April de Angelis

April De Angelis is a British playwright known for her sharp insights into women’s experiences and her ability to blend historical and contemporary themes. Her career spans over three decades, with works that explore the lives of women across different time periods. De Angelis began her writing career in the late 1980s after training as an actress at East 15 Acting School, which gave her a strong foundation in theatre. In 1987, her first play Breathless was a prize winner at the 1987 Second Wave Young Women’s Writing Festival.

De Angelis is particularly noted for plays such as Playhouse Creatures (1993), which examines the lives of the first women allowed to perform on the English stage in the 17th century, and Jumpy (2011), a humorous yet moving exploration of motherhood and middle age in contemporary society. Her writing frequently delves into the complexities of female identity, relationships, and societal expectations, often with a mix of humour and more serious themes.

Her work is influenced by her interest in women’s history and social change, as well as contemporary issues. This can be seen in plays like Mrs. Affleck (2009), which reimagines Ibsen’s Little Eyolf, reflecting De Angelis’ engagement with both classic texts and modern life.

April De Angelis has made significant contributions to the Royal Court Theatre, where her work has been staged multiple times. Her plays are recognised for their strong characterisation, emotional depth, and ability to provoke thought on the roles and challenges women face in society.

De Angelis spoke to Simon Stephens in S1 Ep2 of Playwright’s Podcast.