Chris Ward (playwright)


Chris Ward is an English/Canadian Film/Theatre Director and Playwright, born in 1958.
From 1979-82 attended the London International Film School.
His play Demonstration of Affection was produced at the Arts Theatre in 1981, starring Richard Jobson of The Skids.
From 1982 until 1996, he produced and directed his own work for Wet Paint Theatre Company, in various fringe and pub theatre venues in London, as well as performing dramatic scenes at punk concerts. The company was distinguished by its mixing of professional trained actors with musicians and non-professional artistes. Amongst the performers who passed through the ranks of Wet Paint were, Simon Tedd, Honey Bane, Beki Bondage, Max Splodge, Michelle Brigandage, George Cheex from !Action Pact! Ruth Radish and Jenny Runacre.
His play about Jean Vigo, Love's A Revolution, was the basis of the 1998 film Vigo, directed by Julien Temple. Previously, Ward had collaborated with Derek Jarman on a number of unrealised film projects, including a film of Ward's play Camberwell Beautyand a proposed television project on the life of Jean Cocteau.
Plastic Zion was revived at the White Bear Theatre in London in 2006.
In 2008 Ward wrote and directed short film What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor,the actor Clive Arrindel, Donny Tourette and Honey Bane. The same year saw a revival of Demonstration of Affection at The Foundry in London. In 2012, his filmscript, Visions in the Life of the Victorian poet Francis Thompson 'Hound' was staged at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith. The following year, 2013, he wrote and directed a feature film produced by Frank Schofield based on his play 'Camberwell Beauty' with the performers Jenny Runacre, Rachel Darq, Clive Arrindell and Lindsay Armaou from the girl band B*witched taking major roles. This was released in 2014.
In 2012, Chris Ward's filmscript, Visions in the Life of the Victorian poet Francis Thompson 'Hound' was staged at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith and following that the stage version was taken on a tour of London's churches including St Giles-in-the Fields and in St Olav's in May 2014. The Film of 'HOUND' is now in production with a cast including Wayne Sleep, Toyah Willcox, Hazel O'Connor and the role of Francis Thompson is played by Daniel Hutchinson.

Plays