What Happens Next? Special Plug-In: Pointless?
A true Scouser born and bred, Bernie Winston has become a regular figure on the Liverpool Fringe over the past four to five years, with his signature blend of comedy and heartfelt moments.
A graduate of the Liverpool Royal Court and Liverpool Everyman's playwright development programs, he has found success with his works hitting the stages of the fringe scene. Bernie’s full-length play, 'Stand Up,' and few shorter plays have all been met with great feedback which has given him the confidence to keep making great theatre that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. He is part of Writers inc with local writers, Steve Bird, Our very own Bob Towers and Liz Redwood.
In his most recent play, 'Fluorescent Adolescent,' he has not only showcased his writing skills but also secured the Best Comedic Performance award for lead actress Sarah Howes-Dixon at this year's Liverpool Fringe.
Now, bernie is gearing up for his latest production, 'Pointless?,' a play set behind the scenes of the famous quiz show. The story revolves around the relationship between contestants Gill and Gerry, who, despite not knowing each other well, team up with the sole purpose of conquering the show. As the play unfolds, Winston promises to tug at the heartstrings The story is hoping to hit audiences as it delves into the lives of Gill and Gerry, unraveling their complexities and bringing them closer in unexpected ways. Bernies trademark style, a mix of humor and genuine emotion, promises a good night in store.
'Pointless?' is Bernie’s entry into a three day event hosted by Tip Tray Theatre in partnership with The Hope Street Theatre. The competition aims to provide a platform for local upcoming writers, offering them the chance to see their stories come to life on stage.
Bernie gives praises to the Tip Tray competition as a fantastic opportunity, offering a rare chance for creatives to have their work evaluated by both the public and a panel of judges. The prospect of not only showcasing your creation but also having a chance for a £1,000 prize to further develop and stage the play is, as Bernie Says, ‘nothing short of unbelievable’.
"The chance to get your work viewed and judged not just by the public but by industry professionals too, is amazing and to be in with a shout of winning £1,000 towards developing your play to its full potential and then staging a 5 day run, well, that’s unbelievable," Bernie shares, highlighting the impact such opportunities can have on the journey of a playwright's career. The play itself is inspired by his own experiences and interests. As he shares, "Gill has always wanted to appear on the 'Pointless' TV show, and Gerry runs the weekly quiz in his local pub. She enlists his help, thinking if he's running a pub quiz, he'll be good on 'Pointless,' won't he?" The underlying theme of the play is clear: persistence in the face of challenges.
Bernie shares his excitement about the upcoming production, highlighting the collaboration with director Ellie Thornhill and the talented cast, including Josie Harrison as Gill, Paul Taylor as Gerry, and Luke Morgan as Jules. The chemistry between the cast members is amazing, with Bernie and Harrison having previously worked together on the filming of 'Pointless,' set to be released soon.
Reflecting on the creation of Gill and Gerry's characters, he reveals a moment during a trip to London with Josie Harrison. The thought of what might have happened if they hadn't gotten along sparked the idea for the play. Now, as 'Pointless?’ Hits the stage at The Hope Street Theatre on January 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024, everyone can expect an entertaining night.
Covered by; Amy Brennan
