WHO IS THIS MATT PERSON ANYWAY?
My work has been performed in various productions in the South of England and in the Midlands (and even as far off as Seattle, USA), ranging from short plays or extracts to full length productions. Whilst my main focus is writing for the theatre, I also write poetry and fiction. This site will give details of my current and previous theatre projects, as well of some of the other things I am working on.
Dark Tales in Winter (Online)
Featuring The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell, adapted by Hannah Torrance & The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens, adapted by Matt Beames
One Act Play for a Solo Performer
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton (online performance)
Available on-demand online from 1st December 2021
Dark Tales in Winter is a double-bill of one-act plays, each for a single performer. The 2019 production, including my own adaptation of The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens, and The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell, adapted by Hannah Torrance, has been remounted and filmed for online broadcast.
In an abandoned country mansion, a single door guards a dark secret, and will not stay closed, while at the mouth of a dark railway tunnel, a lone signal-man is assailed by ghostly visions…
In Charlotte Riddell’s mysterious tale a young woman attempts to solve the puzzle of the open door and secure a future for the owner of Ladlow Hall and herself, and Dickens’ classic tale tells of a lonely man is driven to the brink of endurance by foretelling visions.
These dark winter tales are set together in an evening of entertainment that will bring a delightful chill to the season.
The production will be available on-demand online from the 1st December 2021. To book tickets, visit the Arena Theatre website.
"These Dark Tales in Winter have been put together for a thrilling evening of entertainment, marked by horror and chilling apparitions - certainly a striking contrast to shows typical of the festive period." - ★★★★ (What's On Live)
The Elf and the Shoemakers
by Elle Rooney, Dan Hill & Matt Beames
One-Act Play including Original Songs
Family Theatre
Touring to Older Persons Schemes and Community Spaces throughout Hampshire 13th - 24th December 2021
The Elf and the Shoemakers is a new adaptation of the classic tale from the Brothers Grimm, co-written with Elle Rooney and Dan Hill.
When Lacey and Stuart inherit their grandparent’s shoe shop, it’s a chance to continue their family business and make a dream come true. However, whilst their ambitions are grand, their luck goes from bad to worse until unexpected help arrives, and from a most surprising source. As the shoe shop goes from strength to strength, will Lacey and Stuart let success go to their heads and lose sight of their dream, or will the magic inside them (and their magical helper) let them hold onto what’s important?
This classic tale from the Brothers Grimm is brought up to date using performance, video and headphone technology, puppetry and music to create the perfect family treat this Christmas.
The first production is being produced with the support of VIVID Homes and will tour to 12 different Sheltered Housing and Older Persons Schemes throughout Hampshire as well as 10 different public performances across the county.
To find out more about the production and to book tickets, please visit the show website.
To go straight to the TicketSource page and book, please click this link.
Dark Tales in Winter (2021)
Featuring The Shadow by E. Nesbit, adapted by Matt Beames & The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe, adapted by Hannah Torrance
One-Act Plays for Solo Performers
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton (also available online)
16th - 18th December 2021
Following the successful 2019 production, Dark Tales in Winter is returning with a double-bill of one-act plays, each for a single performer. The 2021 production includes my own adaptation of The Shadow by E. Nesbit, and The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe, which has been adapted by Hannah Torrance. The world premiere of these two new adaptations will be staged at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton in December 2021.
In the midst of winter, the Arena Theatre and Beautiful Shadows bring you two chilling, classic tales adapted for the stage by a contemporary playwright and brought to life by talented performers.
These dark tales in winter are set together in an evening of entertainment that will bring a delightful chill to the season.
Tickets are now on sale (both for in-person seats and online streaming) and can be booked via Arena Theatre's website.
The Y, Leicester
5th & 6th November 2021
10 Minute Plays
Monstrous Hearts (5th November, Theme - 'Under pressure')
The Eternal Guardians of the Starspire (6th November, Theme - 'Making a difference')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Leicester, the world's quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Leicester, visit www.1448uk.com/Leicester
The Chapel, Royal Victoria Country Park
21st - 24th December 2020 (live & live-streamed online)
Two Act Play, including Original Songs
The Snow Queen is a new adaptation of the well-loved tale by Hans Christian Anderson, written for a small ensemble cast and featuring original songs.
Gerda must travel far beyond the land she calls home to rescue her friend and put an end to the Snow Queen’s reign, battling ice warriors, outsmarting enchantresses and befriending robbers and reindeer along the way.
A story of hope sprung from the innocence of love, this magical tale full of adventure, mystery and magic is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.
The 404 Collective once again transform The Royal Victoria Chapel into a place of stories and wonder, using puppetry, original songs and dynamic staging to bring one of Anderson’s classics to the stage.
The world premiere of The Snow Queen was directed by Daniel Hill and produced by The 404 Collective. The world premiere was performed at the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park in December 2020. This was been made possible in these difficult times thanks to ACE support.
One Act Play for a Solo Performer
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton (online performance)
18th - 20th December 2020
On-demand from 21st December 2020 - 4th January 2021
Dark Tales in Winter: The Signal-Man was a remounting of my adaptation of Dickens' ghost story, originally produced in 2019, which was made available online. The production starred Edward Spence and is directed by Neil Reading.
At the mouth of a dark railway tunnel, a lonely signal-man is driven to the brink of endurance by foretelling visions…
In the midst of winter, the Arena Theatre and Beautiful Shadows bring you The Signal-Man - Dickens’ classic tale which has been adapted for the stage by a contemporary playwright, brought to life by a single performer, and recorded for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own homes throughout this winter season.
The Signal-Man was originally produced as part of the Dark Tales in Winter double bill in 2019, paired with The Open Door, adapted by Hannah Torrance.
"These Dark Tales in Winter have been put together for a thrilling evening of entertainment, marked by horror and chilling apparitions - certainly a striking contrast to shows typical of the festive period." - ★★★★ (What's On Live)
Click here to read the full review for the 2019 production at The Arena Wolverhampton.
Dance Theatre
Premiered 31st January 2020
I worked with Zoielogic Dance Theatre on the early development of the story and narrative structure for their latest show, HEIST.
An unlikely band of brothers embark on a heist to reclaim what’s important to them. Expect the unexpected in this gripping and suspense-filled journey as the men are forced to confront their fears in a fight to survive.
HEIST premiered in January 2020 at NST City in Southampton. For more information about the show, visit ZoieLogic's website.
ACT Theater, Seattle
17th & 18th January 2020
10 Minute Plays
Wire & Feathers (17th January)
The Bargain (18th January)
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Seattle, the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening. I was one of seven writers involved.
14/48 was started in Seattle in 1997, and is The World's Quickest Theatre Festival. 14 brand new 10 minute plays are written, directed, staged, rehearsed, scored, costumed and performed in the space of 48 hours. I have taken part in numerous 14/48 Festivals in the UK (as a Writer, Director or an Actor), and in Seattle.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit the website. (The UK branch of the festival's website can also be found here.)
Featuring The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell, adapted by Hannah Torrance & The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens, adapted by Matt Beames
One Act Plays for Solo Performers
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
19th - 21st December 2019
Dark Tales in Winter is a double-bill of one-act plays, each for a single performer. The production includes my own adaptation of The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens, and The Open Door by Charlotte Riddell, which has been adapted by Hannah Torrance. The first production was staged at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton in December 2019.
In an abandoned country mansion, a single door guards a dark secret, and will not stay closed, while at the mouth of a dark railway tunnel, a lone signal-man is assailed by ghostly visions…
In Charlotte Riddell’s mysterious tale a young woman attempts to solve the puzzle of the open door and secure a future for the owner of Ladlow Hall and herself, and Dickens’ classic tale tells of a lonely man is driven to the brink of endurance by foretelling visions.
These dark winter tales are set together in an evening of entertainment that will bring a delightful chill to the season.
Click here to read the four star review for the first production at The Arena Wolverhampton.
One Act Play including Original Songs
Family Theatre
Initial UK Tour April - September 2019
Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a new adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel, which I have co-written with Kayleigh Benham, 404 Productions' Young Associate Writer. Journey is produced by 404 Productions, with generous support by Arts Council England.
An eccentric professor, a faithful nephew and their fearless guide embark upon a fantastic journey of peril and wonder, through the mouth of an Icelandic volcano and down into the unexplored regions deep below our feet...
Encountering mysteries, monsters and even giant mushrooms along the way, these intrepid explorers will need to use all their strength and ingenuity to find their way back home and into the history books!
The fantastic first UK tour took place between April and September 2019. You can find out more about this production, including a promoter's pack, by heading to the 404 Productions website.
The Point, Eastleigh
1st - 3rd August 2019
Two Act Play
The Tales of Merlin is an original script drawing on the tales of King Arthur as well as Celtic legend and folklore to explore the mythic figure of Merlin.
Investigating a dusty museum after dark, a group of friends discover a shining sword shrouded in ancient stone. One touch of the hilt resurrects the sword’s protector, a wizard with intriguing power, or so the legends tell…
The Tales of Merlin brings one of the most enduring figures of Arthurian legend and Welsh folklore to vibrant life. Merlin weaves words and magic to tell stories that transport the young explorers into the past and the future, to shadowy caves in mystical forests and rocketing beyond the stars.
The Tales of Merlin was commissioned by The Point Youth Theatre, and the world premiere production was performed at The Point, Eastleigh in August of 2019, directed by Lewis Mullins.
I'm also pleased to say that the script has been published by Aurora Metro Books, and copies can be ordered through their website.
The Arena, Wolverhampton
28th & 29th June 2019
10 Minute Plays
Dust and Lightning (28th June, Theme - 'I heard it on the grapevine')
Best Laid Plans (29th June, Theme - 'Facing the inevitable')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Wolverhampton, the world's quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Wolverhampton, please visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/1448wolves
Interactive Dance Theatre
2019 Tour
Detective Miller needs your help!
1950's Britain, a world of shifting shadows and rising crime, where good men and bad men can be found on both sides of the law. Step into a world of intrigue and adventure, where you the audience must question everything, and decide which clues are followed to unravel the truth behind the crime.
SLEUTH is an up-close dance theatre mystery show unlike any other. You must guide a tough, hard-boiled detective through the shady streets, seeking out answers. Every choice he faces is yours to make, and whatever you decide will change the way the story is told. It's a show packed with dynamic movement and storytelling, high stakes and shady characters, where you, the audience, are truly in control.
ZoieLogic's SLEUTH was created in Spring 2018, and I developed the branching, multiple choice story structure for the show, wrote the storyline itself and scripted the narrative and dialogue elements. Following its successful Creation Tour in 2018, SLEUTH had another extremely successful 2019 tour.
You can view a promotional trailer for the show here, and photos of the Creation Tour can be found in the gallery below. For more information on ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, please visit their website.
"No matter how difficult the journey, the right pair of shoes will get you where you need to be"
The King has decreed that there will be a great Midwinter Ball, and you are cordially invited...
As the feast of midwinter approaches, the King wishes to find a suitable partner for Prince Arren, his eldest (and only unmarried) son and heir to the throne. The date is set for an evening of celebration, across the land excited people prepare.
But in a small shoe shop close to the palace one young woman sits at her workbench, carefully making shoe after shoe after shoe... For poor Cinderella has work to do and cannot go to the ball, however much she might wish to...
The world premiere production of Cinderella was produced by 404 Productions as the first show for their new Young Company, and was staged in the newly renovated Royal Victoria Chapel on the 20th - 24th December 2018.
The Point, Eastleigh
6th & 9th December 2018
One Act Play, suitable for younger performers
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a new adaptation of E T A Hoffman's original story, co-written with Hannah Torrance.
It is Christmas Eve in the Lindenwood household, and Maria Lindenwood is about to set off on an adventure.
The gift of a curious Nutcracker begins her spectacular journey to a world of mouse kings and clockwork castles. In a land full of strange tales, intriguing puzzles and epic battles, Maria must learn to trust her heart, and her head, to discover what is right.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King was commissioned by The Point Youth Theatre, and the world premiere production ran from the 6th - 9th December 2018 at The Point in Eastleigh.
This one act version of the script is suitable for younger performers, but we are also developing a full-length version more suited to an older cast and audience.
Kukunor/Kalahari is set on the border of two countries at war and deals with a person’s physical, spiritual, real and imaginary limitations – is it possible to make contact with another person despite restrictions?
The characters in the play have been guards on opposite sides of the border for six years and they have learned to communicate with each other despite the fact that they have two different languages and two different cultures.
The production was presented with spoken language and sign language used on an equal footing - the same role was portrayed by a hearing actor and a sign language actor.
The UK premiere of Kukunor/Kalahari toured to multiple venues across the UK in Autumn 2018.
The Arena, Wolverhampton
15th & 16th June 2018
10 Minute Plays
Never Let Go (15th June, Theme - 'Through the Looking Glass')
Into the Clouds (16th June, Theme - 'Necessary Endings')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Wolverhampton, the world's quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Wolverhampton, please visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/1448wolves
Dance Theatre
Creation Tour April - May 2018
ZoieLogic Dance Theatre's latest show, SLEUTH, is an interactive dance theatre production where the audience takes an active part in choosing how the story unfolds. I wrote the narrative story of the show, which had numerous choice points which impacted the story, and scripted the voiceover and dialogue elements.
Detective Miller needs your help!
1950's Britain, a world of shifting shadows and rising crime, where good men and bad men can be found on both sides of the law. Step into a world of intrigue and adventure, where you the audience must question everything, and decide which clues are followed to unravel the truth behind the crime.
SLEUTH is an up-close dance theatre mystery show unlike any other. You must guide a tough, hard-boiled detective through the shady streets, seeking out answers. Every choice he faces is yours to make, and whatever you decide will change the way the story is told. It's a show packed with dynamic movement and storytelling, high stakes and shady characters, where you, the audience, are truly in control.
Sleuth completed it's creation tour in May 2018, and will be embarking on a full tour in Spring 2019. You can view the trailer for the show here, and promotional photos can be found in the galley below. For more information about SLEUTH and ZoieLogic's other projects, take a look at their website.
I have also written a short story prelude to this adaptation, titled Felagar, which has been printed as a short book illustrated by Jo Reynolds. For more details on how to get hold of a copy, please get in touch via the 'Contact' section below.
The Arena, Wolverhampton
28th October 2017
10 Minute Play
Job Satisfaction (Theme - To get to the other side)
The Y, Leicester
5th & 6th May 2017
10 Minute Plays
The Elixir of Life (5th May, Theme - 'A Righteous Quest')
Simulation (6th May, Theme - 'In The Mood')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Leicester, the world's quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Leicester, visit www.1448uk.com/Leicester
Along the way Ellie meets other characters (including Nokey-Poke the Snufflesnark and The Great Librarian), some of whom are quite human and others who are very much not. At last Ellie finds her way to the Great Library, the place where all books, all stories and all worlds meet. Here she finally finds Ollie, but can she find the book that will take them both home?
The 12 Days of Christmas was commissioned by The Point Youth Theatre, and the world premiere production was performed at The Point, Eastleigh in December 2016, directed by Lewis Mullins.
Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales
Adapted for the stage by Matt Beames
Stage Adaptation for an Ensemble Cast, including original songs
Lyrics written by Matt Beames & music composed by Peter Theobald
St. John's House, Winchester
1st - 3rd December 2016
A new adaptation of Dylan Thomas' A Child’s Christmas in Wales, featuring original songs. An ensemble cast play and explore in a place of memories, discovering and remembering the way Christmas used to be…
This adaptation was commissioned by the award-winning West Meon Theatre, who also produced my adaptation of The Signal-Man in May 2015. A Child’s Christmas in Wales was performed as a supper theatre event at St John's House, Winchester on the 1st - 3rd December 2016, directed by Mary Dawson.
The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
Short Play
29th November 2016
Alex wakes and finds himself in an unfamiliar, bare room. A stranger, Martin, greets him warmly. Alex does not remember how he came to the room, but he very quickly discovers that, whatever assumptions he might make, the truth is much, much worse...
Consequences is a short horror play which was featured as a rehearsed reading at a Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) night at The Arena in October 2016, and was subsequently selected to be included in the ACT Collection at The Arena on the 29th November 2016. Following the extremely positive feedback received at ACT, I am in the process of developing it further.
2 Minute Play
Seeking Forgetfulness
This was a 2-minute play written for an impromptu 14/48 festival in Seattle called 14/48 Catharsis. On Friday the 11th November the 14/48 community was invited to submit 2 minute plays on the theme of Catharsis. 45 scripts were submitted, including my own script, 'Seeking Forgetfulness'. All 45 were performed as script in hand, 'physicalized readings' on the night of the 14th November 2016.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit the website. (The UK branch of the festival's website can also be found here.)
Into the heart of the debate comes Harry Davis, a local journalist who is writing a story about The Green and its possible future. Through both planned interviews and chance encounters, Harry crosses paths with a wide range of characters from the local community, all of whom have an idea of what The Green was, is and could be… As both the public debate and his story deadline draw close, Harry must sort through the myriad viewpoints and opinions to find the way forward that is best for all…
The Fate of The Green was produced by the theatre company Beautiful Shadows (of which I am the co-founder), and the world premiere production was an outdoor performance at Bantock House in Wolverhampton in July 2016.
The Arena, Wolverhampton
10th & 11th June 2016
10 Minute Plays
They Fell Behind (10th June, Theme - 'To Have Or Have Not')
One Eye on the Sky (11th June, Theme - 'Can't See the Wood for the Trees')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Wolverhampton, the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening. I was one of seven writers involved.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Wolverhampton, please visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/1448wolves
“My Lords and Ladies, listen to my tale!” - An adventure featuring a terrible dragon, monstrous creatures, a fearsome giant, a noble knight and the bold and brave princess who wins his heart.
Using film, live theatre and music, The Legends of Sir Bevis tells the story of Southampton’s local legend Bevis of Hampton who, after the murder of his father by his own mother, is sold into slavery. Despite his misfortunes, Bevis overcomes these challenges to find true love and friendship and eventually return home to reclaim his birthright.
The Legends of Sir Bevis was a schools project delivered by the Drama Education Department of the The Point & The Berry Theatre. I was tasked with creating a new version of the story of Bevis of Hampton, comprised of four exciting adventures. Young people and teachers from local primary schools worked with the Drama Education Department to bring the story of Sir Bevis to life on stage. The project culminated in a full performance of the entire story on stage at The Berry Theatre in March 2016.
For more information about the project, please go to the Road to Agincourt website. A video of me talking about my work on the project can also be found here.
ACT Theater, Seattle
15th & 16th January 2016
10 Minute Plays
Reunion (15th January, Theme - 'Unfinished Business')
Clouds (16th January, Theme - 'Silent But Deadly')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Seattle, the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening. I was one of seven writers involved.
14/48 was started in Seattle in 1997, and is The World's Quickest Theatre Festival. 14 brand new 10 minute plays are written, directed, staged, rehearsed, scored, costumed and performed in the space of 48 hours. I have taken part in four 14/48 Festivals in the UK (3 as a Writer, 1 as an Actor), and have loved every moment of each of them. I was delighted to be invited to participate as a Writer for 14/48 Seattle in January 2016.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit the website. (The UK branch of the festival's website can also be found here.)
Lyrics by Daniel Hill and Matt Beames, music composed by David Lewington
The Point, Eastleigh
18th – 24th December 2015
Full Length Musical
Beauty and the Beast is a new adaptation of the French fairy-tale, co-written with Daniel Hill. The script includes 8 original songs, and the music is composed by David Lewington. The first production of Beauty and the Beast was performed by The Point Youth Theatre in December 2015, and was directed by Daniel Hill.
“Can a moment of the purest love change the course of history?
Enter a kingdom full of sorcery and magic, where under the grip of war, rage and torment flourish. Young Prince Luc must find a way to bring peace to his land, but not without sacrifice.
In the darkest of times all seems lost, but can magic provide the glimmer of hope that allows beauty to outshine evil?"
The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
One Act Play
8th December 2015
'Stone' is a look at a world not so different from ours, where humankind's reliance on everyday technology is finally having real impacts on life as we know it...
Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) is a development project which takes place at The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton. The second draft of 'Stone' was featured at ACT in March of 2015, and I developed the script further following the positive response and feedback received. The latest draft was included as part of the ACT Collection at The Arena, along with 4 other pieces that have been shared through ACT.
I am continuing to develop Stone following the very positive response it has received at each reading/performance. Some photos of the performance at ACT Collection can be found in the Gallery.
The Cloisters pub & restaurant, Salisbury
3rd October 2015
10 Minute Play
It is a beautiful, moonlit night, and Jakob and Kara are on a quiet stretch of beach. Jakob is a regular visitor to the spot, and has invited Kara tonight, wanting to share the place with her. They talk together, skirting around their attraction to each other, of the ever-changing shoreline, and the ability of the sea to change things...
'Simple Beginnings' was one of 6 short plays selected for performance as part of 'Short Cuts', a new writing event which was part of the Salisbury Fringe festival, which ran from the 2nd to the 10th October 2015.
The LOST Theatre, Wandsworth, South London
7th & 8th August 2015
10 Minute Plays
The Walk (7th August, Theme - 'Into the Deep')
The White Sentinel (8th August, Theme - 'Invaders')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 London, the first London version of the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening. I was one of seven writers involved.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End, Southampton
20th June 2015
10 Minute Play
Chris is single and in his late twenties, and shares a flat with Rupert. Rupert, also in his late twenties, actually died in 1615. Chris returns home, despondent after a very successful date. Concerned for his friend, Rupert does his best to comfort him, hoping to help Chris realise perhaps that the ghost that is really haunting him is not the one who lives in his flat...
'Living with Ghosts' was one of 5 ten minute plays selected for performance as part of 'In Short...', a new writing event held at The Berry Theatre in Hedge End on the 20th June 2015. 'Living with Ghosts' was directed by Daniel Hill.
The Arena, Wolverhampton
12th & 13th June 2015
10 Minute Plays
At The Gate (12th June, Theme - 'Out of the Darkness')
The Good Old Days (13th June, Theme - 'Safe Haven')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Wolverhampton, the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening. I was one of seven writers involved.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Wolverhampton, please visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/1448wolves
One Act Play, One-Man Show
The Point, Eastliegh
21st - 23rd May 2015
The Signal-Man is one of Dickens' best ghost stories, and has often been held up as a classic of the genre. This new adaptation is approximately an hour, and is intended for one performer in an intimate space.
The first production of this adaptation was performed at The Point, Eastleigh in the Studio Theatre. It was directed by Mary Dawson and was produced by the award winning West Meon Theatre - www.westmeontheatre.co.uk
"...it was impossible to tell that the narrative hadn't always been meant for the stage." - Southern Daily Echo (The full review can be read here)
The Y, Leicester
8th & 9th May 2015
10 Minute Plays
Honest Devotion (8th May, Theme - 'Double Bluff')
Bursts of Light (9th May, Theme - 'Fireworks')
These two 10-minute plays were written as part of 14/48 Leicester, the world’s quickest theatre festival. Both plays were written overnight, on a theme randomly selected as part of the festival. The scripts were completed by 8am on the day of performance, and then cast and rehearsed through the day for two performances in the evening.
For more information about 14/48, the World's Quickest Theatre Festival, visit www.1448uk.com
For more information specifically about 14/48 Leicester, visit www.1448uk.com/Leicester
The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
Rehearsed Reading
5th March 2015
'Stone' is a look at a world not so different from ours, where humankind's reliance on everyday technology is finally having real impacts on life as we know it...
'Stone' is an ongoing project, and following the positive response received at the 'In Short...' event in June 2014, I have been developing and expanding the script. An updated version, now 20-25 minutes in length, was performed in a rehearsed reading at The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton in March as part of the regular Arena Collaborative Theatremakers event.
For more information about the event, have a look at the Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/arenacollaborative
In Short... (Including 'Stone' by Matt Beames)
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End, Southampton
21st June 2014
'Stone' is a look at a world not so different from ours, where humankind's reliance on everyday technology is finally having real impacts on life as we know it...
'Stone' was one of 5 ten minute plays selected for performance as part of 'In Short...', a new writing event which took place at The Berry Theatre in Hedge End. 'Stone' was directed by Mary Swan of Proteus Theatre.
Tangible Things
A Two Act Play
Performed at The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
6th & 7th June 2014
Sam has a house, a fiancée and job security; everything he should want. But Sam has never changed a car tyre, or fitted a plug socket, or painted a room. Looking at a modern life where all he produces is electronic he comes to see that he is not content.
Increasingly conscious of the things he has never done, does not even know if he can do, Sam decides he has to make something. The project consumes him, and finally he must decide what he is really trying to prove, and who he is trying to prove it to...
Tangible Things is a new play by Matt Beames, directed by Neil Reading, and explores a man's desire for a physical achievement in an increasingly electronic age.
This play was produced by the Arena Theatre as part of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Wolverhampton
Hubbub in the Library – 6th July 2013
Poetry and Prose readings performed in Hedge End Library, Hampshire
Work included – Poem ‘The Book’
Page to Stage: Into the Calm Sea – 26th June 2013
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Rehearsed reading of 10 minutes of script, following a 2 day workshop with mentoring writer, and director and actors.
Txtlit.co.uk Micro Story Competition – May 2013
Winning entry (entry and judges critique published on website)
Txtlit.co.uk Micro Story Competition – February 2013
Shortlisted (entry published on website)
Txtlit.co.uk Micro Story Competition – January 2013
Shortlisted (entry published on website)
Page to Stage: The Painting – 20th November 2012
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Rehearsed reading of 10 minutes of script, following a 2 day workshop with mentoring writer, and director and actors.
Hubbub – 9th July 2012
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Script in hand performances of new work by the Writers Hub members
Work included – Extracts from work in progress Pictures of Industry
Page to Stage: Into the Calm Sea – July 2012
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End
Rehearsed reading of 10 minutes of script, following a 2 day workshop with mentoring writer, and director and actors.
Scribble - 2005
Violet Microwave Theatre, St Mary’s College
Rehearsed reading
Four Walls – 2003
Violet Microwave Theatre, University of Hull, Scarborough Campus Theatre
Student production
OTHER PROJECTS
Spidermind Games