Martin Cort is the Director of The Around Readers, a member of Actors & Writers London, the Concert Artistes' Association and an Associate Member of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. 

Martin first became interested in theare production in the 1960s when Rumer Godden sponsored The Around Readers to perform poetry readings in schools. 

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This experience fuelled Martin's interest in all aspects of theatre production.  Barbara Keogh introduced him to Actors & Writers London, one of London's leading professional playreading organisations.  Martin has stayed with AWL ever since, directing rehearsed readings, becoming involved in outside productions with other AWL members and, in 2008, taking on the role of Chairman. 

His relationship with the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (SWWJ) began with an intro by author and journalist Mary Rensten.  He directed an excerpt from Fit Piece by Helen Shay with Camilla Mathias and James Bradshaw in 2005 for SWWJ.  Further participation as actor and director in the following years led to his appointment as drama representative in 2008.  Since then he has produced a series of events for SWWJ including:

• A programme of short plays in the newly restored lecture room at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in 2008
• A Treasure Chest of poetry and monologue by members of SWWJ at the Bridewell Institute in 2009
• Also in 2009 an afternoon of drama at the Royal Overseas League: plays by Carolyn Pertwee, Mary Rensten, June Walker and Martin Cort.

The friendships and professional relationships with AWL and SWWJ collegues have led to Martin's growing interest in taking work from initial readings into the production arena. Most recently, he has been instrumental in shaping Robert Blackwood & Nicholas Cowell's show, The Unimportant History of Britain, at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre and The Space Above the Stag in London.