Plays - Ross Stephenson

Ross Stephenson was born in Lincolnshire and from a very early age he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts industry. From Musical Theatre to film and Television, he enjoys storytelling in every form.

He has been creatively writing for a number of years, starting with Slam Poetry and testing new creative lyrics at open mic events around his home town. After moving to London to study Acting at Italia Conti Drama School, he got the chance to delve deeper into the likes of poetry and specifically Shakespeare, afterwards then he decided to combine his own writing experience with his knowledge of acting and created his first full length play: Artorigus: The Downfall of a King.

Artorigus: The Downfall of a King

Artorigus’ kingdom is in danger. His once tight grip on his beloved realm is slipping through the gaps between his fingers. He is surrounded from all sides by his shadowy past. Can his loyal knights be trusted? Is his wife hiding a terrible secret? Even his own progeny, Medraut plots to overthrow him. Can he keep his rule intact?

Based on the legends of old and inspired by the classical lyricism of Shakespeare, this modern adaptation of King Arthur blends prose with verses to create a unique look into the themes of stagnation, idleness, betrayal and love.

There is a distinctly medieval feel to Ross Stephenson’s Artorigus from the start, despite its modern trappings. Literally bringing us into the time of legends, this is a story of stagnation, betrayal and love, told through antiquated language and poetry interspersed with live music.

The subject of the show is based in folklore and tradition, and yet the plot rings true for us now. This mixing of past and present is where the strength of Stephenson’s Artorigus lies.

Led marvellously by a denim clad cast, this production deserves more attention. A contemporary adaptation of King Arthur, it shuns the humour and gimmicks of similar productions and emerges with real integrity.

The play is a bold attempt to retell a classic story as new writing and succeeds in making form as important as narrative. This play really deserves to be seen. It is notoriously difficult to grow an audience in Edinburgh. I desperately hope that audiences will realise that they could be missing a gem if they don't see Artigorus. Stephenson's poetic talent as a writer is promising and I suspect that we will see and hear far more of him as a writer beyond the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe. Quite what stories he has within him to share is, as yet, unknown but I will follow his career with interest and will certainly hope to see more of his work in coming years.

It’s compelling stuff, somehow always a comfortable watch but never a tedious one, with some relatability to the modern world. Themes like loyalty and betrayal are just as pertinent now as ever, and this is a show that allows the audience to make connections between the world of Artorigus and the one in which we live for themselves. A moment of speaking truth to power demonstrates how risky telling it like it is can be. This is a thoughtful and confident production that feels like something you’ve seen before but is also rather unique.

@Draft99Theatre's adaptation of King Arthur is masterfully directed with high-quality acting, dazzling lyricism & gender-blind casting. Tenser scenes yearn for bold lighting yet the script never loses momentum, with live music deftly used to underpin the dialogue.

Red Coat in the Rising Sun

After the recent death of her mother, Kayo returns from Tokyo to her family house in Kyushu to prepare it for resale. While cleaning, she uncovers a stirring family secret about her Third Great Grandmother, kept hidden for generations.

A Red Coat in the Rising Sun is a play written by Ross Stephenson with translations from Midori Ogawa.

This summer-long theatre festival has been based in venues across Camden since its launch in August 2006. The Fringe provides a platform for a compelling mix of completed productions and works in progress. The first ever festival was held at the Etcetera Theatre, which sits above The Oxford Arms pub on Camden High Street. Red Coat in the Rising Sun written and directed by Ross Stephenson opened at The Etcetera on Aug 20. It’s only 30 mins long but what a tension-racked and breath-taking half hour! A British Redcoat lieutenant wounded on the battlefields of the Kagoshima conflict (1863), stumbles upon the home of a local Japanese woman….and yes, one can understand how unnerved she is by this unwelcome intrusion by a bloodied and screaming enemy combatant.

With the right creative team that keeps an eye on historic accurate language, dress, props and sets, this could be a very didactic and thought provoking play.

Overall a good project that is worth developing further.

A Red Coat in The Rising Sun” would benefit from further plot development, it has an intriguing premise that shows great promise and both leads give strong performances, making it a diamond in the rough.

Ross Stephenson, Actor.

Plays Written By Ross Stephenson

Artorigus: The Downfall of a King

Red Coat in the Rising Sun

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