Can you tell us a bit about your writing history to date? Has that always included script writing? What type of stories are you passionate to tell?

My background is mostly in poetry and spoken word, I love telling tales about Bradford, growing up here, and sharing stories about the way we live. I am fascinated by people and feel my work is properly inspired by the different communities I have been fortunate to meet over the years, from youth work, to kids homes, to teaching in schools. I have performed poetry around the country, ran poetry events in car parks and estates, wrote a short radio play for BBC Radio 3: The Verb, and began to develop ideas for longer pieces of work which incorporated different aspects of spoken word. I wrote my first full theatre show, Cashy C’s: The Musical in 2022, it was a non conventional, site specific bassline and rap musical which explored the impact of poverty and austerity set in a pawn brokers. I developed a real hunger to create more work like this, but also consider how the work could be framed on screen too.

How did you find out about the Kay Mellor Fellowship and why were you keen to apply? 

I heard about the opportunity online and immediately wanted to put my hat in the ring. It’s hard to know if you are going to be the right person for an opportunity like this: am I at the right stage in my career? Is this for me? Am I even a proper writer? The competition can be really overwhelming, but I am really glad I took the chance to do it.

Why do you think it is important that this fellowship is part of Kay’s legacy? 

Kay really championed women’s voices and stories, especially working class women up north. Her words and characters are so relatable to many, the way she explored the intricacies of women in a real and personal way, it’s so important we continue to see and hear these stories on screen and stage.

How did it feel to be awarded the fellowship for 2024? 

Absolutely buzzing! It’s rare opportunities like this come around for writers, so to get one which aligns authentically with the stories I want to tell, with people who properly encourage and champions your work is super lucky!

What does being the fellowship holder involve? What are the different elements? 

The fellowship opens a door which allows you to access people and spaces which can really help you hone in on your writing, while also showing you the processes of how work can get made, in theatre and in tv.

What have you found most rewarding or surprising about it? 

The BBC Voices programme was a real highlight and being able to access all the sessions and masterclasses with industry experts. It really helped me develop my idea, develop a pilot outline and also consider how I could shape it into a full series. The women at Rollem have been amazing, it’s so cool to have people investing and supporting your idea in a passionate and genuine way. Doing a Story Conference with the team there and developing a whole series outline has been a proper highlight in the year and I’m really thankful for the way they have been able to advise and challenge me.

Why is it important to you that opportunities like this exist? And specifically in the Yorkshire and Humber region? 

These opportunities are rare, and we need authentic, northern voices and stories on screen and stage!

Why would you recommend that other writers apply for the 2025 fellowship? 

It allows you to properly research, invest and develop one of your passion projects with guidance and support when you need it. Access to the BBC Voices programme in particular is a learning opportunity which not only develops your writing skills for your specific project, but gives you knowledge and understanding of all different aspeţs of the industry at the same time. Do it!