Screen Yorkshire has launched the Mayor’s Script Diversity Programme, a new course dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices across the region. This course targets writers who currently work in other genres, who have an interest in pivoting to Screenwriting.

Funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and supported by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, the programme reflects a commitment to providing a platform for underrepresented storytelling. Through tailored workshops, mentoring, and access to industry networks, participants will gain invaluable skills to navigate the competitive world of screenwriting.

The programme is proud to recognise existing West Yorkshire talent and to help these writers diversify into other mediums, supporting the wider eco system of Yorkshire’s storytellers. The 2025 cohort comprises a dynamic group of talented writers, each bringing their unique background, experiences, and voices to the programme:

Pamela Crowe is based in Leeds and is the author of The Bell Tower (The Emma Press, 2022). Her work has been published by The Poetry Society, Winchester Poetry Festival, The Poetry Archive, exhibited at Leeds Art Gallery, shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize, and longlisted for the National Poetry Competition.

Rachael Halliwell is a writer, theatre maker and mentor. Recent writing commissions include Get Wed, 122 Love Stories and Our Gate (Harrogate Theatre) Rachael’s critically acclaimed work has been supported by audiences across the UK including: Carriageworks, Lowry Theatre, Georgian Theatre Royal – Richmond

Rachael is Co-Creative Director of All Points North Productions and is on a creative mission to amplify Northern Voices and champion female-led narratives

Linda Green is the bestselling author of 12 novels set in West Yorkshire, her most recent being In Little Stars, a modern-day reimagining of Romeo & Juliet set against a backdrop of a Brexit divided Leeds. She’s also a journalist, having written for The Guardian and The Big Issue in the North during a fifteen-year career on national and regional newspapers and magazines.

Tabitha Bast, based in Bradford, is a sex and relationship therapist with a passion for nature and revolutionary struggles. An accomplished short story writer, she is currently working on a collection of climate change narratives set in 2030. Her recent publications include Dear John and The Creation of Adam. Tabitha also writes a blog on positive masculinity.

Tahir Shah, a South-Asian playwright and arts professional, Tahir is dedicated to highlighting underrepresented voices. With a distinctive blend of comedy and drama, his work delves into family, mental health, and cultural identity. Tahir’s impressive portfolio includes acting and directing for major platforms like Netflix, BBC, and Channel 4. He is currently developing a two-person play for the Edinburgh Fringe and a short film exploring immigration narratives.

Zara Sehar is a Muslim British-Pakistani Poet, who was born and raised in Halifax. Her work often delves into the intricacies of the British-Asian diaspora. She was shortlisted for the Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers award in the Arts and Creative Industries category (YAYA Awards 2023), placed third in the Roundhouse Slam (2024), where she won the audience vote. Zara has shared her work on BBC Woman’s Hour, anthologies and online.

Amber Hafren is an alumnus of the Royal Court Writers Programme and received a staged reading of her first play. She has developed work with Paines Plough, INK Festival and Freedom Studios. A finalist for the Channel 4 & New Writing North Awards 2023 and was one of eight writers selected for their talent development group. She is also a member of New Writing North’s Bradford Writers hub.

Richard D. Rhodes is a former primary headteacher and current Vice Chair of Studio at Bingley Little Theatre where he produces ITCH there, a playwright development programme. A member of Furnace at Leeds Playhouse, his material has been produced by Freedom Studios and Leeds Pub Theatre as well as Bingley Little Theatre. He is a mentored playwright at Paines Plough and by The Unit as a screenwriter.

Jan Ruppe trained at LAMDA and worked in TV and theatre before moving into playwrighting. She is currently being mentored by Paines Plough as part of their ‘Tour the Writer ‘programme in collaboration with Bradford 2025. She is a member of the Bradford Script Hub, and her most recent short film script, ‘Only Words’ was runner up in the Emerging Spirit script competition run by The Spirit of Independence Film Festival. She is the co-director of Bradford International Film Festival.

Ann Morgan  started writing poetry, then crossed into acting, stand-up comedy, and finally arrived at playwrighting. She has written two full length plays, “Brian!” a comedy; and “The Past Present” a drama inspired by events 60 years ago. Other works include a one hour play called “No!” set in America about reproductive rights as well as a number of shorter works performed at a range of theatres including Alhambra Studio, Bradford; Grand Opera House, York and Furnace at Leeds.

The cohort will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of industry experts through a series of dynamic sessions. Including goal setting mentoring with script development editor Yasmin Ali, a masterclass from award-winning author Amit Dhand, and a screenwriting workshop with development executive producer Cathianne Hall. Later in the programme Eastenders writer Conway McDermott and BBC Talent Works Senior Production Creative Director Deborah Sathe will guide participants through the art of pivoting into screenwriting for continuing drama, and Filmmaker and coach Sasha Damjanovski will teach the art of pitching. The cohort will attend an in-person working lunch with industry guests and a broader networking event networking opportunity with industry.

Our thanks go to West Yorkshire Combined Mayor, Tracey Brabin and the West Yorkshire Mayoral Authority for supporting this important programme.