Writing

A reviewer called Christine ‘an emerging writer’ which she loved, though it made her laugh. Writing her first play BEST GIRL, in her sixties was not something she’d planned, but it felt absolutely right. After 3 days of R&D on the script of her new play, KIN in 2021, with amazing feedback from the audience, she applied for funding and was thrilled to receive a Lottery Grant from Arts Council England and with the support of the Dukes, KIN was produced in Lancaster in May 2022.

BEST GIRL

Lois Looking back!

BEST GIRL was a finalist in the 2019 LET Awards and was selected by Oldham Coliseum as their Venues North production. It was nominated for the WRITING FOR THE STAGE AWARD, BEST PRODUCTION and BEST ACTOR at the Manchester Fringe and had 4* reviews and had sell out shows at the Edinburgh Festival

REVIEWS

British Theatre Guide Manchester

Tender as a bruise, Best Girl is a gentle tearjerker—in the best possible sense of the word. A masterpiece of understatement.  
 

Reviewer no.9 Manchester

Christine Mackie’s writing is superb, full of wit and humour, but also riddled with underlying sadness. This is a play that speaks volumes without treating the audience as though they are stupid. Being semi-autobiographical, Christine Mackie clearly has a personal connection to her writing, creating a script rich in emotion and truth.

British Theatre Guide Manchester

Best Girl is a love story set at the intersection of two domestic dramas. When Annie falls for Jim, she also unearths a secret, literally from the attic, that leads her to confront her own family’s demons. To encapsulate all that in a one-woman, one-hour monologue is testament to fine writing.  In the near-claustrophobic confines of this Pleasance cellar venue, it packs a formidable punch — even among a programme that boasts an astonishing 3,800 events!

Edinburgh Review

The writing is sharp, sparse and witty. Lyrical from the start the script just keeps taking odd turns and ending up in places you weren’t expecting.

In KIN I wanted to write something for two older actresses to get their
teeth into; parts that are complex and contradictory, funny and flawed,
passionate and playful: all ingredients that seem sadly lacking in most
castings, when you're either the Grandma or someone interested in
purchasing a pre-paid funeral! KIN will be a full-length play with big
revelations and a really great night out at the theatre!

KIN Reviews

Kin has lots of clever dialogue and a fascinating tale to tell. It is well worth your
time and money. Tonight’s audience gives it a rousing ovation!
British Theatre Guide

AUDIENCE Reviews

"A total winner which kept me gripped right until the end."

"Your play reminded me again never to judge a book by its cover.  Your use of
humour was exemplary."

"Very funny, quite dark and above all handling some very difficult subjects with
sensitivity and boldness."

"I enjoyed Best Girl in Manchester and this new production is just as
fantastic.  You write great parts for women and weave so many important,
controversial and current issues into your work."

"The mixture of humour and tragedy worked particularly well, taking the
audience on a roller coaster of emotions with the characters, with all the twists
and turns and ups and downs that involves."

Reviews

KIN

KIN
KIN

“In Kin I wanted to write something for two older actresses to get their teeth into, with characters that are complex and contradictory, funny and flawed, passionate and playful – all qualities sadly lacking in most representations of older women on stage and TV, when they’re either a grandma or someone interested in buying a pre-paid funeral! I wanted these women to BE the action of the play, not supporting it but taking centre stage and for KIN to be a really great night out in the theatre!”

KIN

Audience Feedback Film

KIN REVIEWS

British Theatre Guide

Kin has lots of clever dialogue and a fascinating tale to tell. It is well worth your time and money. Tonight’s audience gives it a rousing ovation!       Martin Thomasson

Audience Quotes               

 "A total winner which kept me gripped right until the end"

"KIN reminded me again never to judge a book by its cover.  Your use of humour was exemplary".

 

"Very funny, quite dark and above all handling some very difficult subjects with sensitivity and boldness."

"I enjoyed Best Girl and this new production is just as fantastic.  You write great parts for women and weave so many important, controversial and current issues into your work."

 

"The mixture of humour and tragedy worked particularly well, taking the audience on a roller coaster of emotions with the characters, with all the twists and turns and ups and downs that involves."