First Draft

Find out more about the cast and crew that have worked with First Draft. If you are interested in working with First Draft or similar companies, join The Mandy Network and get alerted of upcoming job opportunities.


First Draft was formed in January 2010 by Actor/Producer Laura Harling and Director Matthew Parker as an opportunity for like-minded people to present original works (new writing or devised) and fresh adaptations in the comfortable surroundings of The Horse, Waterloo. Hester Kent joined the company as Associate Producer in June 2012.



With just three rehearsal days, First Draft aims to create the ultimate ‘scratch’ performance. The process is fast and instinctive; a joyful leap into the possibilities of an idea.



For the writer, deviser or adapter,First Draft affords the opportunity to see their idea at an early stage, to receive feedback, to invite industry professionals and review the work for further development on the London fringe and beyond. For the audience the result is an exciting, energetic and compelling piece of fresh work and a glimpse into the genesis of a theatrical idea.



First Draft has produced over 20 productions since 2010, including the annual short play festival, April Showers. The devised play A Date to Remember transferred to the Phoenix Artists’ Bar in August 2011. 2013 will see the launch of First Draft’s Young Writers’ Scheme.


Connected mandy members:

Susana De La Mata
Production Accountant
2015, Securitas Direct advertisment, Production asisstant
Tom Kitney
Lighting Designer
2014, Brainville at Night, Lighting Designer
Old Red Lion Theatre
2014, Brainville at Night, Young Ingrid/Maria
Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington
2013, SAFARI, Anna
2013, Safari, Paula
Horse & Stables
Kyle Ross
Actor
2013, FALL, Narrator
Nina Moniri
Actor
2013, Fall, Victoria/Lola
2013, Brainville at Night, Girl/Maria
Brockley Jack
Tracey Booth
Assistant Stage Manager
2013, Brainville At Night, DSM & Op
The Jack Studio Theatre
Christine Hollinshead
Deputy Stage Manager
2013, Brainville At Night, Stage Manager
Brockley Jack
Steve Wickenden
Actor, Singer, Entertainer
2012, Must Have Been The Shirt, Gary
The Horse
2012, Hangman/Sunday, Anthony Stevens
The Horse, Waterloo
Hester Kent
Actor
2011, First Draft Cabaret, Compere
2011, Brainville at Night, Maria
The Horse, Waterloo
Daniel Winder
Director
2011, BLAST!, Director
The Horse, Waterloo
2011, April Showers Play Festival, Elizabeth / Barabara / Jessie
The Horse, Waterloo
Daniel Winder
Director
2011, April Showers - March Readings, Director
The Horse, Waterloo
Gemma Colclough
Director
2011, April Showers - competition final, Director
The Horse
2011, A Date to Remember, Nigel
Phoenix Arts Club
Hester Kent
Actor
2011, A Date to Remember, Female Lead
The Phoenix Artist Club

First Draft Jobs

For details of known First Draft vacancies, please check our jobs board for more information