The Kay Mellor Fellowship

The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.

Leeds Playhouse are delighted to be once again joining forces with Rollem Productions, BBC and Leeds City Council to support new writing in Yorkshire and continue the legacy of Kay Mellor. The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.

The Kay Mellor Fellow 2027 will spend twelve months on attachment with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem Productions. During the 12 months they will:

• Work in partnership with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem to develop a new stage play and a television pitch. This may take the form of a single idea adapted for both mediums, or two separate ideas tailored independently to each form.

• Receive a place on the BBC Writers Voices writer development programme where they will hone their skills and industry knowledge through a range of workshops, masterclasses, panels and industry talks.

This is not a full-time role, and it is expected that the writer will undertake other paid work outside of the fellowship. Working hours and timetables will be agreed with the fellowship holder.

Before applying for the role, please read the job pack. This includes the full list of responsibilities, person specification and information about Leeds Playhouse.

To apply, please fill in both forms on the website before the application deadline and email your script to kaymellorfellowship@leedsplayhouse.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 10am on1 August 2026.

Interviews to be scheduled for early to mid-November 2026.