The Stars of Ian Smith's play Extra Time Photo courtesy of Nigel Oateway An interview with new playwright Ian Smith on his first play Extra Time, which recently completed its very successful run at The Network Theatre, Waterloo Interview by Mary Couzens - editor
Mary: For those amongst our readers who didn't get to see your play Extra Time (or might be hoping to see it reappear in the near future, (as we are),how would you describe the storyline? In other words, could you give us a synopsis?
Barney played by Andy Bradshaw and Jo played by Petra O'Brien Photo courtesy of Nigel Oatway Ian: Extra Time is about three football fanatics who went to watch Liverpool win the European Cup in Rome in 1984 when they were 19 years old. When the Club is drawn in Rome 17 years later, the three meet up again for the first time in many years. None of their lives turned out as they would have hoped but they rediscover their love of the game and reinvent their friendship.
Barney played by Andy Bradshaw/ Alex played by Steve Cook/ Terry played by Richard Burgess Photo courtesy of Nigel Oatway
Photo courtesy of Nigel Oatway Mary: What was your inspiration for the play? How much of it was influenced by your life, or things that really happened to you? Ian: I think that you must write about things you know and understand, even if only because it helps you try to entertain people for 2 hours. You draw upon your own experiences, especially as a fan who went to Rome, but the characters must exist in their own right. Much of this is done just by living and by listening to people over your life. I don't think many writers will be prolific talkers. I probably couldn't have written it when I was 19; there are no Mozarts when it comes to writing.
Mary: Did you write other creative things before you became a playwright?
Ian: I'm not sure I've become a playwright to be honest. I wrote and produced plays at school and university and have written several poems over the years.
Mary: What was the best/worst thing that happened during the course of writing Extra Time ? What did you learn from the experience?
Ian: The best thing was the support of the cast and crew. They were a fine and talented bunch and they all seemed to enjoy the experience. That attitude is very helpful particularly at the beginning, because I never had to spend a single minute convincing them that it was a good play or that it was worth doing. Having acted occasionally and usually quite poorly beforehand, I tried to make the words “actable” but was touched by the confidence they had in those words. The worst thing was sitting in the audience on the first night. Will they laugh? Will they understand it? Will they like it? You are incredibly exposed at those times. The gradual snapping sensation in my spine on that night will not leave me in a hurry. Above all I learned that if you want to do something, like write your own play, you owe it to yourself to have a go. We are a long time dead and who knows, it might just be good!?
Mary: Were you happy with the finished production?
Ian: I was happy with the strength of the performances and the success of a very ambitious technical production. I was also delighted by the skill and support received from co-director Nigel Oatway who really is a dream to work with. They were a fine bunch indeed. I was not really satisfied with my own input to the writing and production. Every night I spotted several things which could have been done better and they would keep me awake at night. I try to set myself high standards but didn't always achieve them. I will do it better next time.
Mary: Naturally, you'd like to see Extra Time produced at another theatre, as we would. Do you have any plans to do that yet? If so, do you have any ideas about what venue(s) would you like to see it performed in? Would you consider submitting it for Brighton or Edinburgh Fringe?
Ian: Thank you, that is very kind. I was very pleased to have it on at Network Theatre who are a pretty good bunch. I was also chuffed that it made them some money. I feel that I will reach my limitations as a producer far sooner than as a writer. Therefore I would really like to hand it over to one more skilled and experienced than me. Edinburgh would be good fun and it would be special to have it performed in the Merseyside area where I think it belongs. So if anyone out there has a good idea …..
Mary: Are you planning to write another play Ian? After seeing Extra Time , we certainly hope so!
Ian: Oh yes. I have plenty of ideas, certainly more ideas than time. Thank you for asking me to do this. You obviously have a very healthy society or whatever the correct word is. I wish you well.
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