Criminology and psychology graduate turned playwright Baby Isako (pronounced Babbie) has taken the theatre world by storm with her sell-out play Love is a Losing Game – a production about the life and relationships of a group of university students. We caught up with her to find out about the play, what inspires her, and a whole lot more.

You are currently planning a Uni tour of your play Love is a Losing Game. Can you give us an idea of what the play is about?
Love is a Losing Game is a play filled with drama that will have the audience looking deeply into their own relationships. The storyline is focused around the relationships of a group of friends, who are in their last year at Uni. The characters are easy to relate to and deal with everyday issues including the dilemma of being stuck in a long-term relationship but being in love with someone else, love rats, broken hearts and dark secrets.

What was your inspiration behind the play?
Firstly, I really love rom coms! One of my favourite film directors and writers is Tyler Perry [see our interview with Tyler on page 40]. His stories are so real and have meaningful messages. Secondly, I studied people’s relationships and my own too. I began to see common traits in relationships that never lasted compared to the ones that did. Thirdly, it was something I experienced myself that triggered me to write the play.

Why have you decided to take your play to Unis?
After hearing feedback, I made the decision to do the Uni tour. A lot of people from the audience told me that every young person needed to see it, because it focuses on sexual issues including the results of having multiple partners and unprotected sex. The play portrays these issues in a very comical way, so the message sticks with the audience.

This is your first play. Did you find it difficult to write a story with the intention of it being acted?
I have to see something before I do it. Therefore I was picturing each scene including how the actors will stand, how they would react to a certain comment, and their facial expressions. I watched a lot of plays and visit the theatre regularly. And I knew I would learn as I went along.

What attributes do you look for in an actor?
Passion is very important. If someone is passionate, they will always deliver 110 per cent. You have to be able disconnect from the person you are and become someone else and make it believable. I like risk takers and actors should be able to look at a script and not be afraid to put their own spin on it. I like actors who
stand out.

Your intention was to prove to young people that theatre isn’t boring. How did you achieve that?
I think that was definitely achieved! So many young people in the audience said how engaged they were. The play is exciting and filled with drama, is easily to relate to and keeps the audience on their toes.

Did you find it difficult to be on the other side of stage directing instead of being directed?
I’m a natural born leader. I like to have control, plan and organise things. I didn’t find it difficult, because the vision was already there.

Your play launched in March at the Jackson Lane Theatre and it sold out. How did that make you feel?
I was over the moon. I was a new writer and director and was so proud that even though the audience didn’t know much about the play, they still bought tickets. The second show was sold out within a week. And when I had to get a bigger venue in the West End for the second show that also sold out! It was the best feeling!

What qualities do you think make a good writer?
Be a risk taker. A lot of writers try and change their style of writing to fit in and lose the originality. You have to leave your readers wanting more, trust in your own ability and ideas. Never settle. You must always look for ways to take your characters
further and most importantly know whom you are writing for.

Finally what advice would you give to young people, who want to turn their passion for writing into an actual career?
Go for it! Don’t waste your time thinking about the negatives. Watch a lot of films, read a lot of books and take trips to the theatre. If you have the passion and you’re hard working everything else will fall into place.

For more information check out www.talentedandyoung.co.uk

Interview by Mandy Temple