WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED

The play, first performed April 2026: The most extraordinary thing I've done - writing a play, directing it and acting in it. And it was a huge success, winning widespread praise! If only I had an agent it would surely be transferring from Claygate Village Hall to a professional theatre. But I don't. All I can do is to reproduce here a published review: 

"Claygate Dramatic Society’s spring production of “We Shall Not Be Moved” was a storming success, winning praise and audience comments such as “brilliant”, “thought provoking” and “so clever”; and while not a full-on comedy, there was plenty of laughter generated by its subtle humour – and several tears at the heartbreaking ending. The play itself involved an original, brand new, bitter-sweet story that raises many issues of burning importance to Claygate. As one member of the audience said: “There were people who found themselves questioning their long-held views.” Written and directed by Peter Whitehead, “We Shall Not Be Moved” could not have been more topical, as it dealt with the damage to communities caused by unrestrained developers – in this case a treasured community asset threatened with being turned into a block of flats. It twisted and turned, and was full of ambiguities, becoming a study in hypocrisy, as principles clashed with the practicalities of the real word. 

To watch a recording of the play:

See ACT 1 by clicking herehttps://youtu.be/f_dpY0dQzOo

And ACT 2 by clicking here https://youtu.be/CZjPHzCHBHE 

The play began life in 1997 as a Financial Times "True Fiction" column (in Weekend FT). Over the years, it has been re-worked into other formats, under different titles:

DOWNSIZING

This version is a 10-minute radio play and was selected by The CornerHouse Theatre to be part of its 6 at 6 collection of original dramas. It can be viewed here: Downsizing on YouTube 

UNLIKELY DEVELOPMENTS

This is a half-hour Alan Bennett-style monologue, and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcLKR_3VmHU&t=4s

A THANKLESS TASK

Set in wartime London, this 10-minute radio play highlights the dangers of negativity and division in times of crisis - and warns of how they can change the course of history! It was selected by The CornerHouse Theatre to be part of its 12 at 12 collection of original dramas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFjVBF4C_Zo