ADP, or the Acting and Directing Partnership, is a group that is open to everyone and invites new writing, as well as anyone who is hoping to pursue a career in acting or directing.
Each month they select around four plays, or 15 minute extracts from longer dramas, by budding scriptwriters to be performed at their Scripts Aloud event at the Kings Arms in Salford, with audience feedback given to participants if required.
The popularity of ADP is growing, so much so that many scripts have been deemed worthy of performance but have yet to receive an airing. Last weekend (8th January) they decided to select a handful of these scripts and give them a run-out with experienced writers and directors. I went along to find out about ADP...
I arrive at the Kings Arms to a warm welcome from the ADP regulars. Organisers Hannah Ellis and Diana Atkins introduce themselves and are keen to inform that they are on hand throughout the day to offer support and advice to all present. It's a supportive network and they are happy to see new faces whether they are actors, writers, directors or just plain nosey.
"I would say the best thing about ADP is the community that it has built and the opportunities it creates" Diana explains "Professional actors and directors often have long gaps between acting/directing jobs and writers sometimes wait months or years to see their work up on stage, so it's creating a lot more opportunities. A lot of people have gone on to work with each other on different projects having met through ADP."
With a running order in hand, I scan the events and discover that a diverse range of scripts are on offer. There seems to a bit of everything, from gritty realism to horror and fantasy. The character lists provides interesting reading too. Alongside the kitchen sink dramas with everyday names are the more surreal and historical plays that feature Dracula, Satan and Karl Marx. My eye is immediately drawn to the play that features Marx...
It is entitled 1843 and has been created by former Salford University student Curtis Threadgold. The play has a fascinating premise that concentrates on the relationship between local heroine Mary Burns and Friedrich Engels. I make my way to the snug and take a seat with director Amy Liptrott. Soon the cast begin to filter in and Amy assigns the roles. I'm curious how a sight reading of a new piece will work.
My concerns are soon forgotten as the talented cast get to grips with the script. Houmi Miura takes the lead role of Mary Burns... "I can have a go at the accent" she suggests, before delivering a flawless Irish brogue. It is a great local interest piece that takes us to the bleak and desperate local Little Ireland area of the 19th Century. I asked writer Curtis what inspired the script...
"I've been obsessed with Marx and Engels for years and find it genuinely astonishing that their lives have never really been dramatized before" he explains "When I found out about Engels' lover Mary Burns I thought it was too good to pass up. Here is one of the most influential women in 19th Century history; she helped shape the history of the next one hundred years, she lived practically on my doorstep and she's been completely forgotten. I really wanted to tell that story...
"I've tried to remain true to who I think she was and what I think she stood for" he adds "In my view, in times like today when worker's rights are being systematically dismantled, I don't think it hurts to remember someone like Mary..."*
Curtis has the tone spot-on and does not spare any detail in his depiction of the living and working conditions of the time. The performers are enthusiastic about the script and bring it to life. The scenes between Mary (Houmi Miura) and factory owner Peter Ermen (Mike Bernie) are particularly engaging.
It feels strangely relevant as it taps into issues that still resonate to this day; poverty, police brutality and greed. It's well-researched and heartfelt. Some of the unknown aspects about the Burns-Engels union are lovingly fictionalised. The desperate conditions of the sprawling slum are well drawn and invite the opportunity for gallows humour.
Having heard his script, Curtis is open to instant feedback on the pros and cons of his work. Most are fascinated by the subject and want to know more. Some of the performers feel that his script, initially intended for TV, could work on the stage. I ask Curtis if he agrees...
"In many ways I think the theatre is probably a very good home for the story" he says "But I also think the task of adapting it from a TV pilot to a play is just about the same amount of work as writing a brand new spec script. It's something I certainly wouldn't rule out, but for the next year at least, I need to work on other projects. I have some short films I'm hoping to make this year and I'm writing a horror feature set in the world of genetics. It's a world away from cotton mills and Victorian England. Hopefully it's pretty unique and interesting. I'm excited about it anyway..."
Later on a Casting Networks session is given by Danielle Slater. This provides further assistance for today's performers who have an eye on gaining more acting work. Casting Networks is a worldwide casting company and sponsors ADP.
The actors wanting to sign up are given six months free pro membership to a site that allows them to upload unlimited media such as casting shots, monologues and live performance. Danielle explains the benefits and offers full membership to anyone who wants to get involved. They are a growing company that boast plenty of Northern talent and have many successes already under their belt including providing actors for Game of Thrones.
In the afternoon, I listen to a reading of Breaking into Heaven, a play mostly set in limbo. The acting ability of the cast and the direction of Joe Gilmour-Rees are particularly impressive. They are professional and bring extra life and meaning to the text. Gareth Bennett-Ryan and Emily Heyworth are on top form as they share some brilliantly performed awkward flirtation. Also available on the day are Roots, directed by Paola Arzuffi, Getting Better written by David Wraxall, and The Mash scripted by Sean Fee.
It's been an interesting day that has been inviting and unpretentious. I've quickly come to the conclusion that ADP is well worth another visit. Diana Atkins informs that they have some exciting plans in the pipeline... "We are launching ADP Audio - professionally produced radio dramas. And we are planning a full theatre production of one of our favourite scripts staged script-in-hand last year" she explains.
A good place to start with ADP would be with Loves of Others by another Salford University graduate, Alex Keelan**. Fittingly, Alex has had shorter pieces performed at Scripts Aloud.
I would wholeheartedly recommend ADP to anyone who is curious about scriptwriting, acting and directing - or just fancies a top night out amongst some talented and friendly people.
Upcoming ADP Events...
**Full Length Reading of Loves of Others by Alex Keelan
Monday 16th January 7:30pm
The Kings Arms
11 Bloom Street M3 6AN
£5.90 click here for details and tickets
New Beginnings
ADP Special Event
Monday 30th January 7:30pm
53two
8 Albion Street M1 5NZ
Script in hand readings about adoption, immigration, gangs and agoraphobia
£5.90 click here for details and tickets
Full Force February!
Every Monday in February 7:30pm
Script-in-hand events
Kings Arms
For full details on the work of ADP see the website www.manchesteradp.com
And the Facebook page ManchesterADP click here
* For the Salford Star article: Mary Burns Superstar - click here
Words by Ian Leslie
Photos by Mark Russell
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