Creator of dark comedies and thrillers, Birmingham graduate Vicky Jones (BSc International Studies with Political Science, 2000), has been called 'a comic writer of fierce talent' (The Telegraph). She shares how she and best friend Phoebe Waller-Bridge are helping new writers get started.
'I lived at Queen's Hospital Close. I remember going down to the bar on the first night, ordering a pint and feeling the total freedom of being an adult on my own. I began studying law, then switched to international politics. But it was the relationships I built and the extra-curricular opportunities at Birmingham that made the biggest difference in my career.'
Discovering drama at Birmingham
'I made friends with lots of drama students; Phil Porter, now a major playwright and still a good friend, asked me to direct one of his plays at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). We produced it on half a shoestring, but because we worked with great people, we got away with it.
'Many of us worked on the student radio station, Burn FM. It was a blast; a gang of creative people each making radio shows with their own personality, supporting each other. There was an incredible feeling of creative control that gave me such confidence.
'Student life was a mix of hedonistic moments, trying to find out who I wanted to be and finding the courage to back myself. I had always loved writing but didn't know anyone at secondary school or college going into drama or directing, so I doubted it was something I could do. Working with like-minded people really helped me find out what kind of artist I wanted to be.'
A creative friendship
Vicky met Phoebe Waller-Bridge in 2007, recruiting her to act in a play she was directing. Frustrated with not being allowed to do it the way they wanted to, they formed their own company, DryWrite, to enable themselves and new writers to get started without having to compromise their creativity.
The character of Boo in Phoebe's breakthrough hit Fleabag was inspired by Vicky. Vicky directed the play that became a hit show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, then they toured the show internationally and adapted it for the BBC.
A thriller inspired by a private joke
Vicky's TV series Run grew out of a joke she and Phoebe shared. 'The idea was that if you were stuck in a temp job or a relationship and wanted out, we could whisper 'run' and get out of there together. It reminded us we could always walk away and gave us a laugh on tough days.
'We never acted on it, but I began to wonder what would make someone do it? Even if your life looks pretty good, what would it be like to cut everything loose and do something completely different? And would the other person tell you the full truth of why they texted 'RUN', if they wanted to leave that life behind?'
Sharing more women's experiences
'My goal as a writer and director is to create stories in which characters, especially women, feel real, have layers and nuance, and can talk openly and honestly about the often taboo subjects of sex, loneliness and frustration.
'Women are often portrayed within a few narrow stereotypes, and I wanted to see women who were complex, relatable, flawed and lovable all at the same time. I wrote my first play The One partly in response to Phoebe's complaints about the limited kind of roles she was being offered at the time.'
Helping the next generation of writers get started
'It is hard getting started in many careers, and drama is definitely one of them. We founded DryWrite to help give opportunities to new writers. Some theatres are relying on well-known classics to draw audiences back in after pandemic lockdowns, so taking a risk on a new writer is harder than ever.
'We are so happy to see playwrights who were finding their feet when we first met them, who are now producing phenomenal work that is keeping theatre exciting and unpredictable.'
Always back yourself
'It took me so long to start writing myself. If you want to do something, don't doubt yourself, just go for it. It can take time, but if you really love something go for it, back yourself.
'If you want to write, you can start anytime, anywhere - even in secret if you don't feel confident about it yet! As your skills develop, learn from the people around you, talk to people in the industry and keep on practising. We really need the voices of passionate people.'