10 questions for 10 years – Tom Wells

How many of us can say we’ve inspired some branded condoms?! Find out more as Tom Wells becomes the first person to answer 10 questions for 10 years

From Me, As A Penguin to The Kitchen Sink to Jumpers for Goalposts and much more besides, Tom Wells has perfected the art of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. His wry observations and relatable characterisations lead to an often profound beauty that makes him, for my money, one of our most important playwrights, LGBT+ or otherwise.

  • Where were you 10 years ago?

    I was washing up in a cafe in East Yorkshire, and learning how to be a playwright at Paines Plough.

  • Best show you’ve seen in the last 10 years?

    Operation Greenfield by Little Bulb was really, really beautiful.

  • What has been your professional highlight of the last 10 years?

    I think probably when Studio Theatre in Washington gave these out at Pride:

  • Top flavour of interval ice-cream?

    I just get a cup of tea.

  • What show do you wish theatres would give a rest for a few years?

    Stuff by dead white men.

  • Name someone who you think is a really underappreciated talent (in the world of theatre)?

    The bloggers, who are really supportive, unearth gems, and write gorgeous, thoughtful reviews.

  • Elphaba or Glinda?

    A nice duet between the two.

  • What is one thing that you think would help theatre survive and/or thrive the next ten years?

    A bit of heart is always best, I reckon. And, um, jokes.

  • Which is your favourite theatre?

    I really love how intrepid Paines Plough have been at taking work all over, to lots of different theatres, and I’m very proud to be a little bit of Middle Child in Hull.

  • Can you say anything about what’s to come for you, (in the next ten years or otherwise)?

    Fingers crossed I’ll just keep writing plays.

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