Ben is forming an amateur dramatic society in the Chertsey and area and is looking for actors/actresses, backstage, etc. to produce as a professional writer/playwright, two projects of his:

Title - For Those Who Live By The Sword. I was asked to write this when a Viking sword was found in Chertsey (the first ever evidence of Viking presence. Chertsey Abbey had been sacked (for the second time) in 1010/11, so I wrote it in somewhat medieval language, weaving a plot around the sword that incorporates fictional and authentic characters of the period, and providing a historical background. There is a cast of 6 men and 4 women.

The second project is even more ambitious and has been well publicised on radio and in newspapers. I hope this will reach a more professional level in the future. There are two versions, (a) suitable for youth or school theatre (b) the full-blown version with a mixed adult and juvenile cast.

 (a) Title - Women At War. This tells the story of how 15 young women (upper and lower class) were thrown together in a Surrey private school, and how they reacted to their circumstances and the period, when the country became united.

 (b) Title -WW2 Hands Across. This relates the working class reactions and divisions through a marine shipbuilding environment, as various factions come together through the War effort. A mixed cast of 20/25, and it is now in the process of being redrafted.

 The music composed by me is original, but reminiscent of the times. There is possibility of local council funding for both projects, together with support to put them on at Chertsey Hall. It requires the forming of a local drama group (The Sword Players, as I will call it) to make application for funding. In the first instance, 15 to 20 interested participants would set the projects off, and the only requirements are to interested actors/actresses (and others) willing to participate in this unique venture. It could lead to greater things.

 My credentials are: Member of the Society of Authors; National Union of Journalists. 30 years experience as writer/author/editor, (full-time and freelance), now a freelance writer from home.

Please email Ben at bensmith@bsmith8.fsnet.co.uk