In many ways, theatre is more rewarding for a writer. I used to think it was like painting a wall - that when the play is finished, it's done - but now I realise it's more like gardening; you plant the thing, then you have to constantly tend it. You're part of a thing that's living.

Lee Hall’s quote offers a powerful comparison between writing for the theatre and the act of gardening. Initially, Hall likened writing a play to painting a wall, where once the work is completed, it's finished. However, over time, he came to realize that the process is more akin to gardening, where you plant the idea, but then you must continue to nurture and tend to it. This analogy suggests that theatre, much like a garden, requires ongoing care, adaptation, and attention long after the initial creation.

The shift in Hall’s perspective reflects a deeper understanding of the creative process. He now views theatre as a living entity—something that evolves and grows with each performance, audience interaction, and revision. Unlike a static artwork, a play changes over time, with the actors, director, and audience breathing life into it. This requires the playwright to engage continuously, adjusting and refining to keep the production vibrant and relevant.

Hall’s comparison also highlights the dynamic and collaborative nature of theatre. Just as a gardener interacts with the changing seasons and the unpredictable growth of plants, a playwright is part of a team that shapes the final experience. The play is not just an individual creation but a collective effort, where multiple voices and contributions shape its ultimate form. This process is never truly finished—it is always evolving and responding to new circumstances.

The origin of this quote comes from Hall’s experience as a playwright, where he gained a greater appreciation for the ongoing nature of theatre. His realization contrasts the more traditional view of writing as a solitary act of completion with the more nuanced understanding of it as a collaborative, living process. This insight is valuable not only for playwrights but for any creative professional, encouraging them to embrace the fluidity and ever-changing nature of their work.