Here is an extract from feedback I received from an independent Reader when I submitted my script “Same Shit, Different Day” to the National Script Reading Service run by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland.
“This is a touching play which looks at the pressures placed upon familial and romantic love when confronted by the harsh occupation of physical and mental illness.
What is immediately rewarding is the clear sense that this is a play which understands that it is a piece of theatre – not just film or television transplanted to the stage. The opening stylised sequence that dramatises an episode of Katie’s MS embraces the idea of real theatricality: as an audience, we enjoy the multi-sensory experience that only theatre can provide, and we are also introduced to the rule, or conceit, that this play can transcend common naturalism. We feel in safe hands and are intrigued by what is to come.
This sense of intrigue is also infused through good structuring of scenes and a skilful handling of exposition. There is no clunky relating of information purely for the guidance of the audience; rather, there is an effective drip-feed of information and clues (such as the unexpected shedding of clumps of hair in Scene 3) which causes us to ask questions, making us active spectators and not passive receivers, and hooks us moving forward. Structurally, the scenes peak with little twists or uncertainties which, again, keep us engaged and interested. And the lingering undercurrent of the early stylised sequence seems to persist, lifting the naturalistic dialogue above the pedestrian….”
Secondly a quote regarding the same play received in an email from one of Scotland’s leading Playwrights, Douglas Maxwell.
“…it’s funny sweet and full of heart. It zips along and manages to be a good deep study of the characters. I felt like I really knew them. Its greatest strength I think is that it treats this big horrible subject matter with an everyday cheerfulness – even with romance. It’s a story I think an audience will love. I certainly do….
…in short…beautiful playwriting…”
I would like to thank both Douglas Maxwell and Playwrights’ Studio Scotland for allowing me to use their names and their comments on my play “Same Shit, Different Day”.
Here is a quote from a reference I received from an Editor at a leading Greetings Card Publisher.
“Joyce worked in a Freelance capacity for us for several years…
…Joyce was a pleasure to work with as she was enthusiastic and positive as well as an excellent writer. She was very good at working to a brief, and would respond promptly with a high standard of work. She was also excellent at coming up with creative and interesting ideas – for ranges, as well as individual cards. Her ideas were well thought out and appropriate to the market. Several of her pieces have been used on cards that have gone on to be best sellers.
She was always open to direction and actively encouraged constructive criticism. She was also very reliable and consistently met deadlines, which were very tight on occasion…”