The Completed Plays

Resonant Frequency

Below are images of the artwork for the programme and poster produced for the first production of the play at The Phoenix Theatre in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire between the 30th September 2006 and the 7th October 2006.

The cast for the first production. From left to right. Charlie Barbour, Lawrence Kettle, Denise Hall EJ Martin, Nigel Patrick, Robin Haig	The poster for the play as it was printed.

This play is four stories in three acts. The setting is a stark, intimidating 'interrogation' room. In this room Host interviews three people.
In the first act we hear from Mother, how she was abused at the hand of her step mother, how then she conquered this hardship by stepping out as an independent individual. Then we hear how she became a mother and, ultimately, happened to be in the ice cream parlour at the end of the pier.
In the second act Toni Vittorio tells us how he came from an unpleasant life in Italy to run the ice cream parlour at the end of the pier.
In the last act Boffin tells Host of his amazing scientific discovery that led to the invention of a particularly 'interesting' machine.
Mother and Toni have no idea where they are or why they are there. Boffin knows where he is and why he is there.
The tales are gritty and real but what makes this play special is the fourth story. What is not made clear until the close of the play is the role that Host plays.
Clearly I cannot tell you how the play ends but I can include a couple of quotes from two independent sources. The first comes from Conor Corderoy, author of the best selling science fiction novels DARK RAIN and EDEN CIPHER; the second from The Ross Gazette.

"Ostensibly this is an inquiry into why a particular event happened, but as the inquiry proceeds, we begin to realise that actually this is a much deeper investigation into the creative and destructive nature of the human psyche, and perhaps also, to some extent, into the nature of human love and hate. It is very cleverly constructed, and the characters are very skilfully used, with the nameless investigators, called collectively Host (is this Host Gaia, I wonder?), presenting a dark, expressionless, objective foil for the vibrant, deeply subjective personalities of the human characters."

"Writing and directing a play is an achievement in itself; writing and directing a play with one set, that relies completely on dialogue, is very brave. I think Ian Pauley's first attempt has shown what it takes to be a successful playwright."

For details of performing rights for Resonant Frequency please visit the Plays and Musicals Ltd website.

Poppy Appeal

Below are images of the artwork for the programme and poster produced for the first production of the play at The Phoenix Theatre in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire between the 22nd and 29th of September 2007.

The cast for the first production, from L to R. Mary Brigg, Gordon Brigg, Amanda Smith, Alan Christopher, Jenny Allen	The poster for the first production.

This play was commissioned by The Lifebuoy Trust and Ross Drugs Forum. The remit of the commission was to address the domestic and communication difficulties that encourage teenagers to embark on a 'career' of drug use.

The challenge was to write a piece that avoids all the usual clichés yet manages to entertain and educate without lecturing. Just to make things really difficult, the play has to work for young adults as well as parents. This is not easy to achieve but Ian is confident he has managed to strike the right balance.

So what happens in Poppy Appeal?

The play follows the lives of Mum, Dad their daughter Angeline and her boyfriend Dean.

Angeline and Dean come from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Dad runs a successful business, he has wealth a good house, Mum doesn't work and spends a lot of her time at the health club or shopping; in short everything that should go to make a happy home.
The discord comes with the friction between Mum and Dad.
Dean's domestic situation is entirely different. He has a step father, Ray, but his mother died quite recently. Dean is not coming to terms with his loss.
Ray is trying to reach out to Dean but Dean is refusing to accept the help as he blames Ray for his mother's death.
Amongst all the angst and turmoil sits Ann, the counsellor. Ann provides the calm centre, the opportunity to speak freely. She tries to do her best, even when her position of trust is challenged.

As part of the research for the play Ian had the privilege of interviewing reformed addicts and some of their experiences have been paraphrased and included in the script.
And this is what The Ross Gazette reported in their edition printed on the 27th of September 2007.

"Excellent production and set design combined with terrific acting and a thought provoking script meant that Poppy Appeal was well worth a visit to The Phoenix Theatre Poppy Appeal was commissioned by Lifebuoy Charitable Trust from local writer Ian Pauley. His portrayal of two youngsters who should have a wonderful and exciting future ahead of them, but instead descend into addiction, was gripping."