Wirral scriptwriter’s success on London stage with play starring Maureen Lipman

Dec 19 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A SCRIPTWRITER from Wirral is enjoying success on a London stage – with Maureen Lipman playing the lead role in her play.

Sarah Wooley, from Wallasey, has received rave reviews for her comedy Old Money at London’s Hampstead theatre.

It runs until January 12 and stars Tracy-Ann Oberman of Doctor Who fame alonside Maureen.

Set in 2008 at the height of the financial crash, Old Money tells the story of respectable widow Joyce, who decides to live the life she has always wanted after the death of her husband.

Sarah, 42, is a former pupil of Mary Mount primary and St Mary’s college in Wallasey.

She studied drama at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and now lives in London with her husband and five-year-old son.

Sarah said: “I wanted to write a play for an older female actor and I heard about a family who wanted to have their mother sectioned because she was spending money frivolously.

“But there was nothing wrong with her, she just wanted to spend money.

“While writing it I read a short story by Brecht on a similar theme which inspired me too.

“Maureen and Tracy are fantastic to work with. Maureen was championing the play from the beginning and has always wanted to play the part.

“Hampstead Theatre is a big space. It is really good to make the adjustment from smaller venues to a big stage.

“It is amazing to hear the audience because the play provokes a debate and is a generation divider. It is incredible to have people come up to you and talk about their life.

“I was really lucky to have had a very good drama department at St Mary’s.

“Ten years ago I began scriptwriting, but this is my first big theatre success.”

Sarah has written scripts for the National Theatre Studio, Theatre 503 and Radio Four.

He dad David, of Wallasey, added: “I am so proud of Sarah because this is what she has always wanted since the age of five at Mary Mount school.

“I am absolutely thrilled – this is a big step for her. Her next script will be another drama for Radio Four.”