Interview

Peter Quilter

Peter Quilter's play "Glorious" is currently playing at the Duchess Theatre and stars Maureen Lipman as Florence Forster Jenkins, a would-be opera star with more money then talent who literally buys her way to the top. It's struggled to find an audience even at the tiny Duchess but it's been slowly and gradually building fans who enjoy, along with Lipman's star turn, a good old fashioned, funny script that's not afraid to go for the big laughs. No surprise then that it was recently nominated for the Best New Comedy Olivier Award. I got the chance to ask the writer how it feels to be up for such a prestigious gong.

Q: How did you hear about your nomination?

A: They actually phone the nominees a couple of days beforehand to tell us the good news. But we are under strict orders to keep it secret until the official announcement. It means you have a nervous couple of days wondering if it's just some kind of terrible mistake or they phoned you in error when they actually meant to phone Alan Bennett!

Q: What does it mean for the show?

A: I think it's really good for the company of actors; it makes them feel proud of all the hard work they've put in. Plus it raises the profile of the show on an international level. There will doubtless be more foreign production interest simply on the strength of the nomination - the Award is known worldwide in theatrical circles.

Q: What does it mean for you personally?

A: Oh, it's just nice. Useful for those days when you think your writing's crap. Serves to convince you that you can't be that bad.

Q: What's your opinion of critics?

A: They were actually very generous to us with "Glorious", we had really fantastic reviews in most of the broadsheets and this was a very pleasant surprise - especially for a commercial comedy. So, at the moment I like them!

Q: How would you describe "Glorious" to someone who doesn't know about theatre?

A: It's a good excuse to sit in a darkened room and let Maureen Lipman make you laugh yourself stupid for two hours. What else do you need to know?

Q: How did you get the idea?

A: I heard one of the original Florence Foster Jenkins recordings and just wanted to know more about how this woman with such a terrible voice came to make LPs. People are amazed that it's a true story, but it all really happened and though she screeched and croaked her way through each aria, she really did believe she had the voice of an angel. Mad as a fish, but a rather amazing, joyous woman.

Q: Do you write for a particular type of audiences?

A: I write for a wide audience. I want lots of people to see it. That's the whole point for me, so I go for crowd-pleasers.

Q: Who are your influences?

A: Joe Orton, Terry Johnson, Woody Allen.

Q: Why do you write comedy?

A: I write drama too. I have a show in Australia about Judy Garland called "End of the Rainbow" which is very emotional and dramatic. But I always slip humour in. For me, it creates energy in the audience; I like to hear the laughter even in a serious play. "Rainbow" should be in the West End in November, good luck permitting.

Q: Do you have a typical working day as a writer?

A: No. I just try and find excuses not to work. If I finally buckle down to do something, it tends to be after midnight.

Q: How is the writer involved in the audition and rehearsal process?

A: I live in Spain, so it's difficult to be there sometimes. I'll attend the last stage of auditions if I can and usually two weeks of rehearsals. But all I'm really doing is chipping in ideas. The Director is usually very much in charge.

Q: What was it like working with Maureen Lipman?

A: Brilliant. She's fabulous. Hugely dedicated to her work and she's been really lovely to me. Hope to work with her again next year.

Q: What does having a star bring to a project?

A: It's everything. I don't think you can work in the commercial theatre any more without a star. It's the most important element in making the show happen.

Q: Is it difficult being a London theatre man whilst living in Spain?

A: Not really. It's all email based now. But I get to the UK every 5 weeks and just see everyone I need to in the space of a few days. Works fine. Plus I have a tan!

Q: Do you see any Spanish theatre?

A: I live in the Canaries and there's nothing much here. They prefer orchestral concerts.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: Just started this week - it's a secret! But it's a comedy with a big female lead.

Q: What are you going to wear to the Oliviers?

A: Bra and panties - but nobody will know.

Q: Will you prepare a speech?

A: Don't be daft.

Q: Are you allowed to take lots of friends?

A: No, just one guest.

Q: Are you nervous?

A: Don't be daft.

Q: What sort of show tempts you to the theatre?

A: I love musicals - the big extravagant ones, or Sondheim. "Wicked" and "Spamalot" are due this year and they'll be great. I'm hoping my Garland show will create some buzz too. Caroline O'Connor gives the most incredible performance I've ever seen in musicals. She's going to blow the roof off. I'm as excited about seeing her perform again as I am about anything else.

By Phil Wilmott, 25/01/2006