screenwriters

Peter Straughan on Wolf Hall, Conclave and nurturing UK drama

Henry VIII suspiciously eyes up Cromwell from behind, as the two wear rich furry robes

It’s hard to name a more feted screenwriter right now than Peter Straughan. His adapted screenplay for Vatican drama Conclave won him an Oscar, a Bafta, a Golden Globe and the Critics Choice Award. The Gateshead-born writer, who famously skipped the Oscars parties to celebrate instead with a cup of tea, was also nominated in the writer’s category at this year’s RTS Programme Awards for the BBC’s Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light but lost out to the Jilly Cooper romp Rivals.

Kay Mellor Screenwriters’ Lab 2025 now open for applications

A group of women sit together in a living room space facing the camera, with full bookshelves lining the wall behind them

The Lab offers 13 writers the opportunity to develop a script of theirs at the final draft stage, in a focused and supportive environment with access to leading industry professionals.

The programme, which will take place from 15 to 20 September 2025 at The Hurst in Shropshire, consists of masterclasses and seminars led by two tutors, and sets aside time for independent writing and a one-to-one session with a tutor to guide your project. Across the week there will also be evening sessions with special guests from the industry.