City writer wins national award

Lance Woodman has been given the Pearson Award for his work Red Skies over the Severn, which received widespread acclaim when it was performed at the city's Swan Theatre last November.

The 43-year-old also received recognition for his two plays, The Same River and Inheritance, included in the theatre's two-part look at the 20th Century in Worcester, the Worcester Century Plays.

The Pearson Award recognises and promotes talented up-and-coming playwrights by giving them a one-year bursary to work at a designated theatre.

However, the playwright is very keen to point out the award isn't just recognition of his work.

"It's also a feather in the cap for the theatre," said Lance, of Ilkley Close, Warndon.

"It's a joint award and recognises the work the theatre has done and its support of new writers like myself.

"I am, of course, very grateful to the theatre for all the support and help it has given me in the last seven years, and I'm delighted our work together has been recognised.

"I would also like to thank the audiences who have supported me as well."

During his bursary year the part-time lecturer at University College Worcester will be working on a new play, which he said is likely to be about growing old "disgracefully".

But his schedule doesn't stop there. He will also be working on a production for the Birmingham Rep, as well as a number of other projects at the Swan.

"I am having to think of myself as writer first and foremost now. Last year was the first year I earned most of my income from my writing," he said. "Having this bursary will give me space to create and develop my writing. But I don't want to continue writing the same sort of play and am keen to vary my work.

"I'm fascinated by the relationship between comedy and tragedy. My work will still be a look at the lighter side of life, while being aware of the darker side behind it."

A feather in the cap for Lance and the theatre