There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Unless you’re a playwright. 

Another mad, media week continued this Monday morning, with the launch of the new season at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square., London. 


There’s a new artistic director too, although you can read more about him in the mainstream press. David Byrne. His inaugural season will include actors Emma D’Arcy, Ben Whishaw and John Lithgow in shows directed by Katie Mitchell and Nicholas Hytner.


The season includes nine productions from writers making Royal Court debuts, with Byrne promising a “new generation of bold voices with big, messy stories to tell”.


It comes as Byrne also reveals a new ticketing structure for the venue, with half of all seats in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs available from £22.50 or less.


The new Court Art Dire. Bottom right of this pic.
 

You had to apply to attend this launch/lunch, which I did as I’m thinking of concentrating more on my writing. And although I still feel the Royal Court is a bit ‘posh’ for working-class writers like me, a main delight was bumping into half the cast of my Edinburgh hit shows, P.A.L.S and Romeo and Juliet FC. 


The lovely Amy. 

It was a coincidence, but a lovely one. Actors Amy and Phil are great performers, and if the Court can develop their writing too, it will really prove its worth. 


The lovely Phil. 

The lunch was lovely, by the way. I still feel at home in the Royal Court bar. It’s a good place to work. To write this, for example! Still posh and although it’s not a ‘Spoons, the prices are fairly accessible too..! 


Here’s to the new season.