Michael Callan
For most of my life I have been interested in film, television, radio and theatre.
In 1973 my one act play ‘John Brown’s Body’ was performed by students at Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College and in 1975 another one act play, ‘The Four Horsemen’, was performed at Padgate College of FE, Warrington.
Between 1973 and 1977 I was performing in amateur productions as an actor/musician.
Attending City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College from 1973 to 1975.
Joining the Drama Society at University of Manchester in 1975 I played Barnadine in Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ and the following year performed in the chorus of an original musical ‘Cupid’s Children’, about the rise and fall of the world first (legitimate) door to door prostitution agency. (Would I kid you?)
Also, while at the Sixth form College I became involved with a street theatre group based at the (then) Polytechnic performing at Newcastle and Burslem festivals, famously as ‘The Burslem Mountain Rescue Team’ climbing along Market Place while roped together with washing line during a rain storm.
In 1976 I joined Normacot Parish Players and performed as Laurence Redding (the murderer) in Agatha Christie’s Murder at the Vicarage. My last stage appearance was at the end of a one act play, which I had directed, dressed in a dog suit.
From 1976 to June 2007 I worked in various industries.
In 1990 I enjoyed modest success with my writing. I was sending out unsolicited comedy sketches to the BBC and many of the commercial TV companies operating at that time. Initially my work was rejected but Laurie Rowley, Script Editor for Hale and Pace at London Weekend, asked to see more. At the same time Radio Stoke’s Sunday Arts programme broadcast a few of my poems and the West Midlands Arts magazine ‘People to People’ published a short poem in November.
Later that year a sketch was used on a ‘Hale and Pace’ show.
During 2008 I have been involved with the ‘axis’ arts festival as a volunteer and performance poet.
I am a member of ‘City Voices’ and still play guitar and ‘blues’ harmonica.
I have recently commenced studies at Staffordshire University on their BA (Hons) Scriptwriting course.
Recently registered with Film Network at bbc.co.uk and North West Vision.
During the last year my life has changed enormously but that change has allowed me to explore the interests and ideas that gave me most happiness and satisfaction.
Examples of Poetry:
- Normacot