Theatre / Laura Waldren
Bristol Old Vic hosts ‘Some Demon’ from Papatango award-winning debut playwright Laura Waldren
In 2023, with her debut full length play, Some Demon, actor and writer Laura Waldren won the 15th annual Papatango New Writing Prize from over 1,400 entries – all of whom were given feedback on their scripts.
In fact, that was the key reason that Waldren decided to submit the work. “I entered the Prize hoping to get some feedback,” she admits, “and never expected in a million years this would happen.”
The esteemed prize was the first, and remains the only such accolade in the UK to award its winner a guaranteed production of their play, despite recently being denied Arts Council England funding. In the myriad ways Papatango works to create new pathways into the industry, it is considered an important incubator of emerging talent.
is needed now More than ever
Some Demon follows 18-year-old Sam and 40-something Zoe, two physically and emotionally vulnerable patients navigating life in eating disorder unit. For Waldren, it was a difficult and deeply personal play to write.
Laura Waldren, Papatango prize-winning writer of Some Demon – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Upon first reading it, Papatango artistic director George Turvey was floored. “I thought it was an extraordinary piece of work,” he recalls.
“I remember being struck by its authenticity and Laura’s ability to find so much humour and humanity in the characters, whilst tackling a subject matter that we so rarely see on stage. I thought it was one of the most remarkable plays I’d read in many years.”
After its world premiere at the Arcola Theatre in Hackney, the play will be coming to Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio in July for a six-show run.
George Turvey, Papatango artistic director – photo: Hatch Talent
Translating such a personal work from page to stage is not without its challenges, not least the need to portray real-life experiences in an authentic way that avoids sensationalism. At the same time, however, the rich and layered characters that Waldren has written are, in Turvey’s words, “a real gift for actors”.
For Turvey, as someone who was born and raised in Bristol and whose first experience of theatre was at Bristol Old Vic, bringing this play home represents a real full-circle moment. “I couldn’t be happier,” he says.
“It is absolutely vital that institutions like Bristol Old Vic make space and platform emerging writers. We’ve wanted to bring a Papatango show to Bristol for many years and we’re so excited to finally be able to do it, especially with a debut playwright and such a special play.”
Some Demon is at The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic from July 9-13 at 8pm, with an additional 3pm matinee show on Saturday. Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Bristol Old Vic
Read next:
- Frankie Thompson cites the radical freedom of clowning in battling her anorexia
- Review: Cheeky Little Brown, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A vibrant, energising coming-of-age anti-romcom’
- Review: If You Fall, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘An urgent, devastating and taboo-busting exploration of older people’s care’
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