By KLTV Newsdesk –

Manchester Met, Theatre Peckham and Words of Colour join forces to support the next generation of Black writers

A new scriptwriting programme supporting young Black creatives has been launched in memory of acclaimed author and former Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer Alex Wheatle MBE.

The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project brings together Manchester Met, South East London cultural venue Theatre Peckham and creative development agency Words of Colour.

The programme will support 10 Black creatives aged between 17 and 30, helping them develop their writing skills whether they are experienced writers or completely new to scriptwriting.

Celebrating Alex Wheatle’s legacy

The project has been inspired by the legacy of Alex Wheatle, the multi-award-winning author who was a Lecturer in Creative Writing at Manchester Met.

Known to many as the ‘Brixton Bard’, Wheatle was one of the UK’s significant writers for children and young adults. His work frequently explored the experiences of young people growing up in urban Britain.

Wheatle’s own early life shaped much of his writing. He grew up in care and was imprisoned following the 1981 Brixton uprising. During his time in prison, a fellow inmate introduced him to literature, including the work of writers such as James Baldwin.

His early experiences were later portrayed in Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen’s BBC series Small Axe.

His bestselling young adult Crongton novels, which drew on his experiences as an inner-city youth worker, were also adapted into a BBC drama series in 2025.

Inspiring a new generation of writers

Wheatle became a patron of the Manchester Children’s Book Festival before joining Manchester Writing School in 2017.

At Manchester Met, he is remembered for his talent, passion for mentoring and ability to inspire creativity in others.

Dr Aidan Arrowsmith, Head of the School of English, said:

“The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project is a wonderful initiative that remembers our much-loved colleague Alex, and supports the development of a new generation of Black British playwrights. It is exactly the sort of project Manchester Writing School wants to be involved in, bringing together creativity, opportunity and lasting impact.”

Wheatle died in March 2025 following an illness with prostate cancer.

Creating space for Black stories

The programme aims to give emerging writers the opportunity to develop their craft while creating a platform for stories and perspectives that can be underrepresented within the creative industries.

Suzann McLean, CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham, said: “There’s something really powerful about seeing young writers step forward and tell stories only they can tell.

“The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project creates that space. It brings together talent and opportunity while continuing Alex’s belief that storytelling can open doors and inspire change.

“It’s an investment in a future where Black stories continue to be told and celebrated.”

Joy Francis, Executive Director of Words of Colour, said: “Alex would be incredibly proud with the diverse range of applicants and the 10 talented writers selected for the inaugural Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project, launched in his memory.

“Black script writers and playwrights are still underrepresented which is why initiatives such as the Witness Project are vital and invaluable at a time when tailored development opportunities are declining.”

Bringing new work to the stage

The 10 selected participants begin their first session on Tuesday 15 September.

The programme will culminate at Theatre Peckham’s Young, Gifted & Black season on 17 October, when a five-minute extract from each participant’s work will be performed by actors with the support of a professional director.

The project will provide the emerging writers with an opportunity to see their work brought to life while continuing Alex Wheatle’s legacy of using storytelling to give young people a voice and inspire future generations.