Liz Garland (@lizziegarland), creator of Becoming Simone, shares how vital support from Mayflower helped bring her work from an early idea to a fully realised production. Through development opportunities, funding and creative guidance, Mayflower provided the space for Liz to explore, refine and grow her writing, enabling a deeply personal story to take shape.
A ten-minute writing exercise in an online workshop may seem like an unlikely starting point for a new play, but for writer and performer Liz Garland, one simple prompt opened the door to Becoming Simone.
Liz was experiencing a creative block and turned to the workshop in search of inspiration. Participants were invited to spend ten minutes writing as though they were in somebody else’s Zoom room. From there, the first monologue of her play appeared.
The idea for this piece didn’t come from a grand plan; it emerged organically during a difficult creative period.
Before the workshop ended, the facilitator said something that stuck with Liz: you only need 30 minutes a day to write. She decided to put that theory into practice, sitting down for half an hour the next morning and writing the second scene, then returning to write more each day.
I kept going day after day and, before I knew it, I was partway through a first draft. The story and characters didn’t feel forced; they just revealed themselves over time.
Finding the story’s heart
As the play developed, Liz found herself drawing upon questions from her own life. She had begun reflecting on identity, expectations and the gap that can emerge between the life someone imagined and the one they are living.
As a woman in my forties, I found myself asking questions about identity, expectations and where I thought I’d be in life. It’s that moment of wondering, ‘Is this who I want to be?’ and realising that so many of us ask ourselves the same thing. I hope it encourages people to be honest with themselves and recognise that change – big or small – is always possible.
Developing the production with Mayflower
Liz first discovered Mayflower’s artist development opportunities through the Artists’ Network newsletter. She submitted the opening 20 minutes of Becoming Simone to Script in Hand, where it was chosen for further development.
Mayflower funded a director and actors to work on the piece, giving Liz the opportunity to step away from performing and focus on the script.
I realised quickly that acting and writing require very different headspaces, and it was important to stay in that writer role.
The team started to come together organically, with each collaborator bringing something unique to help shape the characters and script as the piece developed. One actor joined through a long-standing professional relationship, while another was found through an audition process.
Mayflower’s support continued with a funded three-day research and development period. Working alongside a dramaturg, Liz was able to refine the structure, strengthen characters and clarify the story. A designer also helped to explore the visual world of the piece.
In the final stages, the company was given rehearsal space at Mayflower Studios ahead of the production.
I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here without that support, and I hope more theatres can offer opportunities like this to emerging artists.
Empowering voices
Alongside creating the production, Liz has delivered community workshops based on her work as a speaker coach.
Using theatre techniques, the sessions help participants communicate with greater confidence. Initially created for women, they have also provided a space for people to share their experiences and perspectives which helped shape the final production.
Ultimately, I want audiences to have a great time. The piece is funny and enjoyable, but it also invites reflection. More than anything, I want people to feel joy, empowerment and connection and to recognise something of themselves in the characters and leave with a sense of belonging.
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