The Fourth Wall

by Chris Leicester

Wise old professor Joe Raymond walks on to stage and addresses us. He tells us about Stanislavsky's Fourth Wall, and how actors use this imaginary barrier to keep out their fear of the audience, but as this story unfolds, we see the actors have fragile barriers in their real lives too. When notorious murderer Peter McPherson is released early from prison, Rob's fourth wall begins to collapse with disastrous consequences. A past life and the actions of others materialise on stage in front of him. Guilt, secrets, suppressed truths and dangerous emotions suddenly burst through, closing the play and threatening financial ruin for Sam. Only by facing their real fears can the actors rebuild their lives, save the production - and Sam.

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2014

About the author

I grew up in Sheffield in the UK surrounded by a wonderful mix of heavy industry and beautiful scenery. After finishing my 'A' levels in 1976 I went "walkabout" where I mixed 3 years of foreign travel with over 14 not-so-good temporary jobs deliberately chosen to give me a rounded experience in life. I returned back to the UK and went to study in London. I have two young sons, Tom and James.

I first began writing at an early age where a comprehensive school backdrop provided an interesting blend of playing football, avoiding fights and writing poetry. In 1998 I studied creative writing at Liverpool University and went on to run a writing group after that. When one of its members complained that he couldn't get his stage play produced, I formed Too Write Productions over a pint of lager and my vertical learning curve in the tortuous world of theatre production began. Ten plays and several books later, I continue to write original, story-based works with imagination at their heart.

I adapted the book 180⁰ Chord into a play and this has toured three times; in 2022, 2024 and again in 2025-26. I'm also the director and producer. It's been very well received by audiences and critics alike, picking up more 4-star reviews from it's recent run at the Greenwich Theatre in London. Because of this I'm touring the play again in 2027. We start in the UK at some of its most prestigious theatres and then transfer to a world-renowned venue on Broadway for a long run.

Outside writing I also enjoy most sports including karate and I'm a qualified pilot. I also very much like my "Busa" - the monster GSXR 1300 Suzuki Hayabusa.



REVIEWS FOR 180⁰ CHORD

"Recommended." - Dereena White - Netgalley 5/5 stars

"My first from this author, found it an excellent read from start to finish" - Terry Self - Netgalley 4/5 stars

"A good book ... well worth a read" - Samantha Keegan - Netgalley 4/5 stars

"I recommend the book to those looking for a fast-paced and thought-provoking crime novel with a poetic take on crime and life choices." - Guda LM - onlinebookclub.org 4/4 stars