ABOUT ME

Resume

Writing

I’m a passionate and highly motivated Cumbrian writer and director. I’m creative with words by nature and I see the world through ‘writing eyes’ – everything and everyone are parts of a story waiting to be told, one which I want to piece together and make into an entertaining script. Writing is in my blood and has been since a young age; I self-published my first novel in 2012 which I wrote between the ages of 16 and 18, and I also self-published two poetry collections which I wrote between the ages of 9 and 18. Since branching out into scriptwriting, I have had numerous plays produced, one being at London’s prestigious Southwark Playhouse by Director’s Cut Theatre in 2019.

Collaborating

I work well on my own individual projects, but also enjoy collaborating with other writers – in 2020 I co-wrote a TV comedy pilot script and accompanying treatment with a fellow experienced scriptwriter, and I co-wrote a children’s comedy stage play in 2019 with a first time writer. I also wrote, directed, produced and marketed a successful evening of three brand new plays with two other playwrights in 2017.

Achievements

Made the five finalists in GoThinkBig’s nationwide ‘blogger competition’ (2013)

Won the CFM Young Reporter competition (2012)

Won the Rotary Young Writer Competition - first place for Penrith, second place for Eden (2012)

Won a poetry competition with Ottakers Bookshop (2007)

Won a poetry competition with the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald (2006)

My Voice

I specialise in comedy and comedy drama, writing ‘enhanced real-life’ stories using observational comedy, strong character relationships, and relatable, real-world antagonists. I particularly enjoy writing no-nonsense female characters with a dry, sarcastic sense of humour. I have also written plays for children/teenagers, as well as a pantomime aimed at all ages. I primarily write for stage (and have also directed many productions) and have a lot of experience on how the stage can tell a story, but I am expanding into both screenwriting and directing for both stage and screen.

Personal Interests

As well as writing, I love reading, going to the theatre, watching films and TV shows and am a keen keeper of pet fancy rats. I also have acted in many plays over the years and really enjoy that side of theatre as well. Since 2013 I have co-run the Penrith Players Youth Group on a voluntary basis, and have been an assistant director for all their stage productions and planned and run their weekly workshops.