Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Sky Studios and Birmingham Repertory announce final writers for Sky Comedy Rep

16/09/2021

Partnership between Sky Studios and Birmingham Repertory Theatre aims to discover and develop new comedy writing talent from across the UK

Over 750 people applied, with eleven writers now starting the six-month paid programme

Further mentors confirmed for the scheme include Holly Walsh, Emma Fryer, Robin French, Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Oriane Messina and Fay Rusling

Sky Comedy Rep, a partnership between Sky Studios and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, today announce they have selected eleven writers to take part in the scheme that aims to discover and develop new regional comedy writing talent from across the UK.

Over 750 aspiring comedy writers applied for the Birmingham-based scheme by sending a sample of a one act play set around the simple premise of a meeting on a park bench. The chosen writers, who come from Bradford, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, London and South Wales, will now go on to develop their one act plays though a six-month paid programme of workshops and mentoring.

Their mentors will be some of the best comedy writers in the business, including Holly Walsh (Motherland, The Other One) Emma Fryer (Home Time) Robin French (Cuckoo), Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Timewasters) and Oriane Messina and Fay Rusling (Breeders, Hitmen) who will join the likes of Meera Syal, Simon Blackwell, Danny Brocklehurst and Guz Khan as mentors on the scheme, with Dame Julie Walters as Patron.

The writers met in Birmingham for the first time over the weekend at a workshop led by The REPs Artistic Director, Olivier Award-winning Sean Foley (The Play What I Wrote) and Sky Studios Creative Director of Comedy, BAFTA Award-winning Anil Gupta (Goodness Gracious Me, The Office), who oversee the initiative.

Anil Gupta, Creative Director of Comedy at Sky Studios, said: We were overwhelmed by the response to this scheme and the strength of talent we saw in the applications. We have found eleven truly exceptional writers who hail from all over the UK, and whose unique voices tap into the humour of where they are from. They have exciting futures ahead of them and Sky Studios are proud to be helping them on their path.

Sean Foley, Birmingham REP Artistic Director said: I am incredibly excited to help these nine brilliant comedy writers take their first steps in this fantastic industry. Developing and nurturing new talents is a cornerstone of everything The REP does and it is especially thrilling to see such a diverse group of individuals, hailing from backgrounds and from all over the UK. These writers have very promising futures ahead of them and I cannot see where their journey will take them .

The programme will culminate in a live staging at the three-day Sky Comedy REP Festival at The REP early next year, featuring up-and-coming actors and emerging directors.

Notes to Editors

Media Contact

lauren.cameron@sky.uk / +44 (0) 7817157798

About the new writers

Jingan Young, London

Jingan writes for stage and screen. A devoted fan of the rom-com (Meet-cutes! Miscommunication! Unattainable, meticulously curated lifestyles!), her admirable attempt to write one - No 2 Daughter - is currently in development with Greenacre Films. She spearheaded and edited the BESEA play collection Foreign Goods' published by Oberon Books. Meeting those writing and teaching deadlines often involves late night dumpling feasts.

Ashfaq Gorsi, Manchester

Ash is an Actor & Writer from Manchester, or at least that's what he tells his mum! He is currently performing for The Northern Comedy Theatre in a UK Tour All Above Board' written by British comedy Legend Nigel Planer. Ash spent two months in LA taking acting classes and looking for Will Smith. He began writing his daily musings in a journal, that led to writing two short films. The self-proclaimed Curry Kid is said to be #KeenAsMustard to be creating art on stage. In his own words Who needs Shakespeare when you've got Shafiqspeare.'

Ryan Walker-Edwards, Birmingham

Ryan describes himself as just a normal guy from Brum. As well as writing, Ryans acting work includes The Archers, Doctors, Uncertain Kingdom: Sucka Punch, and has recently been commissioned by BBC Arts to write and produce two short radio projects. Outside of all that good stuff, Ryan co-founded an electronic music platform Incognito Radio.

Rob Carter, London

Rob Carter is an actor/comedian based in London, who is looking to irritate purists and add /writer' to his bio. He has performed as his alter ego - a dreadful writer called Christopher Bliss - at the Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theatre, on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and making spoof film reviews for Amazon Prime. Winner of the Musical Comedy Awards and finalist at the BBC New Comedy Awards, Rob also won Best Foreign Short at the LA Comedy Festival for his first short film The Raisin.

Drew Vida Marke, London

Drew is a writer from London who developed a passion for make-believe worlds after one too many trips to Disney World. After therapy to ween her off that mouse-ear magic, she turned her only-child energy to writing, which she did alongside a corporate job. But at a certain point, she decided that writing brought her the kind of joy that an open plan office (albeit with free coffee and pastries) did not. She has been selected for Channel 4's 4Screenwriting, the BFI's Best of Year list, the BBC hotlist and won a Film London Borough Award.

Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Leighton Buzzard and Westcliff-on-Sea

Ed Amsden & Tom Coles are a comedy writing partnership whose broadcast credits include Dead Ringers and The News Quiz. Their career ambition is to write authentic television sitcoms with a distinct working class voice, and theyre thrilled to be involved in this exciting opportunity.

Mari & Lowri Izzard, Bridgend South Wales

Actor/Writer duo Mari & Lowri Izzard are id
LINK: https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/sky-studios-and-birmingham-repe...
See more stories from sky

More from BskyB

04/07/2025

Official trailer revealed for new season of BAFTA-winning Sky Original comedy Mr Bigstuff, coming 24 July

Friday 4 July 2025 Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/Od5WpvWmDr8 Further...

03/07/2025

Sky Arts Unveils New Mozart Season, Celebrating the Legacy of Classicals Greatest Maestro

Thursday 3 July 2025 David Harewood and Matthew Broome in Mozart: Genius for Hi...

03/07/2025

Sky announces 2025 Sky WNT Fund Recipients

The Sky WNT Fund supports Womens National Team players with a 30,000 bursaryThursday 3 July 2025 Sky Ireland has announced the four recipients of the 2025 Sky...

27/06/2025

RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland

Friday 27 June 2025 Combination of RTL Deutschland and Sky Deutschland (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) to create a unique proposition in entertainment, sports ...

18/06/2025

Sky Original documentary Death of a Showjumper to air on Sky and streaming service NOW on 16 July

Wednesday 18 June 2025 Today, Sky announced the brand-new Sky Original document...

18/06/2025

The Trip returns: Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on The Trip to the Northern Lights

The fifth instalment of the multi-award-winning Sky Original comedy from acclaim...

18/06/2025

Sky Original documentary Death of a Showjumper to air on Sky and streaming service NOW this July

Wednesday 18 June 2025 Today, Sky announced the brand-new Sky Original document...

17/06/2025

Sky exclusive film Hill coming to Sky and streaming service NOW from 2 July

Tuesday 17 June 2025 One name. Two world champions. In 1996, Damon Hill claimed the Formula 1 World Championship and cemented his place in motorsport history, ...

16/06/2025

Sky, Channel 4 and ITV announce joint intent to launch groundbreaking premium video advertising marketplace

Monday 16 June 2025 For the first time, small to medium sized businesses will b...

16/06/2025

WWF and Sky Kids launch Wear it Wild with Ready Eddie Go!

Monday 16 June 2025 Families and children are invited to dress up, have fun and raise money to protect nature WWF UK and Sky Kids are teaming up to launch Wea...

12/06/2025

Dan Biggar, Ronan OGara, Sam Warburton and Warren Gatland star in Sky Sports line-up for The British & Irish Lions Tour

Thursday 12 June 2025 Sky Sports has revealed its on-screen line-up for the Qat...

11/06/2025

Eva Langret joins the judging panel for Landscape Artist of the Year as production begins on its 11th series

Wednesday 11 June 2025 Production begins on the 11th series of flagship Sky Art...

10/06/2025

Official trailer now available for 7/7: Homegrown Terror, airing 29 June on Sky Documentaries and NOW

Tuesday 10 June 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To...

10/06/2025

Sky Kids brings beloved book character to life with new Sky Original series My Friend Maisy

Tuesday 10 June 2025 Sky Kids has commissioned My Friend Maisy, a brand-new 2D ...

03/06/2025

Introducing Sky Glass Air, the newest addition to Skys TV range from just 6/month

On sale from 10th JuneTuesday 3 June 2025 Sky has unveiled Sky Glass Air, a sty...

03/06/2025

Sky releases official trailer for season three of the Sky Exclusive series The Gilded Age, debuting 23 June

Tuesday 3 June 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To ...

21/05/2025

VOICE-NO! Brits call time on long voice notes

Wednesday 21 May 2025 Brits call for voice notes to be capped at two minutes after research reveals the nation is suffering from VNF - Voice Note Fatigue Voice...

20/05/2025

Sky releases official teaser for Sky Exclusive drama series IT: Welcome to Derry, coming this Autumn

Tuesday 20 May 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To ...

16/05/2025

Sky releases Official Trailer and Key Art for Sky Exclusive film Mountainhead, written and directed by Jesse Armstrong

Friday 16 May 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To d...

15/05/2025

Official teaser trailer released of Sky exclusive drama Task coming to Sky and streaming service NOW this September

Thursday 15 May 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To...

14/05/2025

Sky Original film Tinsel Town reveals first look

Wednesday 14 May 2025 Image Credit @Sky UK. Photographer: Matt Squire. High-Res image available to download HERE THE FILM STARS KIEFER SUTHERLAND & REBEL WIL...

09/05/2025

Sky Original documentary The Girl Who Caught a Killer to air on Sky and streaming service NOW on 25 May

Friday 9 May 2025 Download images HERE Episodes are available on Sky Media Vil...

07/05/2025

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom to join Sky Original film slate in 2026

Wednesday 7 May 2025 Shaun the Sheep fans are in for a baaaarilliant treat in 2...

29/04/2025

Sky Sports to broadcast Barclays Womens Championship title decider between Birmingham City versus London City Lionesses

Tuesday 29 April 2025 The Women's Professional Leagues can confirm that thi...

28/04/2025

New research from Sky Sports looks at the role of Womens sport fandom in the future of sports

Monday 28 April 2025 New research from Sky Sports, released today, shows that w...

28/04/2025

Official trailer released for Sky Documentaries three-part series, Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park, airing 11 May

Monday 28 April 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To...

28/04/2025

Victory lap for A League of Their Own

After 20 Legendary Seasons Sky is Hanging Up The Boots of its BAFTA-winning Sports Show. Production of farewell series tees off this summerMonday 28 April 2025 ...

25/04/2025

High Kicks and High Stakes: Sky Arts announces new series, The Battle of the Irish Dancers

Friday 25 April 2025 Hot on the heels of the Irish Dancing World Championships ...

22/04/2025

Sky Releases Official Teaser for Exclusive Film Mountainhead, Written and Directed by Jesse Armstrong

Tuesday 22 April 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. T...

16/04/2025

Sky Exclusive series And Just Like That set to return to Sky and streaming service NOW on 30 May

Wednesday 16 April 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies....

16/04/2025

Official trailer released ahead of the return of highly anticipated mystery-of-the-week Sky Exclusive drama, Poker Face on 8 May

Wednesday 16 April 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies....

14/04/2025

Masters Sunday becomes most-watched day in Sky Sports history

Monday 14 April 2025 On an unmissable day of world-class sporting drama, Sky Sports created its own history by breaking viewership records on Sunday 13 April, ...

10/04/2025

Live from London, its Saturday Night!

Lorne Michaels to Executive Produce Saturday Night Live UK, coming to the UK for the first time in deal with SkyThursday 10 April 2025 Sky is bringing NBC'...

09/04/2025

Study unearths nations most embarrassing Phone Faux Pas

Wednesday 9 April 2025 Top 15 phone faux pas and etiquette fails revealed - with Instagram mishaps and accidental texts topping the list ALL Brits who use a ...

07/04/2025

Sky to introduce Brummies from other Mummies at The Brum Hole portal

Monday 7 April 2025 To mark the launch of Joe Lycett's United States of Birmingham, the public are invited to put themselves forward to meet a Brummie from...

04/04/2025

Mountainhead, a Sky Exclusive film written and directed by Jesse Armstrong, to land on Sky and streaming service NOW on 1 June

The film Stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, And Ramy You...

03/04/2025

Sky to be headline sponsor of Isle of Wight Festival 2025

Thursday 3 April 2025 Sky and Isle of Wight Festival have inked a multi-year deal which marks Sky's first ever major festival partnership Sky Arts, Sky S...

03/04/2025

Sky announces fourth year of WNT Fund with 30,000 bursary for player development

Thursday 3 April 2025 Sky Ireland has announced the fourth year of the Sky WNT bursary fund, which will increase this year from 25,000 to 30,000, reaffirming...

31/03/2025

Sport draws nearly a billion hours of viewing, while nearly half of under 35s tune into podosphere for news

Sky's latest Attention Index unveils how viewers are transforming the UK'...

31/03/2025

Dana Strong: The media landscape may have changed, but its not dampened Brits love for good telly

Monday 31 March 2025 The UK is a nation of TV lovers. TV brings us closer to ou...

28/03/2025

Sky announces its first ever series of Digital Shorts coming to Sky TVs YouTube channel next month

Friday 28 March 2025 Sky today announces that four new series of Sky Original d...

26/03/2025

Trailer drops for the second season of The Walking Dead: Dead City, returning exclusively to Sky and NOW this summer

Wednesday 26 March 2025 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies....

25/03/2025

Sky Documentaries builds on reputation for critically acclaimed true crimewith four powerful new titles

Tuesday 25 March 2025 Amsterdam Narcos Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park W...

24/03/2025

Alright bab! Screeners available for Joe Lycetts United States of Birmingham, launching April on Sky Max and NOW

Monday 24 March 2025 Screeners are now available for the brand-new four-part Sk...