Bren Gosling
Author & Playwright
East Anglian writer, based between Suffolk and London
About
Bren’s work appears in The Brighton Prize, The London Short Story Prize, Exeter Prize, WorcesterLit Fest, Decongested Tales Words with Jam Anthologies, Liar’s League and 4’33” Magazine amongst others.
He has been guest lead writer for visualverse.org. He is a member of the Club for Acts and Actors and The Writers Guild of GB. His debut novel Street Sweeper – view it HERE won the Novel London Literary Prize in 2021, and the inaugural Book Edit Writer’s Prize.
Bren studied playwriting with John Burgess and subsequently with Criterion New Writing. Bren’s plays have been performed at The Pleasance, Arcola, Bloomsbury and Putney theatres, Rose and Crown E17, OSO Barnes and Tristan Bates Theatre, New Wimbledon Theatre (Studio), RADA Studios, Kings Head Theatre, ORL, Wolsey Theatre and Theatre Royal Norwich.
""I am part of the LGBTQ+ community and grew up on a 1970s Norwich Council Estate. My writing explores the narratives of quiet lives, extraordinarily lived, marginalised voices of overlooked people and places.""
Writing - Theater
LOVE
“Quiet storm of truth, guilt, and generational change.”
“A gripping, quietly devastating family drama about secrets, shame, and the courage it takes to come clean.”
– I Love Manchester reviewer
Produced by Peripeteia Theatre Company at The Edge Theatre, Manchester
MOMENT OF GRACE
Based on the 1987 opening by Diana, Princess of Wales of Britain’s first HIV/AIDS unit at London’s Middlesex Hospital. The Princess challenged public perceptions of the disease by shaking hands with patients, and the play draws on a number of voices to paint a powerful picture of that day and its far-reaching impact.
Showcased at The Pleasance, premiered at Bloomsbury Theatre (Studio), made into a film by Director Nicky Allpress, three weeks run produced by Backstory Ensemble at The Hope Theatre. ONComm Commendation; Two Offies nominations and Standing Ovation Award. Press and media coverage in The i Paper, Pink News, Times Radio and Metro.
Inspired new choreography by Thomas Page Dance. Watch HERE
Film available free to watch on YouTube – Watch HERE
Multiple 4- & 5-star press reviews:
“Moment of Grace offers a well-rounded examination on the many different reactions to the AIDS crisis.” – Love London Love Culture
“Rich in testimonial memory, the play itself serves as a powerful ode to those who lived through the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. This is its greatest strength and what I would argue is the greatest reason to watch Moment of Grace.” – Vada Magazine
“Moment of Grace is beautiful, full of both redemption and suffering.” – The Reviews Hub
PROUD
Produced by Double Telling in a four-week run (extended by demand) at The Kings Head Theatre.
“An influential and touching text.” – Everything Theatre
“A terse drama of lies that compels our attention. Undoubtedly 5-star theatre.” – Gscene Magazine
“An absorbing piece of modern theatre where human emotions are laid out raw and almost uncensored, stunning in the way the three characters’ stories are brought to life.” – Boyz Magazine
“Funny and naturalistic dialogue.” – Plays to See
I, MINNIE LANSBURY
Commissioned by the George Lansbury Memorial Trust, premiering at RADA Studios for Bloomsbury Festival.
“A terrific piece, capturing the voice of Minnie and giving a vivid impression of her energy, compassion and passion for the cause!” – Nigel Whiskin, Grandson of George Lansbury
INVISIBLE ME
Premiered as a live stream from Conway Hall, followed by performances at New Wimbledon Studio.
"An inspired message that resonates today." – Boyz
"Exudes a delightful warmth and humanity." – Time & Leisure
INVISIBLE ME
""One of the best pieces of theatre I have seen for a long time. Moving, entertaining, original." – Director, Bloomsbury Festival 2020"
""Feels like a sharing." – Theatre Full-Stop"
""Heart-warming!" – Reviewsgate"
""Beautifully constructed reflection on ageing and the choices it offers." – Broadway World"
Next Up
GROSSLY INDECENT – In Development
London 1977. Tania Coventry, Britain’s Number One sex symbol, engages Gay News Journalist Jeff Grace to help write her new, straight erotic novel. Set against the backdrop of the Gay News Blasphemy Trial, this new two-act comedy drama intertwines the struggles faced by women and the LGBTQ+ community to overcome the barriers to freedom and self-expression thrown up by the moral crusades of the 1970s.
Long listed for the inaugural Ilfeld Prize.