Simon Marshall

Playwright

I am a playwright, poet and participation producer from Derbyshire, living in Sheffield. Inspired by my upbringing and the rural queer experience, my playwrighting practice blends a strong Midlands heart with a continued exploration of sexuality, belonging & ambition. Professional theatre experience as writer/participation producer includes: - Bonfire (July 2022 at Departure Lounge Festival, and ACE-funded Winter Tour 2023): an ‘honest, brave and often sharply funny’ (Lyn Gardner) new play exploring the rural queer experience of growing up online, reclaiming queer identity and resisting shame. Received 2 4 star reviews and reached 400+ audience members at Derby Theatre, Sheffield Theatres & Nonsuch Studios, Nov 2023. Participation programme ‘SPARKS’ reached 105 people in East Mids/South Yorks, and piloted an LGBTQ+ youth theatre group in collaboration with Derbyshire LGBT+ and Derby Theatre. - The Fossil Kids (Sheffield Theatres' Playhouse, Jun 2023) A new comedy-drama written for Sheffield People’s Theatres' 18-25 Young Company following a development process in collaboration with the cohort. Reached 300+ audience members. - kilburn (not london): an Arts Council England funded original audio drama about care experience & queer rural identity developed with Plus One, Derbyshire LGBT+, supported by Boundless Theatre & New Perspectives Theatre Company. The accompanying participation programme developed the creative writing and advocacy of 300 care experienced, LGBTQ+ and rural young people in Derbyshire [Jan-May 2021] - Come To Where I Am Derby: Beau Repaire: monologue poem on place and home commissioned by Paines Plough in partnership with Derby Theatre, video – (June 2020) - Below Decadence (Queer Folio 2023 Commission 2023, Amplify Festival 2024) A comic reimagining of Sebastian from 'The Tempest' working on a present-day megayacht. The work in progress piece is part stand-up, part monologue, researched and developed with 1623 Theatre and through Sheffield Theatres’ Rolling Residencies. - in defence of adventurous mothers, (North Wall Arts Centre, Catalyst Apr 2023) A comedy drama exploring sibling rivalry, ambition and what makes a good life. When Theo and Nancy’s Mum doesn’t return from an expedition, they must choose how to make the most of their lives – embracing the ordinary, or pursuing adventure. Supported by Derby Theatre and developed as a rehearsed reading at Omnibus Theatre 2025. - How Can I Help You? A new comedy-drama exploring how we confront failure and shame, set in a rural petrol station in the East Midlands. Top 10 shortlist for the Kay Mellor Fellowship, Top 50 Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize and Top 10% for Channel 4 New Writers scheme.

http://www.simonsayswritesdoes.com