Hello and welcome to GDP!
After an incredibly tough two years, I feel so grateful to be able to launch this site and portfolio of work into the world. It’s been a complete privilege to be able to produce work throughout the pandemic and collaborate with so many amazing artists, supported by countless mentors and peers to weather this ongoing storm.
I set up GDP with the support of a DYCP grant from Arts Council England in 2021 with a few development projects in tow. I’m so proud of all that was achieved last year: I worked with over 185 freelancers, across 17 projects, and gained credits with venues like The Roundhouse, Soho Theatre, Park Theatre, The Pleasance, Alphabetti Theatre and the Turbine Theatre. I’m now incredibly pleased to be moving into our second year with a heftier CV and lots of new pals along the way.
We’ve just completed 4 fantastic pieces of work at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer (which is where my producing journey started at Edinburgh Uni 2k16), have multiple scripts in development with a phenomenal roster of writers, are prospecting new opportunities for shows that premiered last year, are national tour booking, grant writing, production accounting in the West End, and meeting lots of new artists. Can’t wait for everything that’s to come – I really hope we fulfil our mission of producing exciting new work that isn’t afraid to make a noise and ruffle some feathers!
I’m also thrilled to have welcomed GDP’s inaugural Assistant Producer – the glorious Rory Thomas-Howes! Rory has been such a support over the last 9 months for GDP – he is not only an incredible writer and producer, but he is a key part of our growth as a company. He has a real warmth in the way he works, and approaches each task and project with precision, kindness and patience, and for that I am so grateful. If you are ever in need of a phenomenal bid writer, script reader, administrator, cup-of-tea-maker or line producer, make sure to get him on board.
I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with Lizzie Manwaring over the past few months as my Associate Director. Lizzie is not only a phenomenal director and dramaturg in her own right, but she has been a beacon of support for GDP. She manages all script submissions and sharing invites, and provides such generous, insightful and constructive feedback across all of these, as well as suggestions on how to move forward with each piece. Lizzie has a brilliant ear for new work and what can elevate pieces to a higher level, and I’m incredibly grateful to have her on board. If you’re ever in need of a director, associate director, dramaturg or sounding board, I could not recommend her enough.
A few thank yous to finish off:
I wouldn’t be working in this industry without the guidance and kindness of mentors, all of whom have supported me more than they realise. Thank you to Ellie Simpson, Tara Finney, Hannah Elsy, Mark Cartwright, and many more who’ve offered ad hoc advice along the way. A particular gratitude to my theatre mum for life, Ellie Claughton, who has been an instrumental part of my journey as a producer, and I know is always on hand for a piece of advice and a glass of wine.
Thank you to Alex Jackson for his patience and support in building our first website.
Thank you to Rory and Lizzie for being the first two new official team members at GDP.
Thank you to all the phenomenal artists I’ve had the utmost pleasure of working with during the last tricky two years. The creativity, passion, tenacity and fight that each of them have continues to inspire me, and I desperately hope to collaborate with them all again.
I cannot wait for all the theatrical adventures to come this year and beyond!
Endless love and thanks,
Grace x