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TV Writing Credits
EastEnders Episode 6954 - broadcast on BBC Two on 1st August 2024 Episode 6871 - broadcast on BBC One on 11th March 2024 Episode 6781 - broadcast on BBC One on 9th October 2023 Episode 6384 - broadcast on BBC One on 26th November 2021 James was one of the writers on the EastEnders Writers Shadow Scheme 2021 James was one of the writers on BBC Studios Sketch Comedy Writing Intensive 2021 James was shortlisted for BBC Studios Writers Academy 2020 James was one of the winners of Hat Trick's Your Voice Your Story Competition 2017 Theatre Writing Credits 2025 Meat In development; a gay-themed murder mystery history play inspired by the life and death of Thetford man Robert Carlton; commissioned by Magic Floor Theatre Company; due to be produced in 2025. 2024 More... Ghost Stories By Candlelight Play consisting of four contemporary ghost stories set in the East of England; co-written with Tassa Deparis, Eloise Pennycott and Aisha Zia; directed by Emily Ling Williams; commissioned and produced by HighTide in association with Eastern Angles and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds; toured venues in the East of England in Autumn 2024 before transferring to The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe. Jab Play exploring power, gender, domestic violence, the limits of love and how COVID-19 lockdowns changed the marriage of an NHS worker and her anti-vaxxer husband; starring Kacey Ainsworth and Liam Tobin; directed by Scott Le Crass; produced at London's Finborough Theatre from 20th February - 16th March 2024; published by Samuel French; nominated for three Off West End Theatre Awards for Best New Play, Best Direction and Best Performance Duo; nominated for a London Pub Theatres Standing Ovation Award. ★★★★★ "'Jab' is going to be the COVID related play against which all others are measured" London Theatre 1 ★★★★ "If plays about the pandemic are somewhat inevitable, may they all be as sensitive and sensational as 'Jab'" All That Dazzles ★★★★ "In capturing one household’s experience of lockdown, McDermott has successfully captured the mood of the nation... ‘Jab’ is a Covid-era defining play" Theatre Weekly ★★★★ "McDermott's unique two-hander follows the breakdown of a relationship, and society, in tandem... The personal and the panoramic are mirrored effortlessly and it is impossible to remain unaffected by McDermott's writing" Spy In The Stalls ★★★★ “McDermott manages to fit the complex emotions that many of us are still trying to process into a deft and memorable 75 minutes… an important and timely reminder of the impact of COVID on our lives and our relationships” Everything Theatre 2023 Shanty Play exploring creativity, community and East of England identity through a family of Norfolk shanty singers; written on Mercury Theatre’s Playwrights Programme 2020; produced at Sheringham Little Theatre 8th-12th August 2023; directed by Marcus Romer. The play text is published by Polari Press and can be ordered here. Club Revoluton Play exploring life, love, work and ambitions for young Lutonians; commissioned by Revoluton Arts; produced by 1degreeEast; supported with funding from Arts Council England; produced at Marsh House, Luton on 18th-20th May 2023; directed by Chris Yarnell. Acid’s Reign Drag cabaret play exploring the impact of climate change on the queer community; starring Scarlett Harlett (RuPaul's Drag Race UK) and Son Of A Tutu (Everybody's Talking About Jamie Movie); supported with funding from Arts Council England and The Peggy Ramsay Foundation; researched & developed at Theatre Deli and Hampstead Theatre in October 2021; produced by Relish Theatre at London's Vaults Festival 14th-19th March 2023. ★★★★★ "McDermott's plot is clever and funny... Acid's Reign is one of the best drag shows I've seen and stands out as a highlight of Vault Festival" Centre Stage ★★★★ "This is a fun and funny show with an important message" The Reviews Hub "Acid's Reign is a very well written and funny play that succeeds in convincing its audience that the climate crisis is also a queer crisis" All That Dazzles "A brilliant show - funny, informative, entertaining and a feast for the eyes" Get The Chance "A cleverly written piece which brings an important topic to a well-receiving audience" Lost In Theatre Land Come To Where I'm From Monologue commissioned by Paines Plough as part of their Come To Where I'm From project; first read by James McDermott at The New Theatre Peterborough on 11th March 2023 as part of Paines Plough Open Writers Lab project. 2022 Time and Tide - East of England Tour 2022 East of England tour of the 2020 production that ran at Park Theatre; play exploring the lives of the staff of a crumbling caff on Cromer Pier; directed by Rob Ellis; co-produced by Relish Theatre and Norwich Theatre; toured East of England theatres September-October 2022. “It’s an engaging and emotional tale, and one we can all empathise with" Cultivated “It’s a charming tale based in Norfolk that will entertain you and make you think at the same time” Norfolk Local Guide “Whether you are Norfolk born and bred, from over the border in Suffolk or Essex, or perhaps like me, simply a big fan of James McDermott’s work, check your almanacs and pencil Time and Tide into your diary” Outline "Time and Tide was written by the brilliant James McDermott, who has proved himself again and again in writing beautiful stories... As a queer person myself who grew up in a small rural community, the story between the characters Daz and Nemo left me feeling utterly raw. As the lights dimmed at the end of the production, I felt like I had experienced something truly powerful" Norwich Live Boxers and Soxers Short play exploring a young gay couple's first time in real time; produced by Hive North; directed by Adam Zane; staged at The Lowry as part of OutStageUs 2022 on 27th-29th September 2022 . The Birds And The Bees Relocation to East Anglia of Mark Crawford's Canadian play 'The Birds And The Bees'; commissioned by New Wolsey Ipswich; co-produced by New Wolsey, Norwich Theatre, Theatre Royal BSE and John Stalker Productions; directed by Pete Rowe; touring the East of England in Spring 2022; set to tour the UK from 2023. ★★★★★ "Razor-sharp steamy and sexually charged comedy" WhatsOnStage "A gentle piece about love, lust, family and farming. This comedy is as sweet as honey... the cast are the bees knees' The Times "This is one of the best shows I have seen for a long time and I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up touring the UK" Eastern Daily Press "The Birds and The Bees showcases everything wonderful about Norfolk and its people" Norfolk Live "The audience were laughing along from start to end" Ipswich24 2021 Robin Good: The Politico-Panto Political LGBTQ themed pantomime commissioned and produced by Norwich Playhouse; directed by Chris Cuming; ran at Norwich Playhouse 8th-19th December 2021. "A 90 minute romp of wry non-stop gags from the acerbic pen of McDermott, Robin Good is a delightful tongue-in-cheek view of the modern world" Outline Magazine "A clever storyline by James McDermott... there are plenty of local gags and lots of favourite panto fun. It certainly makes you think about how society is changing and yes, our traditional cultural outlets need to reflect this" Lynn News "An alternative panto wrapped around a political leadership battle... ninety minutes of politically infused witty satire, local humour and diversity" Grapevine Live “The success of Robin Good lies in its uniquely queer perspective. Ultimately, it felt that everyone had left the show with something on their mind, something to think about other than just the jokes. I would call that a tremendous success on the writer’s part” The Norwich Radical Fluid In development; play exploring the impact of COVID lock-down on queer people isolating in rural areas with bigoted families; supported with funding from Arts Council England; commissioned by Eastern Angles; directed by Scott Hurran; researched and developed at Sir John Mills Theatre Ipswich in October 2021. Dark Sky Reserves A play exploring sleep and dreams written from workshops with New Wolsey's Youth Theatre; commissioned by New Wolsey; produced at New Wolsey August 2021. Big Skies A play exploring the ambitions and frustrations of young people in Suffolk; co-written with Atiha Sen Gupta; commissioned by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds; supported with funding from Arts Council England; produced by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds in July 2021. April 2020 Short play commissioned by Menagerie Theatre Company as part of their Covid Connections project in which 12 playwrights respond to the events of the lockdown; directed by Paul Bourne; produced at Menagerie's Hotbed Festival at Cambridge Junction in July 2021. Ghosted Promenade theatre piece fusing live action and technology to explore teenage lives in rural Norfolk; commissioned by St George's Theatre Great Yarmouth; directed by Marcus Romer; supported with funding from Arts Council England; produced at Sheringham Little Theatre and St George's Theatre Great Yarmouth in June 2021; revived at Great Yarmouth's Out There Street Art Festival in September 2021. Senseless Play using live action and VR technology; co-commissioned by Norwich Theatre Royal, Guildhall School Of Acting and UEA for UEA's Future and Form: 50th Anniversary of their Literature, Drama and Creative Writing Department; supported with funding from Arts Council England; streamed as part of Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May 2021. 2020 Daisy Copperfield Community theatre play based on the story of 'David Copperfield'; inspired by life on the Middlegate Estate in Great Yarmouth; commissioned by St George's Theatre, Great Yarmouth; supported with funding from Arts Council England; directed by Daisy Winchester; produced at St George's Theatre, Great Yarmouth in August 2020. Time and Tide Play exploring the lives of the staff of a crumbling caff on Cromer Pier; directed by Rob Ellis; produced at Park Theatre, London 5th-29th February 2020; published by Samuel French; nominated for two Off West End Theatre Awards for Best New Play and Best Supporting Performance (Elliot Liburd). ★★★★★ Boyz Magazine, The Gay UK, Pocket Size Theatre, The Review Chap ★★★★ Reviews Hub, Theatre News, London Theatre 1, The Upcoming, Everything Theatre, QX Magazine, Morning Star "Wonderful. Do not miss" Miriam Margoyles "Great show. Check it out people" Vinegar Strokes, star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK "Catch it if you can. So moving, funny, truthful and compelling. Beautifully performed by a wonderful cast of four superb actors" Stephen Fry 2019 CAMP! Cabaret play exploring fake news and the state-sanctioned anti-gay purges in Chechnya; co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre and Norwich Theatre Royal; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed at venues in the East and Soho Theatre; directed by Lucy Farrant and James McDermott. Spare Change Rehearsed reading of a play exploring the lives of the staff of a Sheringham amusement arcade; co-commissioned by HighTide and Eastern Angles; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed at HighTide Festival Aldeburgh in September 2019; directed by Scott Hurran. Justice 39 Street theatre exploring what young people in Luton would stand up for today; co-written with Roy Williams & Atiha Sen Gupta; co-commissioned by Luton Arts & Culture and Revoluton Arts as part of their People Power Passion project; performed on the streets of Luton; directed by Marcus Romer and Suzann McLean. Alternative Lowestoft Family street theatre exploring life in Lowestoft; commissioned by Marina Theatre Lowestoft; performed on the streets of Lowestoft; produced by Abbie Moore; directed by Danny O'Hara. Open Ramble East: Wysing Text for a queer walking tour about Wysing's queer history helping audiences re-see Wysing through a queer lens; co-commissioned by Ian Giles and originalprojects; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed on the streets of Wysing; directed by Ian Giles. Open Ramble East: Colchester Text for a queer walking tour about Colchester's queer history helping audiences re-see Colchester through a queer lens; co-commissioned by Ian Giles and originalprojects; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed on the streets of Colchester; directed by Ian Giles. Mixed Up Short play about music, mix tapes and trans identity; produced at INK Festival at The Cut Halesworth before a two week tour of East Anglia and a three week run at The Tristan Bates Theatre as part of INK's Feast From The East; directed by James Christopher. The Break Up Short play exploring how Brexit affects the lives of a mixed nationality gay couple; commissioned by Coast To Coast Theatre Company for their Last Night In Europe Event; produced at Norwich Arts Centre; directed by Charlie Douglas. Uniform Play for young people exploring gendered school uniform; commissioned by Oldham Coliseum as part of their Playwrights Partnership Scheme; produced at Oldham Coliseum over three nights by three different schools; directed by school drama teachers. Street Life Verbatim play exploring homelessness in Norfolk; commissioned by Norwich Theatre Royal; produced at NTR Stage Two; directed by Laila France and Darren France. 2018 Reveal Text for an active reality theatre installation; commissioned by Collusion; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed on the streets of King's Lynn throughout December; directed by Marcus Romer and Simon Poulter. Fifty Years Rehearsed reading of a play exploring fifty years of gay British history; produced at The Criterion Theatre in London's West End as part of their new writing showcase; directed by Nel Crouch. Click Theatre in education play exploring cyber bullying; commissioned by Access Community Trust and Suffolk Police; tour of several Suffolk schools; directed by Lee Johnson. Human Screens Text for an outdoor digital theatre installation exploring young people's lives in Bury St Edmunds; commissioned by Collusion and West Suffolk College; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed on the streets of Bury St Edmunds; directed by Marcus Romer. Based On A True Story Theatre in education play exploring diversity and bullying in schools; co-written with Rob Salmon; commissioned by New Wolsey; performed at New Wolsey and toured East Anglian schools; directed by Rob Salmon. Cinderella: A Museum Adventure Text for a dance drama piece exploring army life created with Legacy Dance Company, Norwich; commissioned by Matthew Bourne's New Adventures; performed at International War Museum Duxford; directed by Matthew Bourne's New Adventures. 2017 Love Me Tinder Short play exploring love in the age of dating apps; commissioned by Broken Silence Theatre Company; produced at The Old Red Lion Theatre; directed by Roman Berry. Fast Food Short play exploring gay hook ups; starred Jude Law; commissioned by Harts Theatre Company for Lyric Gala 2017; produced at Lyric Hammersmith; directed by Sean Holmes. Man Hug Short play exploring bromance; produced at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds; directed by David Whitney. Come Yew In: The Proud History of Strangers in Norwich Street theatre exploring the history of immigration in Norwich; co-written with Simon Floyd, Liam Offord & Mags Chalcraft; co-commissioned by The Common Lot and Norfolk County Council; supported with funding from Arts Council England; performed in several Norfolk theatres, parks and estates; directed by Simon Floyd. Out140: The Little Play of Coming Out Stories Verbatim play exploring coming out stories in Norfolk; co-written with Shelly Telly and Vince Laws; produced at Norfolk and Norwich Festival; directed by Shelly Telly. Ordinary Boys Short play exploring teenage life in Norfolk; produced in The Royal Court's bar as part of The Play List; directed by The Royal Court's Young Agitators. Steam Short play exploring teenage life in Norfolk; produced at Lyric Hammersmith as part of Hart's Festival New Writing Showcase; directed by Roy Alexander Weise. 2016 Rubber Ring Play exploring sexual and regional identity; produced at Pleasance Islington prior to a three year UK tour; directed by Siobhan James Elliot; published by Samuel French. ★★★★★ Boyz Magazine, London City Nights ★★★★ West End Wilma, Auditorium Magazine, LondonTheatre1, Hiive, Camden Review, Scatter of Opinion Bro’s Short play exploring bromance; commissioned by HighTide as part of their Writer's Academy; performed at HighTide Festival Aldeburgh; directed by Steven Atkinson. Hide Site-specific play exploring life on the RSPB Strumpshaw nature reserve; co-written with Steve Waters; co-commissioned by University of East Anglia and RSPB Strumpshaw; produced at RSPB Strumpshaw; directed by Steve Waters. Half A Person Play exploring sexual and regional identity; winner of UEA's Minotaur Theatre Company New Writing Competition 2015; produced at UEA Drama Studio; directed by Siobhan James Elliot and Jake Head. Audio Drama Writing Credits Mixed Up Audio drama exploring gender identity and the pop music; commissioned and produced by Pier Productions for BBC Radio 4's United Kingdoms; broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 31st January 2022. Listen here. Chemistry Audio drama co-commissioned by Menagerie Theatre Company and Cambridge University; produced October 2020. Short Film Writing Credits Clause Short film exploring the effects of Thatcher's Clause 28 bill on two gay school teachers in the 1980s; directed and produced by Scott Hurran. Nominated - Best East Anglian Film - Norwich Film Festival 2023 Official Selection & UK Premiere - BAFTA Qualifying Norwich Film Festival 2023 Official Selection and World Premiere - Italy Lover's Film Festival 2023 Official Selection - Queer Wave Cyprus LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2023 Official Selection - Beijing Queer Film Festival 2023 Official Selection - British Shorts Berlin 2024 Where's Steve? Starring Terry George and Leon Lopez; directed by Leon Lopez; produced by Brown Boy Productions in 2020; watch here. Paddy Starring Joe Allen; directed by Myriam Archaki; produced by Danusia Samal; released through The Guardian Online as part of Virtual Collaborators 2020; watch here. Web Series Writing Credits Cam Dram 5 x 10 minute webisodes; directed and produced by Amy Hendry. Distancing 6 x 4 minute webisodes; starring Kane Surry & Elliot Hadley; directed by Leon Lopez; produced and released by Brown Boy Productions; watch here. Education & Training EastEnders Writers Shadow Scheme 2021 @ BBC Studios BBC Studios Talentworks Sketch Comedy Writing Intensive 2021 Mercury Theatre Playwrights Development Programme 2020 - mentored by Kenny Emson HighTide First Commissions Scheme 2019 – mentored by Jonathan Harvey Hampstead Theatre’s Inspire: The Next Playwright Program 2019 – mentored by Roy Williams Park Theatre’s Script Accelerator Program 2018 @ Park Theatre, London Hat Trick Productions Your Voice Your Story TV Comedy Writing Initiative @ Hat Trick Productions Criterion Theatre New Writing Group 2018 @ Criterion Theatre - mentored by Greg Mosse The Royal Court Writers’ Group 2017 @ Royal Court – mentored by Tom Wells Papatango Playwriting Program 2017 @ Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Soho Theatre’s Writers Lab 2016-2017 @ Soho Theatre, London BFI East of England Talent Development Scheme 2016 @ The Writers Centre, Norwich HighTide Theatre Company’s Young Writers Academy 2016 @ HighTide Theatre Company MA in Scriptwriting (Distinction) @ University of East Anglia (2015-2016) Winner of The Malcolm Bradbury MA in Scriptwriting Bursary 2015 First Class BA Hons in Scriptwriting & Performance @ University of East Anglia (2012-2015) |
