Explore every episode of the podcast Thinking About Writing
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rambling on about writing in a writer's room on a BBC sitcom | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:43:28 | |
Settle in to hear some tales of what it's like being on the writing staff for a long running TV sitcom as part of the writer's room. Robin talks about his time on BBC comedy My Family, including the nature of a writer's room and a show runner, the day to day process, the unwritten etiquette of how to pitch and contribute, and why these environments can be so important and we need more of them, especially in the UK. Enjoy the randomly placed musical bits as this was originally intended as bonus content, as well as the very subtle replacement of a rude word to keep the podcast nice and polite. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Simplicity vs Complexity | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:36:40 | |
If you'd like to see Robin's new solo comedy play, The "How Are You?" Game, running from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden then you can find tickets here. It's time for some simple and complex thinking about the qualities of simplicity and complexity. These are qualities which many would consider desirable in a script, but some might think are negative. We'll consider how a mix of the two can create great scripts, and applying them to concepts, stories and characters can ensure depth and dimensions, but also clarity and comprehension. If you want to get in touch with questions, comments, or enquiries about hiring Robin as your script editor then head here! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| The Story of Writing a Play | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:49:33 | |
If you'd like to see Robin's new solo comedy play, The "How Are You?" Game, running from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden then you can find tickets here. This episode, Robin talks about the process of conceptualising, writing and gearing up to perform a new one person play, 'The "How Are You?" Game'. (You may have heard him promote it on this show!) He discusses the origin of the idea from personal experiences, the challenges and doubts which cropped up as he wrote, and the steps a writer may take to progress a script from the page to the real world. It's a frank story of getting back to writing and theatre after some time away, and how it's always worthwhile pursuing our dreams. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Writing Devices - Flashbacks. Dream Sequences. Narration. And More! | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:46:35 | |
If you'd like to see Robin's new solo comedy play, The "How Are You?" Game, running from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden then you can find tickets here. A slightly more traditional episode this week as we think about writing devices. What are the increasingly common tools writers use to subvert traditional, linear story telling? What can they contribute to a script? And how do we writers ensure they are being applied effectively? If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| My Writing Life - Part Two | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:41:48 | |
If you'd like to see Robin's new solo comedy play, The "How Are You?" Game, running from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden then you can find tickets here. In this second part of Robin's recollections of his life as a writer he talks about his time writing for BBC sitcoms 'Two Pints of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps' and 'My Family'. This includes learning on the job, moving from a junior team member to a lead writer, as well his solo endeavours. If you want to get in touch with questions, comments, or enquiries about hiring Robin as your script editor then head here! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| My Writing Life - Part One | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
If you'd like to see Robin's new solo comedy play, The "How Are You?" Game, running from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden then you can find tickets here. So series four is a bit of personal one, and with that in mind, Robin recounts his life as a writer. Looking back on what first got him hooked on writing, early forays into theatre and finding his style, before a talent search he almost didn't enter provides his big break. This first part looks at the origin of creative ambitions, the power of encouragement and finding an audience, as well as battling through doubts and insecurities. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Insights and observations from the script reading process | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:51:23 | |
If you would like to come and see Robin's comedy play 'The "How Are You?" Game' then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game The podcast is back! And this time the titles aren't all going to start with "Thinking About..."! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Finishing Your Script (How to Write a Script) | 02 May 2024 | 00:49:47 | |
The final episode of How to Write a Script is here, and fittingly it's looking at finishing your script. We have a think about endings, titles, page counts and proof reading. All this plus contemplating what to do with said finished script, before a nice summary of everything we've talked about across this series. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Writing and Rewriting (How to Write a Script) | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:46:31 | |
It's the penultimate episode of the season, and this time we're thinking about how to get the writing done. Methods to stay motivated and make everything feel more manageable by setting targets and taking on the script in sections. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| The First Ten Pages (How to Write a Script) | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:47:57 | |
This episode we go over some of the aspirations of what a script can accomplish in its first pages in the hopes of making a reader or audience excited about the project and want to see more. Instigating incidents, using time efficiently, teasers and just showing off your flare, we have a think about all of them. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Finding Your Voice (How to Write a Script) | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:48:29 | |
In the fifth examination of how to write a script, we take a look at dialogue and voice. What makes for effective dialogue? How might a writer express their voice and style? And why did Robin go to karaoke the day before recording this episode and knacker up his vocal chords? Find out all this and other things right here! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Bonus Content - Talking About Mr & Mrs Smith | 04 Apr 2024 | 00:28:34 | |
We're taking a little mid-season break, but in the mean time you can listen to Robin having a ponder about Amazon Prime series Mr & Mrs Smith, why it's good, and what it says about current TV and streaming in terms of utilising familiar IP and how a show is promoted. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| The Anatomy of a Script (How to Write a Script) | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:48:57 | |
Hello script fans! In part four of the How to Write a Script odyssey we have a quick think about research and the instruments we might use to do some writing, before delving into the anatomy of a script. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Plotting (How to Write a Script) | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:48:42 | |
Like an unstoppable freight train, we move on to plotting, thinking over establishment, escalation and resolution, things to bear in mind when formulating beat sheets and scene by scenes, and how a plot can evolve, or emerge from different directions. And of course we apply this to our launderette based show. All this while Robin can't breathe properly through his nose due to dreaded lurgy. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Character Creation (How to Write a Script) | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:48:33 | |
Now that we've got a decent sense of the concept we want to write, it's time to start filling in the details, starting out with the important act of character creation, since most scripts without characters in them tend to be on the less interesting side. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| What Do You Want To Write? (How To Write A Script) | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:44:36 | |
A new season begins, dedicated to how to write a script. And it's all about beginning the journey of deciding what it is you want to write. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Introducing Season Three: How To Write A Script | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:06:38 | |
The podcast for writer types is coming back, and for season three we're breaking down how to write a script. Over eight episodes host Robin will explore things to think about and techniques to apply as you see a writing project through from beginning to end and beyond. We'll then apply these ideas to the creation of a new concept, and offer up some writing exercises you might want to try at home. It's a fully themed, encouraging and interactive season! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Writer's Block | 09 May 2023 | 00:32:11 | |
The season two finale is here, and we're finishing off by thinking about the struggles writers can face when a big old writer's block lands in their path. We'll be going over four potential causes of the condition and suggesting some ways for overcoming them, so you can keep on writing. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking About Audio with radio producer Penny Leicester | 02 May 2023 | 00:56:45 | |
This week we're joined by radio producer/director/editor/writer (So many slashes!) Penny Leicester to talk about the joys and opportunities in writing for audio. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Funniness | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:38:38 | |
This week we're thinking about what makes something funny, and what could be more amusing than some theories from classic comedy icon, social psychologist, Erving Goffman? If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking About Writers' Rights with William Gallagher from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:42:47 | |
Following on from last week's episode about forging a career as a writer, we get some insight on the Writers' Guild of Great Britain and everything they do for working writers, with special guest and deputy co-chair of the Guild, William Gallagher. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Being A Writer | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:36:30 | |
This week we get a bit more practical with our thoughts as we consider ways that people might turn their writing into a career. We cover topics like building up solid sample scripts, how to get noticed, creating and maintaining contacts and the big doozy of money. Plus a good old existential discussion of how much it all matters at the end of the day. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking About Theatre with Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder from Box of Tricks Theatre | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:57:00 | |
This week we're joined by Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder, the co-founder of Box of Tricks Theatre, a new writing focused theatre company based in the north of England. We learn about the many initiatives they run, as well as generally discussing why theatre is such an exciting medium and how to get involved in it. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Genre | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:31:11 | |
Comedy, drama, comedy drama, we're thinking about all of them this episode. What defines different genres? How much does it matter? And how many times will we refer to Fleabag. Find out by listening in! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking About Sketch Comedy with Gemma Arrowsmith | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:53:13 | |
This week we're joined by Empress of the sketch, Gemma Arrowsmith, as we think about the mechanics and qualities which can make for hilarious and effective sketches, how to be economic with your writing and extolling the virtues of creating comedy for radio. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Character | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:33:45 | |
This time we're taking a look at characters, how they can make strong impressions, the balance between clarity and complexity, and how audiences may respond to characters. It's an accompanying piece to Thinking About Protagonists from series one, if you've not listened to that one before! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking About Writing with Jonathan Harvey, creator of Beautiful Thing and writer for Coronation Street | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:52:24 | |
The first special guest of season two is Jonathan Harvey! Having written for theatre, TV, film and radio, he offers his perspectives on the different mediums. He also looks back at the journey of his classic creation Beautiful Thing, the joys of writing for Coronation Street and his current play Mother Goose starring John Bishop and Ian McKellan. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Believability | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:31:18 | |
I don't believe it! We're kicking off season two by thinking about believability, how to make writing feel authentic and why it may or may not matter. There's a plethora of terminology to demystify, including emotional reality, internal logic and the suspension of disbelief. So if you're worried about audience incredulity, this is the place to be! If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Season Two Teaser | 19 Feb 2023 | 00:03:18 | |
It's time for Season Two: Electric Boogaloo. So here's a little explanation of what you can expect from upcoming episodes. More interviews, slightly more concise and consistent durations, ongoing strange singing choices. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Structure | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:41:46 | |
It's the final episode of the season, and in this last act we're thinking about structure. We examine some of the traditions and expectations of story structure, ponder some familiar act structures and discuss how important or useful formulas may be. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Editing | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:37:19 | |
This time around we cover the idea of editing and how it can be a vital tool in the writing process. As the saying goes, writing is rewriting, and that involves editing. We'll think about how to approach an edit, the tools you can use when editing and dissect the stalwart concept of killing your darlings. Poor darlings, your sacrifice was not in vain. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Talking With Jessica Loveland from BBC Writers | 14 Jul 2022 | 01:00:24 | |
Well this different, isn't it? In this episode we have an extra special guest, Jessica Loveland, the head of new writing for BBC Writers and BBC Drama Commissioning. (This was pre-branding change to BBC Writers, so we say Writersroom a lot, like fools from the past) We discuss writing, opportunities, how to stand out and Jess's mild obsession with Tom Cruise. Plus an exclusive reveal of the dates for 2022's Open Call initiative. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Tone | 07 Jul 2022 | 00:39:53 | |
As Robin's cold continues, he talks about tone, discussing what it is, how to get the right tone, the use of humour as a change of tone, and the risks of an insensitive or controversial tone. Tone! We also examine a superb mix of comedy and horror via the excellent Shaun of the Dead. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Process | 30 Jun 2022 | 00:45:05 | |
What's your approach to writing? What works best for you? What have you never considered before that you might want to try out? What do you do before you even put pen to paper? It's all process, and that's the subject of this episode! Plus we examine supporting documents, what they are, what they might look like and how can then influence your script strategies. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Criticism | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:46:31 | |
This time we explore the topic of criticism, a necessary part of the writing process, but something which should be used as a strengthening device, rather than a soul crushing one. With the 'help' of our 'producer', we'll talk about how to receive criticism, the types of notes we might get, and even how to give critiques to writers. And overall we attempt to encourage you to show your work to others, which is nice, isn't it? If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Motivation | 16 Jun 2022 | 00:40:00 | |
Are your characters looking for something to do? Well maybe they need some motivation, and funnily enough that's the topic of this episode! We'll be looking at the classic concept of a hero's quest, the different types of motivation a character can have, and saying "Gosh, isn't that impressive!" about the skilful use of motivation in the show Breaking Bad. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Show Don't Tell | 09 Jun 2022 | 00:46:00 | |
As we continue our two part dive into how information is delivered when writing, this time we mull over the classic theory of show don't tell, consider the opposite concern of insufficient information and exemplify everything we've pondered by dissecting the opening of a lesser known film called Stars War, or something like that. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Exposition | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:42:32 | |
In the first of a two parter looking at how information can be delivered in scripts, we think about the contentious issue of exposition. This includes a breakdown of the different details a writer can convey, an example of overwritten dialogue, and a look at some conventionally accepted but risky forms of exposition. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Pacing | 26 May 2022 | 00:45:33 | |
Pace yourselves, as we're jogging into the topic of pacing! We'll be thinking about the impact pacing has on a script and how it is often tied up with purpose, perusing the idea of slow burns such as Midnight Mass, and contemplating the concept of ticking clocks. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Protagonists | 19 May 2022 | 00:38:10 | |
This time we dedicate our brains to the subject of protagonists, aka lead characters. We discuss how important they are and the attributes which can be useful in making them feel balanced and interesting. We also dissect their malevolent counterparts, antagonists. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||
| Thinking About Ideas | 12 May 2022 | 00:45:12 | |
In this episode we think about three qualities which can be significant in creating an idea for a script; Originality, Identity and Substance. We also theorise on the deeper meaning of popular sitcom Friends and ponder some potentially useful methods for generating ideas. If you'd like to come and see Robin's new comedy play, 'The "How Are You?" Game' at the Etcetera Theatre in London from Sept 30th to Oct 2nd at 7pm, then find tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-how-are-you-game | |||