THE GLAD GIVER (2023)

‘In 30 minutes you brought together a lot of what spiritual writers try to impart in many thousands of words in mountains of books. This needs to be shared widely. It imparts a powerful message of faith embedded in realism. I think it will have a huge impact on those who hear as it has done me.' (Brigid, Franciscan Lay Associate)

“This is a lovely story that speaks to a person. It is also one of hope. A commodity in short supply these days.” (Kenny Burnham, Playwright and Dramaturg)

Julian of Norwich was a remarkable woman. When she was 30 years old and ill to the point of death, Julian had a series of visions she called ‘shewings’. She recovered and chose to spend the rest of her life as an anchoress, confined to a cell adjoining Saint Julian's church. Over the following years, she contemplated her visions, and wrote the first known book in English by a woman, ‘Revelations of Divine Love’.

In ‘The Glad Giver’, I have imagined one day in the life of the anchoress as an older woman, who has lived most of her life in one room, devoted to her faith. Julian’s written words resonate with people across the world; I would have liked to meet her.  

THE ESCORT (2021)

Alex has her own life away from home in London — and not all of it is for sharing with her parents. Alex has expensive tastes and ambitions towards a luxury lifestyle, which have to be paid for. But, as it turns out, she’s not the only one with secrets and when her mum needs a favour, Alex finds she can't refuse - no matter where that takes her.

The Escort was originally written as part of an international series, the Progressive Murder Mystery Podcast, in 2020. The play stands alone, and was developed as a monologue so that it could be recorded and produced during lockdown. 

GALORE! (2021)

“Loved Galore!!! Superb! I love how you bring in a wee bit of everything … history, island life… Johnnie the cat… the sound effects were spot on.” (Debbie Cassels, artist)

How many years does it take to feel as though you really belong? For Francine, living on the Isle of Donan, nothing will ever be the same now that her reason for being there is gone. But Francine is a survivor. Outwardly conventional she may be, but like a true Frenchwoman, she’s up for a little rebellion when the opportunity arises.

Galore! was conceived and produced during lockdown, and inspired by the beautiful Isle of Arran which lies off the west coast of Scotland. At the time, I could see the island from the top of the hill near my house, but for many months was not able to visit it.  

SEA CHANGE (2021)

“BRILLIANT!! Absolutely bewitching. What a writer you are…”  (Peggy Mack, Broadcaster)

Sea Change came about when two friends asked me to write a love story “with a happy ending” – in contrast, perhaps to the darker themes of the history plays.  It is the first of my island plays, inspired by the wild beauty of Arran, which is sometimes called Scotland in miniature. It’s very easy to imagine that Arran’s rocky shores are closely guarding their many mysteries and strange legends. 

A happy ending? Judge for yourself…

'Sea Change' was recorded and produced at the Hospital Broadcasting Service in Glasgow. It was first broadcast by HBS as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations late in 2020.

CONFESSIONAL (2020)

"A highly compelling radio drama “ (Colin Herd, poet)

This is a dark tale, based on the trial of a medieval super-hero turned serial killer. 

It’s 1429: France and England have been at war for a hundred years. England has the upper hand, threatening the sovereignty of the Dauphin, heir to the French throne. Out of Lorraine comes a young countrywoman, Joan of Arc, who attacks an English stronghold in preparation for the breaking of the Siege of Orleans. Gilles de Rais, the bravest of her captains, accuses her of being rash and unprepared for battle.

Eleven years on, Gilles de Rais, disgraced and impoverished, is being tried for the torture and murder of many children. Gilles's servant, Samuel, must face up to his part in the disposal of uncounted bodies at Gilles’s castle in Anjou. Both men are haunted by their deeds and must find a way to repent if their souls are to be saved from everlasting damnation. 

Collaboration (2019)

“Collaboration is an outstanding project of high professional calibre…”  (Carolyn Jess-Cooke, author)

Collaboration is set in 1940s Paris. Following the Liberation of France, the French singer, Edith Piaf, was investigated for charges of collaborating with the Nazi régime during the Occupation. Piaf was a performer, a survivor and a pragmatist. She was a woman who lived by her own talents and values: for her, music stood beyond politics. Edith herself said: 'Ne pas chanter, c’est mourir' ('Not to sing is to die').

Collaboration explores the story through the relationships of three women: Edith herself and two of her closest associates, Simone Berteaut and Andrée Bigard.  It examines themes of truth and interpretation, loyalty and lies, and raises very current questions about collaboration: by living, unheedingly, under destructive governments, how far can we be said to be colluding with their values and actions?