Avin Shah
Avin is a dramatic writer, commissioned for several radio plays broadcast over the past 5 years, including as a regular writer on BBC Radio 4's acclaimed First World War series: 'TOMMIES':
"Avin instantly transported us to his locations in Europe, Russia, East Africa, Egypt and Turkey; one moment enmeshed in platoon politics, the next in the halls of the mighty; always capturing the humanity, warmth and the reality 'TOMMIES' needed." (Jonathan Ruffle - BBC Producer)
His debut script was long-listed for the BBC Writers' Room Prize:
"In Avin, we have discovered an original voice of diversity which has
been missing from British drama, in particular that of our post-colonial society’s
underdog, one whose role has been consistently under-valued. His writing shows a sharp ear for natural dialogue and a keen instinct for the actors’ craft." (David Hunter - BBC Radio Drama)
"Equally comfortable on both sides of the microphone as actor and writer, always a
reassuring and creative presence on both sides of the glass, with both actors and
production staff." (Jonquil Panting, Director - Radio 4)
"Avin instantly transported us to his locations in Europe, Russia, East Africa, Egypt and Turkey; one moment enmeshed in platoon politics, the next in the halls of the mighty; always capturing the humanity, warmth and the reality 'TOMMIES' needed." (Jonathan Ruffle - BBC Producer)
His debut script was long-listed for the BBC Writers' Room Prize:
"In Avin, we have discovered an original voice of diversity which has
been missing from British drama, in particular that of our post-colonial society’s
underdog, one whose role has been consistently under-valued. His writing shows a sharp ear for natural dialogue and a keen instinct for the actors’ craft." (David Hunter - BBC Radio Drama)
"Equally comfortable on both sides of the microphone as actor and writer, always a
reassuring and creative presence on both sides of the glass, with both actors and
production staff." (Jonquil Panting, Director - Radio 4)
South East
2019 – Commissioned for BBC R4 Woman's Hour 5 x 15' drama adaptation of Saudi novel.
2019 – Finalist: Bath University IMDB Script to Screen for Short Film Script: STRICTLY HALAL
2019 – THIS IS YOUR COUNTRY NOW TOO: VIJAY (BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama TX - Dec 2019)
2019 – Finalist: BBC Audio Awards (for TOMMIES)
2017 – THE OUTCASTE (Stage Play)
Public Reading, Vibrant 2017 Festival, FINBOROUGH THEATRE. Director: Fay Lomas
2016 – 2018 TOMMIES (BBC Radio 4 Drama Series – Writer & Actor)
Directors: Jonquil Panting & David Hunter
Writer of 7 x 45’ min radio plays broadcast during Series 5-11.
2015 – Granted £8K for ACE-funded R & D playwriting workshops to explore women’s role in India on Home Front during WWI. Experimented with cross-sector collaboration bringing together National Army Museum, theatre practitioners, musicians, historians, dramaturg.
2014 – SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (Radio Drama Playwright, Producer, Actor)
Audio Drama Podcast 55’, Tara Arts & Unique. Director: Jane Morgan
2014 – SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (Radio Drama Playwright, Director, Actor)
Public Reading, Tara Arts with NATIONAL THEATRE’s Watch This Space Festival
2014 – 10K Heritage Lottery Fund grant for First World War research workshops (TARA ARTS) to write an audio drama based on the Indian Army’s experiences on the Western Front.
2014 – Long-listed for BBC Writers’ Room Prize: SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (debut Audio Drama).
2013 – Finalist: Film London’s Borough Film Fund for Short Film Script: STRICTLY HALAL.
2019 – Finalist: Bath University IMDB Script to Screen for Short Film Script: STRICTLY HALAL
2019 – THIS IS YOUR COUNTRY NOW TOO: VIJAY (BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama TX - Dec 2019)
2019 – Finalist: BBC Audio Awards (for TOMMIES)
2017 – THE OUTCASTE (Stage Play)
Public Reading, Vibrant 2017 Festival, FINBOROUGH THEATRE. Director: Fay Lomas
2016 – 2018 TOMMIES (BBC Radio 4 Drama Series – Writer & Actor)
Directors: Jonquil Panting & David Hunter
Writer of 7 x 45’ min radio plays broadcast during Series 5-11.
2015 – Granted £8K for ACE-funded R & D playwriting workshops to explore women’s role in India on Home Front during WWI. Experimented with cross-sector collaboration bringing together National Army Museum, theatre practitioners, musicians, historians, dramaturg.
2014 – SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (Radio Drama Playwright, Producer, Actor)
Audio Drama Podcast 55’, Tara Arts & Unique. Director: Jane Morgan
2014 – SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (Radio Drama Playwright, Director, Actor)
Public Reading, Tara Arts with NATIONAL THEATRE’s Watch This Space Festival
2014 – 10K Heritage Lottery Fund grant for First World War research workshops (TARA ARTS) to write an audio drama based on the Indian Army’s experiences on the Western Front.
2014 – Long-listed for BBC Writers’ Room Prize: SUBTERRANEAN SEPOYS (debut Audio Drama).
2013 – Finalist: Film London’s Borough Film Fund for Short Film Script: STRICTLY HALAL.
Comedy, Film, Online writing, Radio, Television, Theatre, Videogames
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