Plays


I have written 10 plays for theatre companies and community groups which have all received public performances. I have also contributed to the scripts of many other plays and shows, and written and arranged music for theatrical performances.

The Return of the Native 1985. An adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel which received a South West Arts writer’s award, and was performed in Dorset in 2005 by the New Hardy Players.

A Poor Man’s House 1992 Adapted from the book of the same title by Stephen Reynolds and originally commissioned by the Sidmouth International Festival of Folk Arts for performance in the Manor Pavilion at the 1992 Festival. A Poor Man’s House, which is based on the diaries kept by Reynolds when he lodged with a fishing family in Sidmouth, has a score of traditional music arranged by Paul Wilson. The play was revived at the 2005 Folkweek in the same venue, directed by Barry Lister and Tim Laycock.

Really Beautiful Company 1995. A short play about the life and folk song collecting exploits of the composer Percy Grainger at Winchcombe Workhouse, written for the Cotswold folk group Puzzlejug. The play has subsequently been adapted and broadcast as a radio play.

Village Green 1996. An outdoor promenade play written for Theatre in the Downs, and performed in 12 villages in Wiltshire over two summer seasons. The play focused on a village Friendly Society club walk and celebration on the eve of World War 1. Directed by Dot Mc Crea.

Red Spider 1997. Adapted from the novel by Sabine Baring- Gould, and commissioned by the Wren Trust for performance in Lew Down, Devon as a village community play. The play was performed in the round, using local folksongs and tunes for the score. The production was repeated in Bratton Clovelly the following year, directed by Tim, with Paul Wilson as musical director.

Kitty Alone 2000. The actors from Red Spider formed themselves into a theatre company and commissioned another Baring Gould adaptation, which was performed in the village hall at Bratton Clovelly. Directed by Tim, musical director Paul Wilson.


The Year Clock 2001. Based on the writings and poetry of William Barnes [ 1801-1886] Tim continues to perform this play with violinist and guitarist Colin Thompson. The play was directed by Sonia Ritter and designed by Michael Taylor, with lighting by Gary Beestone. The Year Clock has received more than fifty performances.

The Dorset Sailor 2005. Commissioned by Bridport Library to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, this play recounts the experiences of the 17year old Richard Roberts from Burton Bradstock on board HMS Victory during the battle. Roberts worked in the cockpit with surgeon Beatty and witnessed the death of Nelson. The play was based on Roberts’ Remarks Book, a diary he kept during the voyage. Featuring live period music.

A Wonderful Alteration 2005. A community Play for Newton Abbott about I K Brunel, the great Western Railway and Brunel’s famous Atmospheric Railway that briefly ran from Exeter to Dawlish. The play was written for Wren Music and directed by Eileen Dillon. Paul Wilson was the musical director.

Carnival Capers 2008. A dramatised song cycle about the history of Okehampton, with script by Tim and songs and music written and arranged by a group of local writers and performers led by Paul Wilson. The play was performed at Okehampton College, and the director was Eileen Dillon.

Templer’s Way 2008. After A Wonderful Alteration several Newton Abbott actors formed their own company Platform 9, to create new work. Templer’s Way was written by Tim based on improvised scenes devised by the group, and also on historical research into the Granite Railway undertaken by members of Platform 9. The play was first performed in Newton Abbott in July 2008.