Martin Cort's directing career was inspired by his work with author Rumer Godden, with whom he appeared in The Company of Three, and with whose help he established The Around Readers (TAR), performing poetry programmes for a number of years, reaching audiences throughout Britain and for the British Council in Malta. 

As well as the TAR series of poetry programmes, Martin directed I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, This Year, Next Year, and three pantomime productions for the London Borough of Camden - Cinderella, Puss in Boots and Dick Whittington.

He also produced and directed for TAR the premiere production of Mary Rensten's intriguing mystery play, Dear Mr Kennedy, at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, Islington, with a cast headed by Sarah Thomas (Last of the Summer Wine).

Martin Cort's other directing work includes the acclaimed production of Marivaux's Dangerous Liaisons at Pentameters Theatre in Hampstead, The Best Laid Plans by Carolyn Pertwee at Soho Theatre and Normal Shoes by Della Friend at the Cockpit Theatre in North London. 

Martin Cort directed four plays in the first theatrical presentation in the newly restored lecture theatre of the Royal Institution of Great Britain in June 2008, for the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (SWWJ). 

The programme (illustrated below) included his short play, Surprise Bundle, performed by Robin Marchal and Liz Felton.

Martin Cort was appointed official SWWJ drama group co-ordinator in December 2012.

For Actors & Writers London, Martin Cort has directed readings of a number of plays by Paddy Gormley, including Hard Times, the pilot episode of radio sitcom Poet's Corner, The Importance of Being Frank, a subversive adaptation of Wilde's masterpiece and Misanthrope II, Paddy Gormley's "mistranslation" of Le Misanthrope.  Martin Cort is actively seeking a production of this exceptional script, of which he says "Gormley's mastery of language shines out from every page".

Paddy Gormley's websites include
click-to-play audio excerpts
from plays directed by Martin Cort. 
Click on any image on the right
for the corresponding website. 

Martin Cort has also worked closely with writer and AWL member Nicolas Ridley. His directing work for Nicolas includes readings of If As We Were Walking and Gerard at the CAA, Covent Garden. Click here or scroll down for rehearsal photographs of the reading of If As Were Walking.

Martin Cort directed the first reading of Robin Miller's play Dragon Island for Actors & Writers London in January 2013 and, a few months later, the first public reading of the play at the CAA.

Click the image below for Martin Cort's AWL page, which includes cast lists and photographs of the many readings he has directed at AWL, including plays by Hedley England, Carolyn Pertwee, Elizabeth Gamberoni, Jane Fookes, Nicolas Ridley, Robin Miller and Paddy Gormley.

Martin Cort was awarded honorary membership of Actors & Writers London in 2012.