NB: Before going into the detail of Powerplay [1], can you give our readers an idea of your experience in the arts and in business, that has fuelled this project?

AE: My career began in the arts (after training at LAMDA, I worked for over 20 years as a practitioner across media outlets such as BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4). I have worked in and out of theatre for 20 years as an actor, director, producer, and dramaturg. Amongst others I have worked at Southwark Playhouse, Hampstead Theatre, Oldham Coliseum, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Keswick Theatre by The Lake, and The Arcola. However, having to give up working solely in the arts for a ‘proper job' some years ago to better support myself and my family, I have also worked in the corporate world as a trained and qualified coach at senior management level. These experiences combined led me to set up PowerPlay in 2024; I know from my corporate experience and coaching training how important it is to stay connected with your creative side. With PowerPlay, I offer playwrights the knowledge, guidance and support they need to rediscover their creativity and tell their story from within.

NB: What do you offer would-be playwrights?          

AE: In 2024 I set up PowerPlay: a bespoke service that gets the work of new playwrights performed. We mentor aspiring playwrights through the entire drafting process and handle all aspects of production so that their play can be performed for one night on a London stage. This is ‘bucket list' stuff, and it is magical. Having benefited so much from mentorship myself, I am thrilled to now be able to do the same for others, sharing my theatrical experience with the people who are passionate about theatre and ready to take their play from blank page to stage. As with any mentor, my role, and the role of the PowerPlay mentors is to give each writer the cheerleading, practical guidance, and heartfelt encouragement to see their work on stage.

NB: Does your mentorship stop once the play has been written?

AE: My mentorship promises to take your idea from a blank page to stage, including the minutiae needed to put on a full-scale production. With PowerPlay, I offer three playwriting packages which cater to unique needs, and the extent of mentorship required.

Silver Package: Ideal for those starting out, this package offers fundamental guidance, including a writer's block daily support and ten hours of consultation to jumpstart your script.

Gold Package: A step beyond, this package incorporates all the Silver Package writing benefits as well as an online read-through and a workshopping session, both with up to eight professional actors and a director.

Platinum Package: Our bespoke, luxury service sees a play through from page to stage. This comprehensive package provides all Gold and Silver benefits but goes the extra mile by supporting you with a professional production of your play on a London stage. This includes full script coverage and bespoke marketing advice to get your play noticed.

NB: What aspect of your stage related career has given you the most satisfaction over the years?

AE: Of course, standing on a stage and getting applause is always welcome to any actor! And in my days on stage this is certainly what I craved. But as I got older and a tad wiser, I have cherished most the opportunity to orchestrate some of my deeply personal life experiences into scripts for the stage. Creativity is healing and can be incredibly profound. I have always had the support of amazing mentors to kick start and finish my scripts and I know I couldn't have done it without them. This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about being a playwriting mentor to others. There is nothing like writing your story; finding the kernel of something within you which simply needs to be heard, having care and support to get it written and then seeing the world you have woven come to life before your eyes with high skilled professional actors, a director and entire production company cheering you on. It is, in my opinion, hard to parallel.

NB: Finally, as Powerplay is a very new business that pulled back the virtual curtains only this year, what would success look like for you in the next two or three years of business?

AE: For me, success is seeing artists bring their art into existence, whether it be just for them, or for the world to see. The more people I can help via the intangible mystery and magic of theatre in this way, the better.

For further information please visit Powerplay [2]