Author Archives: philmansell

About philmansell

I'm a writer, photographer, illustrator and film-maker with a Masters degree in Multimedia & Information Design from the University of Wales, Newport. I have had 12 plays published by Stage Scripts Ltd. My one act play 'Poor Yorick' was a winning entry in a competition run as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages project and was performed at both the 400-seat Dolman Theatre and Blackwood Little Theatre. 'Poor Yorick' has been performed in many countries around the world. To date I have 10 children's books, which I also illustrated, available on Amazon.

My Plays are Now Available from Stage Scripts

Posted on March 6, 2017 by philmansell

I’m pleased to announce that several of my plays are now available from Stage Scripts, a long established publisher of plays, musicals and pantomimes. For perusal copies and information about performance rights go to the Stage Scripts website.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged A Clandestine Operation by Phil Mansell, amateur theatre, Amazon, amdram, Award-winner, Bats by Phil Mansell, Bunkered by Phil Mansell, Caddying for Godot, Caddying for Godot by Phil Mansell, drama, new writing, Phil Mansell, playwright, Poor Yorick by Phil Mansell, script, stage play, The Missing Links by Phil Mansell, The Seventh Suitcase by Phil Mansell, Wedded Blitz by Phil Mansell | 3 Comments

New Website for My Plays

Posted on August 8, 2016 by philmansell

As one door opens… I was pleased to hear from the Endeavour Theatre Company in Australia who were keen to produce my play ‘According to Claudia’. This was welcome news after my publisher ceased trading due to ill health. Just … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged According To Claudia, amateur theatre, amdram, Award-winner, drama, new writing, Phil Mansell, playwright, script, Silvermoon Publishing, stage, stage play, the stage | Leave a comment

Using Scrivener to Hit My Word Target

Posted on April 9, 2016 by philmansell

As I mentioned in my blog about my art, I have taken a break from writing plays and set myself the challenge of writing an adventure story aimed at pre-teens (or Middle Grade fiction, as it is often known). I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Award-winner, Middle Grade fiction, new writing, Phil Mansell, playwright, Scrivener, word count, writing for pre-teens, writing tips | Leave a comment

Capturing A Paul Daniels Magic Moment

Posted on March 18, 2016 by philmansell

The news of the death of magician Paul Daniels reminded me of the time I took his photo – and managed to capture the moment he astounded a member of the public. It was back in 2008 when I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Caerleon, campus, card trick, conjuring, magic, May Ball, Newport, Paul Daniels, Phil Mansell, Photos by Phil Mansell, Press Officer, University of Wales | Leave a comment

Being Rejected by Sir George Martin Makes the News!

Posted on March 10, 2016 by philmansell

Amazing the power of social media. Yesterday I wrote my blog about how the late Sir George Martin turned down my band, The BOI, and sent out a tweet about it. Next thing I know a reporter from the local … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Apple Records, boozing, demo tape, Drew Millin, Elton John, Phil Mansell, pub, rhythm and booze, Rocket Records, Sir George Martin, Sir Richard Branson, Song-writing, The BOI, Virgin Records | Leave a comment

George Martin Turned Down My Band!

Posted on March 9, 2016 by philmansell

The death of Beatles producer George Martin marks the end of an era. He was as much a part of the Fab Fours’ legend as the lads themselves. Hard to imagine anyone else being able to take the sounds they … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 1960s, AIR London, Crosby Stills & Nash, demo tape, Devon, Drew Millin, Frank Zappa, George Martin, John Peel, Music, Phil Mansell, The Beatles, The BOI, Torquay, Virgin Records, Wild Man Fischer | Leave a comment

In Praise of Enid Blyton’s Adventure Books

Posted on March 3, 2016 by philmansell

As it’s World Book Day it seems appropriate to remember the author who first got me really excited about reading and writing. From the age of five I was taken by my mother to the magnificent old library on Soho … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 1950s, adventure, banned, best-seller, boarding school, children's authors, crooks, Enid Blyton, Handsworth Library, inspirational, J.K.Rowling, Phil Mansell, plot, R.L.Stevenson, Roald Dahl, secret caves, sexist, shipwrecked, smugglers, talking parrot, The Famous Five, The Valley of Adventure, treasure, World Book Day, writing and re-writing, xenophobia, yarn | Leave a comment

Art for Children’s books

Posted on February 27, 2016 by philmansell

As a break from writing plays, I recently had an idea for a book for children in the 9 – 12 age range. I’d stumbled across a website about Enid Blyton and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art by Phil Mansell, artwork, children's books, illustration, new writing, Phil Mansell, playwright | Leave a comment

Where There’s A Will…

Posted on July 28, 2015 by philmansell

It wasn’t the best day to travel to Stratford to see an outdoor production. The rain was persisting down from a gloomy grey sky and looked set to continue for hours if not days. When we arrived at the outside … Continue reading →

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The Magic of Writing with Scrivener – Auto-Complete

Posted on July 22, 2015 by philmansell

As a playwright I’ve found many reasons why using Scrivener knocks Word into a cocked hat. Apart from its ability to store all reference material – including images and links to websites – in one easy to find place, Scrivener … Continue reading →