The QuaranTea Break Podcast

Ep 7: James Graham – talking ITV’s Quiz, appearing on Question Time and saving theatre and protecting the arts

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Episode notes

How you getting on TQBP listeners? I hope you’re all well this week. This episode, I had the pleasure of playwright and screenwriter James Graham’s company on FaceTime. We recorded hours after he appeared on BBC Question Time (seek out it on BBC iPlayer) where he talked about the battle to save theatre and the arts amid huge funding gaps due closure and shutdown. It’s a subject very close to my heart, and he expands on what he said on the show brilliantly here.

This is a wide-ranging conversation. We talk about the challenge to creativity and toxic productivity. James shares his theory why we’ve all turned to quizzes in lockdown (as well as their shortcomings). We talk digital theatre and his play Our House, which will be shown on YouTube as part of National Theatre At Home on May 28. And, of course, we talk about ITV’s Quiz, which James wrote and is now officially the biggest television drama of the year. Listen for loads of great secrets about the show, as well as the usual lockdown TV recommendations.

James also talks passionately about the ways in which you can help theatre in this time. Please search for your local venue and try to pre-book tickets for future shows where you can. Many theatres, including The Globe, National Theatre and more are also accepting donations. There is also a list of resources for helping the arts and artists here: https://theatresupport.info. You can also write to your local MP to ask them to support further arts funding to see them through this crisis. You can find their details online, or use this handy tool here: https://www.writetothem.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend. And please follow @QuaranTeaBreak on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. See you very soon and take care.

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