An interview with Roy Williams by Nathan A Adams

Nathan: Has being black ever stopped you from doing what you wanted to do?

Roy : Not writing. It was more that I held myself back. Being black was starting to be recognized (Viv Anderson was the first black player on the England squad).

Nathan: When did you start writing and people noticed you?

Roy: It was right here in Henry Compton. I was rubbish in other classes but in English I always got A’s and B’s. Things escalated from there. I acted in "The Bill" and spoke to someone who told me to try writing, so I did!

Nathan: When you left school, did you regret it?

Roy: Yes, not then but now. I left at 16. My friends stayed on and got a job within 2 years. But if I had stayed on, I might not be a playwright now! But after a while of moping around the house, my mum told me to get up and move or get out. I found a college really quick!

Nathan: have you ever experienced racism?

Roy: Yes.

Nathan: Have you ever been in trouble with the law?

Roy: I got arrested for fighting Hurlingham & Chelsea. And I got stopped & searched.

Nathan: How has life improved since writing?

Roy: I’m more centred now. I have job satisfaction and though years down the line I would like to be doing a bit more, I would still like to write.

Nathan: What is your favourite play?

Roy: ‘Class Enemy’ by Nigel Williams (no relation). I liked it because it related to me. Someone out there was writing plays about people like me!

Nathan: How many plays have you written?

Roy: 11. Some for stage, some for schools.

Nathan: Would you like to write for the Lyric Theatre?

Roy: Yes, I love the space there.

Nathan: Any advice for budding writers?

Roy: 1) Buy a notebook - Get words & phrases off the street, train, etc.
2) Be a good listener
3) Mingle with people out of your world
4) Try and write purposefully
5) Who you are and where you are from is very important. NEVER let anyone tell you different.

Nathan: When you were our age how was life?

Roy: I was the youngest child and I felt like an only child. There was a big age gap between my siblings. I had to live up to a stereotype, to be ‘in’ with the guys. It took me some time to realise that being yourself is the most important thing you could be.

Roy Williams was born on the 5th January 1968, he is of Afro-Caribbean background. He attended Henry Compton School from 1979-1984. He is a very successful playwright. His favourite song is ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. king. His favourite book is ‘Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger and his favourite film is ‘The Godfather’.