A lack of confidence, a busy life and a career meant David Glynne Jones thought he’d missed his opportunity to pursue his creative writing and acting passions. Now retired, he’s found his tribe at the Old Electric and wants you to know you can too.
Writing about myself is not something I find easy, but there is something I should write about – The Old Electric. To do that I’ll need to first tell you a bit about me.
When I was younger, I had a severe lack of confidence. If not, maybe I would have pursued my interest in the arts at that time. But life happened, and I didn’t, so it kind of passed me by, as it must with so many people.
I started to do a little acting and writing in my late 50s and dropped myself into the fast lane with some very accomplished actors and writers. I had a little talent, and so was able to tag along, but it was rather heavy going.
I did little things here and there, building up and learning about acting and writing, but in an environment that was a stretch, and would have daunted many. Indeed, I saw people fall by the wayside as I ploughed on regardless. It was the only contact I had at that time, and I persevered with it.
Expression in the arts is a very personal thing, and we need to be sure that our thoughts and work be encouraged and supported in a creative and safe environment.
The greatest asset in any group, no matter what we pursue in life, is the people we surround ourselves with. They can genuinely help us to become the people that, maybe, we should have always been, as we stretch ourselves with new challenges. Different people respond differently to different environments, but we all respond to help, support, and especially encouragement. Expression in the arts is a very personal thing, and we need to be sure that our thoughts and work be encouraged and supported in a creative and safe environment.
As Covid hit, involvement with others on a face-to-face basis virtually stopped and I had to look to other places to follow my interest. I took online classes and started to look locally for support. Now, you can criticise me for this, I’ll take it, but I have always seen Blackpool as a bit of a cultural desert. It is unashamedly what it is, and that’s fine, but where do you look for learning and nurturing, outside of the wonderful college? I was working full time and traveling a lot with work – time was an issue.
And so we come to The Old Electric. There it was – a small band of creatives, skilfully supported, guided and encouraged by Melanie Whitehead. I signed up for the Playwriting Course – an excellent decision on my part, giving me heaps of information about writing plays, and encouraging me to be bold. Help and advice has been given all along the way in the gentlest of manners, all culminating in an evening where mine and other participants’ work was performed before a small supportive audience. You really feel that you have achieved something. Who can know where these initial steps may take you?
I have found that whatever writing course you do take, you can use that information if you are writing for plays, radio, TV, film or novels. Techniques are different, of course, but basic skills of plot, place and character all remain. There are other art and craft skills to be acquired through this group, but for me it’s just the writing, and maybe a little acting.
So where am I now? As I said earlier, just as important as the classes, and the leader of these classes, are the people that you meet along the way. Just this year I have done a voiceover for a local theatre group’s play, and a walk-on part in a locally-made and funded film. All this was made possible by mixing with people at this wonderful organisation.
Recently retired, I will now have more time to attend classes and learn more, as well as pursuing my own projects. All power to The Old Electric!
You can join David and other aspiring writers at the Old Electric’s next monthly Write Club on 10th April. Write Club runs monthly Fridays, starting at 6.30pm from the OE’s pop up space on 4 Edward Street. Find out more and book your space here.
