[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_column_text]Writing plays is more exciting and comes more easily to me than writing novels. The reward – that is seeing one\u2019s words performed before a live audience and hearing the applause – is amazing. When you write\u00a0finis\u00a0<\/i>at the end of a novel the silence is deafening. Listening to the gossip and hearing the audience\u2019s opinions of Act One in the interval of your stage play is one of the perks.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” el_class=”book-list-sidebar”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″ el_class=”book-lists”][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”two_columns” columns_proportion=”66_33″][qode_elements_holder_item item_padding=”0px 40px 0px 0px” vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_column_text]My first play\u00a0Home Truths<\/i>\u00a0(1997) started life at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, before going on to `number one venues\u2019 such as the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, the Theatre Royal, Lincoln and the Opera House, Manchester. The talented cast included Edward Hardwicke (son of Sir Cedric), Christopher Cazenove (of Dynasty fame) and the talented stalwart of the the theatre Lynda Baron.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
“…thought-provoking, clever and original\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Peterborough Evening Telegraph<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “uproariously funny\u2026 deals with the darker side of human relationships\u2026so many layers in this bittersweet family tale that it holds the interest from the first moment to the last.” \u00a0\u00a0Newark Advertiser<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “…explores the nature of truth and echoes TS Eliot\u2019s assertion that man cannot bear too much reality…. amid the laughter there are truths nibbling away at the slender veneer that each spreads over the cracks in the crazy paving of life.” \u00a0\u00a0Farnham Herald<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026always interesting….. worth seeing.” \u00a0\u00a0Darlington and Stockton Times.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Friedman\u2019s script captured some of the tortuous moments of the family Christmas\u2026 the audience, particularly the men, went home happy.” \u00a0\u00a0Brighton Evening Argos<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Everyone spellbound, not a cough or a crackle throughout.” \u00a0\u00a0Shirley Conran<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “The play is extremely sophisticated and very clever in both it\u2019s content and structure. The characters are finely drawn and deftly constructed. The humour is effective on an intellectual level as well as on the more basic `one-liner\u2019 level\u2026 Highly recommended on the festival\u2019s shortlist.” \u00a0\u00a0London New Play Festival<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026.lots of laughter and it\u2019s almost as good as Ayckbourn\u2026 Rosemary Friedman has a light touch and an ear for dialogue\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0The Advertiser (Surrey)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “The audience thoroughly enjoyed \u2013 and loudly applauded \u2013 a lively and entertaining evening.” \u00a0\u00a0Eastbourne Gazette<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “The unwritten rules of the stage decree that when a diverse family is reunited to spend Christmas in a country cottage, the festivities will not pass off without unpleasant incident. Rosemary Friedman\u2019s new play Home Truths spreads guilt, recrimination and fatal honesty amid the mistletoe and paperchains\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Dartford Times<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Rosemary Friedman\u2019s intriguing play\u2026 starts off like a mystery thriller, feels at times like a light comedy, has a certain fairy-tale quality and packs `a message\u2019\u2026 There is much to enjoy as this is a crisp production with first-class performances from a starry cast.” \u00a0\u00a0Daily Echo (Bournemouth)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_single_image image=”237″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#a4a4a4″ thickness=”1″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”two_columns” columns_proportion=”66_33″][qode_elements_holder_item item_padding=”0px 40px 0px 0px” vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Change of Heart\u00a0<\/i>(2004), based on the real-life story of Professor Dame Julia Polak who received a life-saving heart-lung transplant from the hands of the renowned surgeon Professor Magdi Yacoub, raised the profile of those life-threatening illnesses which required urgent transplants. It was instrumental in raising funds and attracting organ donors as did my novel on the same subject Intensive Care. The excellent cast included Julie-Kate Olivier (daughter of Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright).<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n “…Rosemary Friedman\u2019s fascinating play\u2026this is dramatic gold.” \u00a0\u00a0Evening Standard<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “…intriguing issues\u2026 challenging human drama. …. an intelligent choice for the West End.” \u00a0\u00a0The Stage<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “…despite the complications \u2026 many stranded work\u2026handled expertly… inspired by Professor Julia Polak, a real life survivor of a heart\/lung transplant.” \u00a0\u00a0Ham & High<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026.convincing insight\u2026 into the way a person\u2019s morality is recast while they or their loved ones edge closer to death.” \u00a0\u00a0Jewish Chronicle<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026this gripping play examines the complexities of human relationships\u2026 and poses moral and ethical questions not often heard on stage.” \u00a0\u00a0NW Magazine<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026 a moving and thought-provoking play which does not pull its punches.” \u00a0\u00a0Theatreworld<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “.. an adult drama which rises above the usual medical soap opera to shed light on what our bodies really mean to us.” \u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s On<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Contagious entertainment which could have theatregoers waiting on a trolley in a corridor the remainder of the winter.” \u00a0\u00a0Times Chronicle Series<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_single_image image=”236″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#a4a4a4″ thickness=”1″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”two_columns” columns_proportion=”66_33″][qode_elements_holder_item item_padding=”0px 40px 0px 0px” vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n An Eligible Man<\/i>\u00a0(2008) based on my novel of the same name, premi\u00e8red in London and has so far had 2 successful tours (including one in Poland) with a third in the offing. The original production starred Graham Seed (Nigel Pargeter from\u00a0The Archers<\/i>) and a wonderful supporting cast.<\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/p>\n Attending rehearsals and hearing one\u2019s words come to life in the mouths of the actors, not to mention seeing one\u2019s name in lights and on posters (in the case of Poland all over town) is an exhilarating experience and ample reward for the lonely days slogging away at the computer.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n “Some priceless moments to enjoy\u2026.” \u00a0\u00a0Camden New Journal<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026 plenty of humour\u2026 and moments of poignancy. An Eligible Man is very enjoyable. The audience laughed out loud and there were murmurings of approval during the interval.” \u00a0\u00a0Northwest<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Friedman writes sensitively about grief\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Jewish Chronicle<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026constant interweaving of pathos and wit is wonderfully adroit\u2026 some pungent things to say about bereavement\u2026 of West End star standard. \u2026 a play that holds one from beginning to end.” \u00a0\u00a0Francis King (former Sunday Telegraph drama critic).<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “A touching and hilarious comedy of grief\u2026 reminiscent of Present Laughter\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s on Stage<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Great play… Go see it.” \u00a0\u00a0UK Theatre Network<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “A civilised, amusing, intelligent entertainment\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Reviewsgate<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026a charming piece of work… catch it if you can.” \u00a0\u00a0Newark Advertiser<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “\u2026tender and funny\u2026 It really has the whole package.” \u00a0\u00a0Staffordshire Sentinel<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “This was a terrific piece of theatre, a great cast\u2026 and brilliant yet subtle script\/plot. A joy.” \u00a0\u00a0Thelatest<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “A good turnout warmly received this entertaining no-holds-barred attempt to marry the eligible bachelor.” \u00a0\u00a0remotegoat.co.uk\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “..Charming comedy\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Nantwich News<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “This compelling comedy\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0Period House<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “A touching and hilarious comedy of grief\u2026” \u00a0\u00a0OffWestEnd.com<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Warm, nostalgic, funny and moving.” \u00a0\u00a0Poland<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “Worth seeing.” \u00a0\u00a0Poland<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “The audience had a great time thanks to Rosemary Friedman\u2019s text and the acting.” \u00a0\u00a0Poland<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [vc_separator type=’transparent’ position=’center’ color=” thickness=’10’ up=’0′ down=’0′]<\/em><\/p>\n “‘An Eligible Man\u2019 is always played to a full auditorium.” \u00a0\u00a0Piotr Szczerski (Polish Director)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no”][vc_single_image image=”235″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#a4a4a4″ thickness=”1″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”100px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-10″][vc_column_text]Writing plays is more exciting and comes more easily to me than writing novels. The reward – that is seeing one\u2019s words performed before a live audience and hearing the applause – is amazing….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"yoast_head":"\n