About me

Writer and lyricist (plays, new musical theatre), Director (25+ years experience) - recent work includes  Creative Scotland funded Scottish tour of 'Men Don't Talk' (Autumn 2024), Creative Scotland funded development (£30k) of a new work in development with a working title of '#ANDYSMANCLUBPLAY (March 2025). Musicals for British Youth Music Theatre (The Accidental Time Traveller, Ghosts of the Past, The Watchers). Directing credits include Shakespeare, new comedy, new musical theatre. www.clareprenton.com

My Plays

Finding Mary


Synopsis:

The action takes place in Mary’s house across the four seasons following the death of Kenny, Mary’s husband of nearly 50 years. Mary learns to live alone supported by friend and fellow widow Barbara but a surprising new friendship blossoms when a student and part time gardener, Ben, comes to look after her garden. As winter turns to spring love blossoms between the 70 something Mary and the 30 year old Ben. Mary navigates the downs and ups of her first year as a widow battling with many conflicting emotions about her long marriage, societal views on later life love and widowhood - and her own sense of self.”


Number of Characters: 3


Minimum Number of Actors Required: 3


Length (in Pages): 76


Location: A suburb of any UK city (or any US/Canadian city)


Key Words: Loss, grief, older women & sexuality, gender politics, strong older womens roles


Has the Play Been Produced? No


Are the Rights Available? Yes


Has the Play Been Published? No


Award nominations/wins:


Reviews:

Not yet professionally produced - development phase.


Production Photos/Posters/Playtext Cover:

Play Image

Men Don\'t Talk


Synopsis:

\'Men don\'t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder\'

Three men who have never met before find banter, bird boxes and biscuits in a fictional men\'s shed, which celebrates camaraderie, companionship.....and custard creams. Men Don\'t Talk explores and explodes the myth that \'men don\'t talk\' in Clare Prenton\'s poignant, hilarious and deeply moving, thought provoking play.

Written following cups of tea, cake and spirited conversations with real ‘shedders’, the play welcomes audiences into a friendly fictional shed, inspired by real mens’ stories the play was performed and praised in the Scottish Parliament for promoting the benefits of this growing mental health and wellbeing movement.

Running Time: 75 minutes
Age recommendation: age 14+


Number of Characters: 3


Minimum Number of Actors Required: 3


Length (in Pages): 55


Location: A UK mens shed


Key Words: male companionship, camaraderie, mental and physical health


Has the Play Been Produced? Yes


Are the Rights Available? No


Has the Play Been Published? No


Award nominations/wins:


Reviews:

https://www.genesistheatreproductions.co.uk/men-don-t-talk


Production Photos/Posters/Playtext Cover:

Play Image

Location

Edinburgh, UK (born and raised Liverpool).

Contact