Spur of the Moment

ANYA REISS wrote Spur of the Moment while she was on the Royal Court’s young writers program. The artistic directors were so impressed by her work that the play is to be performed at the Royal Court this year. Anya Reiss is the second youngest playwright ever to have a play staged at the Royal Court.

“Reiss's raw, edgy play deals with the impetuous passion of a pre-teen girl for her family's lodge… Reiss combines sardonic observation with confessional honesty…. "Whom the gods wish to destroy they first call promising," Cyril Connolly wrote; but I've a hunch Reiss has the strength to survive such dangerous labels. 3 stars”—Michael Billington, The Guardian“This is the most accomplished debut from a young playwright I’ve ever had the pleasure to see. A sharp-as-cat-claws drama, by a playwright who has only just sat her A-levels. The tyro playwright inhabits different generational mindsets with equal emotional fluency, wit and insight. Ignore the bland title – this is a fresh, funny and blistering indictment of the way we live, parent and grow to maturity now. Whether you’re 17 or 70, go marvel. 4 stars”—Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph“A sharply observed, mightily impressive promising piece of work…. Reiss excels at showing the way that our actions betray our thought…. A distinctive and delightful debut”— Dominic Maxwell, The Times“Vivid and spiky… Reiss’ ear for dialogue is so sharp”—Susannah Clapp, The Observer“Wow! Writers over the lofty age of, say, 20 will find themselves weeping with envy. Anya Reiss, an 18-year-old A-Level student has produced a debut drama of astounding accomplishment”—Fiona Mountford, Evening Standard“A remarkably accomplished debut…. A startlingly sophisticated play”—Sam Marlowe, Time Out (London)“There is an amazing maturity about this debut… Reiss is a genuine discovery”— Lloyd Evans, The Spectator