed readings at the New Vic after being selected as two of the 37 Plays to be performed as part of a national playwriting project led by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Inspired by the anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, the 37 Plays have been selected from national submissions from all ages and are designed to reflect contemporary society. Seventy-one plays were shortlisted from 2,000 entries, with 37 (the same as the number of plays Shakespeare wrote) making the new 37 Plays Folio.

The New Vic will host rehearsed readings of Molly and Tim’s plays, Alfie and War and The Doris Effect respectively, at the theatre in October. Other winning plays will be performed at Associate Regional Theatres of the RSC, or broadcast.

Molly, who is part of the under 11s category, chose to write a play about conflict and its impact on the world. Alfie and War is set in England in both 1066 and the present day, and sees Alfie meet King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

Molly, who particularly enjoys studying English and history at Penkridge Middle School, said it came to a surprise to her to have been selected as part of such a prestigious project. The inspiration for her play came from a book she found in the library titled British History, and the description of the Battle of Hastings really captured her imagination.

Mother Hannah Cartwright, said: “We didn’t realise how big it was until Molly won. We couldn’t be more proud. She is one of five winners in the under 11s category. We can’t wait to see what happens next on her journey!”

Tim’s play, The Doris Effect, sees ‘Doris’ crucify herself on a solar panel to challenge local politics. It is a multifaceted story that focuses on the divisive nature of humanity, community, and the environment. It explores the challenges of rural living, in particular the plight of farmers and their ongoing battle to maintain their land and income in an ever-changing capitalist world where energy companies offer big sums of money to install solar panels on the land.

Tim said: “The story is about the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of our surroundings and our appreciation of the land. This play is not a one-sided propaganda piece – it is a reflection on the challenges the farming community face when their voices are not heard. It is not a play that renounces solar panels or the need for sustainable energy, in fact it is quite the opposite; it values wildlife and the world that we live in and draws attention to a community that is getting cut off because of short-sighted decision making. Why put these panels on a land of solace? There are many more suitable fields and places.”

The rehearsed readings will be realised thanks to New Vic Assistant Director Polly Wain.

Polly said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Tim and Molly to present a rehearsed reading of their work. Both plays touch on such important current issues that very much speak to the world we live in today. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a project that supports and promotes new writing nationwide.”