TRP Stories: Babs Horton

After falling in love with the theatre at the age of seven, combined with a lifelong passion for words and language, Babs Horton always knew she wanted to work in the arts. However, it was only when she was 49 that she had her first novel published, and now, at the age of 71, she will be taking a play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Babs said: “Growing up, we had some books at home, but the school library was like an emporium to me.  I read an awful lot. I didn’t know writing was a profession back then, I just loved books. I would read encyclopaedias and the back of Cornflakes packets, and I was a lover of words and language from a very early age.

“Even though I knew I wanted to be a writer, I reluctantly went into teaching. As it turns out, it was a wonderful career and I realised the power of literature and drama and how it could help young people turn their life around.

“I was in my early forties, and the school I was working in was set to close. They offered me a role with another school, but I declined, stating ‘I’m going to write a novel!’ I knew that was the moment I had to follow my dream and start writing, and that’s exactly what I did.

“It was a very happy time. While writing, I also got involved with the theatre and working groups. I found my home at the theatre. I’ll be 71 going to Edinburgh. I hope it gives inspiration to people who think they’ve left it too late, because you haven’t. If you’re thinking of doing something that’s been deep in your heart for a long time, go out there and do it!”

Babs’ first book, A Jarful of Angels, took her five years to write and was published when she was 49. She’s now taking her play In The Lady Garden to Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the Pleasance Partnership after a preview run at Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP). Babs is no stranger to TRP having previously been a practitioner for the theatre and writing a poem for our 40^th birthday celebrations.

Babs continued: “My first experience of the theatre was going to watch Treasure Island in London with my friends when I was seven years old. When I walk into The Drum at TRP, I feel like I’m seven again. It fills me with wonder; the kind of wonder which reminds you, you should never forget what it’s like to be a child.

“Theatre brings that back to me. The innocence, the excitement.”

Babs’ show In The Lady Garden will run at TRP from 18–20 July. To find out more or to book tickets, visit theatreroyal.com/whats-on/in-the-lady-garden.

Watch Babs’ video: