Early years in Sheffield helped shape playwright Laura's love of theatre

Laura Wade grew up in Ecclesall and spent many hours watching plays at the Crucible.

Now 38 and living in London, she is a successful playwright and last year won a BAFTA Breakthrough Brits award. But she still has fond memories of her home city.

“I didn’t realise until I was older how very lucky I was to grow up in a town with a theatre as strong as the Crucible,” said Laura.

“That’s where I first fell in love with watching plays as a child, and as a teenager, fell in love with writing them. That auditorium is still one of my happiest places in the world.”

Laura’s most famous work to date is probably the play Posh, which was later adapted into a film, The Riot Club. It wasn’t long afterwards that she was put forward for a BAFTA Breakthrough Brits award, which supports up and coming talent across film, television and games.

Laura said: “Being nominated was brilliant. It’s an honour and a huge confidence-boost.

“Practically, it has meant being given a helping hand to the next stage of my career through a bespoke programme of meetings and mentoring sessions with some of the most talented people currently working in film and television.”

And Laura has simple advice for new writers. She said: “Be proud of your individual voice, it’s your greatest asset. Sheffield has a proud tradition of artists, so you’re in good company.”