Famous British Screenplay Writers

Martin McDonagh is a British-Irish playwright and filmmaker known for his absurdist dark humor that challenges modern theatre conventions. He has achieved critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award and multiple BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Olivier Awards. McDonagh's plays, staged on both the West End and Broadway, include notable works like The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Pillowman, and Hangmen. As a filmmaker, he has directed successful black comedies such as In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin.

Russell T Davies is a Welsh screenwriter and television producer known for his work on various successful TV series. He gained recognition as the original showrunner of the Doctor Who revival, overseeing its success in the 2000s. Davies has also created and produced acclaimed series such as Queer as Folk, Torchwood, and It's a Sin, showcasing a talent for diverse storytelling across genres. His career highlights include multiple awards and honors for his contributions to drama and television production.

Amelia Bullmore is an accomplished English actress, screenwriter, and playwright known for her notable roles in popular television series such as Coronation Street, I'm Alan Partridge, Ashes to Ashes, Twenty Twelve, and Scott & Bailey. She embarked on her writing career in 1994 and has since garnered recognition for her contributions to various TV shows like This Life, Attachments, Black Cab, and Scott & Bailey. With a diverse portfolio in both acting and writing, Bullmore continues to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

Craig Cash is a versatile English entertainment professional known for his work as a comedian, actor, voice actor, director, and writer-producer. He gained recognition for his contributions to various television shows including The Royle Family, The Fast Show, The Mrs Merton Show, Early Doors, Sunshine, The Café, Rovers, and After Hours. Notably, Cash succeeded Caroline Aherne as the narrator of Gogglebox. His talent and dedication have earned him two BAFTA Television awards for his exceptional work on The Royle Family.

Lise Mayer is an accomplished American television and film writer known for her work on the BBC comedy series The Young Ones, which she co-created and co-wrote with Rik Mayall and Ben Elton. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified her reputation as a talented writer with a knack for crafting comedic and engaging content. Mayer's professional endeavors have showcased her creativity, humor, and ability to collaborate with other talented individuals in the field of television and film.

Nick Hornby is an acclaimed English writer and lyricist known for his works such as Fever Pitch, High Fidelity, and About a Boy, all of which have been successfully adapted into feature films. His writing often explores themes of music, sports, and the complex, sometimes obsessive behaviors of his characters. With over 5 million copies of his books sold globally, Hornby has made a significant impact on British culture, being named the 29th most influential person in a 2004 BBC poll. Additionally, he has received two Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Jeremy Lloyd was a multi-talented English writer, screenwriter, author, poet, and actor. He achieved success as the co-writer of various popular British sitcoms, most notably Are You Being Served? and 'Allo 'Allo!. Known for his wit and creativity, Lloyd made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his work in television. His talent for crafting humorous and engaging storylines endeared him to audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as a skilled and influential figure in the realm of British comedy.

Gary Delaney is a prominent English writer and stand-up comedian recognized for his unique style of humor centered around one-liners featuring puns. He is acclaimed for his deadpan delivery that adds an extra layer of wit to his comedic performances. Delaney has established himself as a sought-after talent in the comedy scene, captivating audiences with his clever wordplay and quick wit. With a focus on concise and impactful jokes, he has garnered a dedicated following and earned a reputation as a master of comedic timing.

Major David Croft was an influential English television comedy screenwriter, producer, and director known for his work on various BBC sitcoms. He collaborated with partners Jimmy Perry and Jeremy Lloyd to produce and write popular shows such as Dad's Army, Are You Being Served?, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi!, and 'Allo 'Allo!. His creative contributions in the world of television comedy left a lasting impact, earning him recognition for his talent and skill in crafting beloved and enduring sitcoms.

Michael Powell was an English filmmaker known for his collaboration with Emeric Pressburger under their production company The Archers. Together, they wrote, produced, and directed a series of classic British films, including The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, A Canterbury Tale, A Matter of Life and Death, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes, and The Tales of Hoffmann. Powell's film Peeping Tom was initially criticized but has since been recognized as a classic and influential work in the horror genre. Powell received the BAFTA Fellowship in 1981, the highest honor from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Paul Abbott is an accomplished English screenwriter and producer, renowned for his work on popular television series such as Cracker and Coronation Street. He gained widespread recognition for creating acclaimed dramas including Reckless, Touching Evil, Clocking Off, State of Play, Shameless, and No Offence. Abbott's contributions to the television industry in the 1990s and 2000s solidified his reputation as one of the most successful and respected television writers in Britain, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling and impactful storytelling.

Martha Fiennes is an accomplished English film director, writer, and producer recognized for her notable works in the film industry. Her directorial debut in the film "Onegin" (1999), featuring her brother Ralph Fiennes, garnered critical acclaim. She further showcased her talent with the film "Chromophobia" (2005). Fiennes' creative vision and storytelling abilities have solidified her reputation as a skilled filmmaker, paving the way for a successful career in bringing compelling narratives to the screen.

Gary Leslie Whitta is an accomplished English-American screenwriter, author, game designer, and video game journalist. He has held prestigious positions such as editor-in-chief of both the UK and US editions of PC Gamer magazine and a contributor to ACE gaming magazine. Whitta is known for his work as a screenwriter, having written for notable films such as The Book of Eli, After Earth (co-written with M. Night Shyamalan), and contributing to the story development of Rogue One. His diverse talents have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Terry Hayes is an accomplished screenwriter, producer, and author recognized for his collaborations with the Kennedy Miller film production company. His notable work includes the critically acclaimed debut novel "I Am Pilgrim." Hayes has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, demonstrating a talent for storytelling across various mediums. With a successful track record in film and literature, he has garnered praise for his creative contributions and has solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented professional in the field.

Robin Driscoll is a British actor and writer, most recognized for his work as a writer on Mr. Bean episodes alongside Rowan Atkinson. He has also made on-screen appearances in various television shows including Only Fools and Horses, Murder Most Horrid, Dear John, Alas Smith & Jones, and The Fast Show. Driscoll's collaboration with Atkinson in creating comedic content has solidified his reputation in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent both behind the scenes as a writer and in front of the camera as an actor.

Mark Haddon is an acclaimed English novelist renowned for his work, particularly his novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003). He has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to literature, including the Whitbread Award, the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award, the Guardian Prize, and a Commonwealth Writers Prize. Haddon's professional life is characterized by his ability to captivate readers with his unique storytelling style and his talent for creating thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Peter Baynham is a prominent Welsh screenwriter and performer known for his work in television and feature films. He gained recognition for his collaborations with comedy icons such as Armando Iannucci, Steve Coogan, Chris Morris, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Sarah Smith. Baynham's writing credits include hit shows like I'm Alan Partridge, The Day Today, Brass Eye, and Borat! He has also created his own animated series, I Am Not an Animal. In addition to his television work, Baynham has contributed to successful feature films like Borat, Brüno, and Arthur Christmas.

James Bobin is a British filmmaker known for his work as a director and writer on Da Ali G Show, where he contributed to the creation of iconic characters like Ali G, Borat, and Brüno. Alongside Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, he co-created Flight of the Conchords. Bobin has directed several feature films, including The Muppets (2011), Muppets Most Wanted (2014), Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) for Disney, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) for Paramount Pictures.

Drew Pearce is a versatile British screenwriter, director, and producer with a diverse portfolio of work. He gained recognition for creating the British TV comedy No Heroics and co-writing blockbuster films such as Iron Man 3, Hobbs & Shaw, and contributing to the story of Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Pearce showcased his directorial skills with the futuristic thriller Hotel Artemis, which delves into a clandestine hospital catering to criminals. His career exemplifies a talent for crafting engaging narratives across various genres and mediums.

Jack Rosenthal was an accomplished English playwright known for his significant contributions to television and film. He wrote numerous episodes of the popular ITV soap opera Coronation Street, as well as over 150 screenplays that included original television plays, feature films, and adaptations. His work showcased his talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of human relationships and emotions. Rosenthal's professional legacy continues to be celebrated for its impact on the entertainment industry.

Ralph Brown is an accomplished English actor and writer known for a diverse range of roles in film and television. He has portrayed memorable characters such as Danny in "Withnail and I," Aaron in "Alien 3," DJ Bob Silver in "The Boat That Rocked," and Ric Olié in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." His talents extend beyond acting, having won awards for his work in playwriting and screenwriting. Brown continues to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his versatile skills and creative endeavors.

Deborah Moggach is an accomplished English novelist and screenwriter, known for her extensive body of work that includes nineteen novels. Some of her most notable works include The Ex-Wives, Tulip Fever, These Foolish Things (adapted into the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), and Heartbreak Hotel. Her talent for storytelling has earned her recognition in both the literary and cinematic worlds. Moggach's creative contributions have captivated audiences and cemented her reputation as a versatile and skilled writer.

Hugo Blick is a prominent British filmmaker and actor known for his impactful work in the entertainment industry. With his own production company, Eight Rooks, he has successfully produced and directed various projects that have garnered critical acclaim. Blick's creative vision and storytelling skills have been evident in his diverse body of work, showcasing his talent and versatility as a filmmaker. He continues to make significant contributions to the world of film and television, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Michael J. Bassett is a British filmmaker known for directing cult horror films like Deathwatch and Wilderness, as well as the dark fantasy Solomon Kane and the video game adaptation Silent Hill: Revelation. Transitioning to television, Bassett has worked as a director, writer, and producer on popular series such as Strike Back, Ash vs Evil Dead, Power, and Altered Carbon. With a diverse portfolio spanning both film and television, Bassett has established a reputation for creating compelling and impactful visual storytelling.

Jimmy Perry OBE was an accomplished English scriptwriter and actor known for co-creating several successful BBC sitcoms with David Croft, including Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-De-Hi, and You Rang, M'Lord? He also co-wrote the iconic theme tune for Dad's Army, "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr. Hitler?" with Derek Taverner, earning him an Ivor Novello Award in 1971. Perry's contributions to British television comedy have left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Toby Whithouse is an accomplished English actor, screenwriter, and playwright known for creating popular television series such as Being Human, No Angels, and The Game. He has also made significant contributions to BBC's Doctor Who, particularly during the eras of Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi. Whithouse's work in the industry is highly regarded, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling narratives across various genres, from supernatural dramas to espionage thrillers. His creative vision and storytelling abilities have earned him a prominent place in the television landscape.

Nicholas Briggs is a versatile English professional known for his work in various areas of the entertainment industry. He has made significant contributions to the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs, notably as the iconic voice of the Daleks and the Cybermen. Additionally, Briggs serves as the executive producer of Big Finish Productions, where he has played a key role in producing, directing, and writing numerous audio plays. His extensive involvement in both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles showcases his talent and dedication to the industry.

Miles Millar is an accomplished Australian-British screenwriter, showrunner, producer, creator, developer, and director. He is renowned for creating successful television series such as Netflix's hit comedy horror show "Wednesday" and The WB/The CW's beloved action-adventure series "Smallville." Teaming up with Alfred Gough, he has also developed and produced shows like "Into the Badlands" and "The Shannara Chronicles." Additionally, Millar has co-written blockbuster films like "Shanghai Noon," "Spider-Man 2," and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," showcasing his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.

Tony Warren, also known by his pen name Tony Warren, was an English television screenwriter and actor who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is best remembered for his creation of the iconic ITV soap opera Coronation Street, which has become a cultural phenomenon. Warren also ventured into creating other television dramas and received critical acclaim for his work as a novelist. His professional legacy is marked by his creativity, storytelling prowess, and lasting impact on British television.

Andrew Birkin is an accomplished English screenwriter and director known for his notable contributions to the film industry. With a successful career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a talented storyteller and filmmaker. Birkin has worked on a variety of projects, showcasing his versatility and creativity in both writing and directing. His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling techniques and a keen eye for visual storytelling, earning him recognition and respect within the industry.

Andrew Davies is a prominent Welsh screenwriter and novelist celebrated for his acclaimed television adaptations of various literary works, including To Serve Them All My Days, House of Cards, Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice, Bleak House, and War & Peace. His original serial, A Very Peculiar Practice, also garnered attention for its unique storytelling. Davies was honored as a BAFTA Fellow in 2002, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his masterful storytelling and adaptation skills.

Johnny Speight was an English television scriptwriter known for his work on classic British sitcoms. He began his career in the mid-1950s, writing for radio comedians like Frankie Howerd and Vic Oliver. He later moved on to television, writing for popular shows such as Morecambe & Wise and Peter Sellers. Speight's most famous creation was the character Alf Garnett in the sitcom "Till Death Us Do Part," which tackled controversial themes like racism and sexism through satire. He was known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary in his writing.

Terence Joseph Nation was a Welsh screenwriter and novelist known for his significant contributions to British television science fiction. He created iconic characters such as the Daleks and Davros for Doctor Who, and developed popular series like Survivors and Blake's 7. Nation began his career as a comedy writer before transitioning into drama, working on various successful British TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. His work on Doctor Who and other series solidified his reputation as a talented and influential writer in the industry.

Alan Plater was a notable English playwright and screenwriter who made significant contributions to British television from the 1960s to the 2000s. He gained recognition for his work on popular shows such as Oh No It's Selwyn Froggitt and The Beiderbecke Trilogy. Plater's talent and creativity shone through in his ability to craft engaging and memorable characters, as well as his skill in blending comedy and drama seamlessly. His work left a lasting impact on the television industry and continues to be celebrated by audiences worldwide.

Barry Took was an influential English writer, television presenter, and comedian known for his prolific career in the entertainment industry. His notable partnerships with Marty Feldman resulted in successful projects such as the television series Bootsie and Snudge and the radio comedy Round the Horne. Took further made his mark as the presenter of Points of View and The News Quiz on BBC platforms. Referred to as the "Father of Monty Python," Took played a crucial role in assembling the comedy talents behind Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Derek Robinson is a British author renowned for his military aviation novels infused with dark humor. He gained recognition for his nomination for the Booker Prize in 1971 for his debut novel, "Goshawk Squadron." Robinson, with a history degree from Cambridge University, worked in advertising in the UK and the US, and also had a career as a broadcaster on radio and television. He is a qualified rugby referee and a life member of Bristol Society of Rugby Referees. Robinson's in-depth research for his novel "Piece of Cake" led him to challenge the conventional view on the Battle of Britain's impact on Hitler's invasion plans.

Simon Gray was an accomplished English playwright, memoirist, and university lecturer in English literature. He taught at Queen Mary, University of London for two decades while simultaneously pursuing a successful writing career. Over the course of 45 years, Gray authored five novels and 40 original stage plays, screenplays, and adaptations for stage, film, and television. He gained recognition for his self-deprecating wit, a distinctive feature of his numerous memoirs and diaries. Gray's contribution to literature and the arts is marked by his prolific output and lasting impact.