Writer Richard Vergette whose play As We Forgive Them premièred at Manchester’s 24:7 Festival in 2009 will see it open next week at the Arts Theatre in London's West End under revised title American Justice.
Richard says: "I'm thrilled that American Justice has made it to the West End. It's four years since I submitted the original hour-long version to 24:7 and was able to benefit from the attention and advice that came from that great festival.
"Quite what the future holds for the play I can't be sure, but to have got this far seems almost unreal. There's no doubt that without 24:7 the script would have remained in a bottom drawer, or in my head, or on a reader's desk at a repertory theatre. That we are where we are is due to the hard work and commitment of many good people aside from me, but most of all to the team at 24:7."
A timely reminder then that you have until January 7 to submit entries for the next 24:7...
Meantime hear Richard being interviewed by British Theatre Guide's David Chadderton on this site.
American Justice, a play about guilt and redemption in America’s prison system, is set during the eight years of an Obama administration, when idealism and forgiveness may not be all they seem.
And later in January there’s the chance to see three productions from 24:7 2012 at the Library Theatre’s re:play 2013 held at the Lowry in Salford.
There will also be a Newscript Night on January 18 at the Lowry Studio.
Four of the region’s most promising writers are given the current news stories and a week’s deadline for script-in-hand performances.