By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:27, Thursday, 01 November 2012

THE controversial debut play by a Seascale-born writer has its world premiere next week.

John Spriggs: New play debuts next week

John Spriggs’ first play, The Story of Gary Oscar Davidson, opens at the Salford Arts Theatre, near Manchester, on Thursday, November 8 and runs for three nights.

Produced by John’s own company The Line Productions, the play portrays a “unique and black-humoured whilst sometimes quasi-controversial look at the life and times of our creator” – and has been born out of John’s fascination with theatre, science and religion.

“I began writing scripts during my first year at university when a tutor of mine took an interest,” said John.

“With no teaching in scriptwriting and only the encouragement of friends and tutors, I taught myself how to write productions for theatre and film. Horror seemed to come naturally to me when I wrote and I found it easier and more enjoyable than any other genre.

“My goal became clear – to create original works of horror and direct them.”

The dream appeared to come crashing down when John was rejected from the two universities he applied for. But undeterred, he quit his job and moved from Cumbria to Manchester to start a new life.

“It wasn’t difficult to find all the support I needed from my new friends, and soon I began writing what would be my first full-length play, The Story of Gary Oscar Davidson.

“Inspired by the preachers on the streets of Manchester, my interest in religion was set aflame and, as a side effect, so was my interest in science.

“Talking, debating, teaching and learning with street preachers became a hobby and helped to inspire my work on this oddly religious play.”

The play explores looking at the world and thinking about the person who would best represent the planet, examining the meaning of creations and its pitfalls, through the story of Gary Oscar Davidson (or GOD).

It features a cast of five – some of whom are making their professional debuts – and has been described as a ‘must see’ piece of theatre that unravels some of the thoughts and processes surrounding creation and relationships.

“This is the first, and certainly won’t be the last, of my works to hit the stage that will cause great controversy.”

For ticket details visit www.salfordartstheatre.com or call 0161 4338101.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk