It’s play time with the Short Attention Span Theatre!

Audiences will be seeing double this week as a pioneering theatre company serves up its latest innovative slice of culture in quarantine.
Drama at its best...and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own livingroom as the new plays are being streamed via YouTue and SAST’s website. (Pic: Tom Brogan)Drama at its best...and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own livingroom as the new plays are being streamed via YouTue and SAST’s website. (Pic: Tom Brogan)
Drama at its best...and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own livingroom as the new plays are being streamed via YouTue and SAST’s website. (Pic: Tom Brogan)

Short Attention Span Theatre (SAST) will be streaming six double-hander plays online and free of charge from Thursday (June 25) – featuring some of Scotland’s best up-and-coming creatives.

It follows the success of the company’s virtual shows in May, which featured 12 magical monologues – watched by hundreds of viewers live and later on YouTube, as well as SAST’s own website.

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The next show will present six short plays written, acted and directed by talents from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cumbernauld, Aberdeenshire, Moray and even further afield.

A fit of the giggles...having something to smile about in lockdown is priceless but the plays will cost you not a penny.
(Pic: Tom Brogan)A fit of the giggles...having something to smile about in lockdown is priceless but the plays will cost you not a penny.
(Pic: Tom Brogan)
A fit of the giggles...having something to smile about in lockdown is priceless but the plays will cost you not a penny. (Pic: Tom Brogan)

Each will star two actors, filmed from a virtual distance to adhere to lockdown restrictions, using a variety of dramatic techniques.

Through the Door was written by Leanne Cameron; Smells Like Cheap Spirit by Jamie Graham; Acquiesce by Alan Muir; The Curse of Griffin Cottage by David Bratchpiece; We Keep Going by Rachel Flynn and Rats by Karen Marquis.

The actors are Grant McDonald, Sarah Meikle, Stephen Will, John Michael-Love, Derek Banner, Catriona McAllister, Elle Watson, Emma Findlay, Paul Kelvin, Rebecca Wilkie, Stephen Kerr and Kirsty Florence.

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The directors are Karen Marquis, Daniel Gee Husson, Max Chase, Daniel Orejon, Rebecca Riddell and GR Greer.

Smiles all round...the cast and crew are finding innovative ways to work. (Pic: Tom Brogan)Smiles all round...the cast and crew are finding innovative ways to work. (Pic: Tom Brogan)
Smiles all round...the cast and crew are finding innovative ways to work. (Pic: Tom Brogan)

Plays will be premiered on Thursday from 7.30pm at www.youtube.com/user/tombrogan and www.shortattentionspantheatre.co.uk.

Tom Brogan, co-founder of SAST, said: “The reaction to our online shows has been extremely positive. We can’t wait to bring audiences six new virtual two-hander plays – all streaming free to their computer or device.

“Like everyone, we’ve had to adjust to the ongoing pandemic and it has presented a unique challenge creatively.

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“I’m delighted with the innovative ways our writers, directors and actors have worked together – many miles apart – to produce new works to help lift people’s spirits during this testing time.

“Once again there’s a range of subject matters and genres, with something for everyone.

“But don’t worry if you can’t watch live on YouTube or via our website – all the plays will be available to view again afterwards and you can catch up on previous shows too.

“Our goal is to encourage, support and inspire early-career writers and theatre makers. The online shows are a way of continuing that work, while hopefully entertaining people sheltering out the coronavirus storm at home.

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“There’s no cost as such, but if anyone wants to buy us a cuppa then we’d be delighted to accept.

“All donations will help to fund future work.”

Tom added: “Hopefully, all being well, we will be back on stage in the autumn with live shows in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“Until then, please stay safe … and enjoy the shows.”

So far, SAST’s April show has had nearly 800 views, with May’s plays racking up almost 1000 views.

SAST was established in 2015 by Karen Barclay and Tom Brogan and is now run by them and Mairi Davidson.

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It was set up to enable first-time and early-career writers to experience their work being dramaturged, directed, rehearsed and performed in front of a paying audience.

Prior to lockdown, SAST had mounted 24 live shows in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr – producing the work of more than 100 writers.

It receives no funding so if you want to help support future work please consider buying the company a virtual cuppa via ko-fi.com/shortattentionspantheatre.

For the latest updates, sign up to the newsletter at www.shortattentionspantheatre.co.uk and follow the company on Twitter @SASTSCOTLAND and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SASTGlasgow.

Short synopsis of the six plays

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Through the Door by Leanne Cameron. Lucy has locked herself in the bathroom and refuses to go to her dad’s 60th party because she’s fed up being compared to sensible sister, Jess.

Smells Like Cheap Spirit by Jamie Graham: Mandy has treated herself to a pizza and bottle of gin. Feeling a bit down after losing her job, the evening takes an unexpected twist.

Rats by Karen Marquis: A make-up tutorial takes a horrific turn…

Acquiesce by Alan Muir: Two men. Two prisoners. One wall. For years they’ve been kept captive in neighbouring cells but now there’s a chance at escape. For one of them.

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The Curse of Griffin Cottage by David Bratchpiece: Aspiring writer Sarah receives an unexpected message from young actor Eddie after he gets locked down in some spooky surroundings...

We Keep Going by Rachel Flynn: David and Zoe had a one-night stand before lockdown. Can they keep their connection via video chat?

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