Two award winning writers from the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University discuss the BBC ‘Small Axe’ series of films currently being screened on the BBC.

Award-winning author Alex Wheatle MBE worked as a Special Consultant in the Writing Room for the acclaimed BBC TV series ‘Small Axe’, directed by Oscar-winning Steve McQueen. Alex is also a lecturer in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, based in the Manchester Writing School and an active researcher in the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies.

Alex and Tony Award-winning playwright and Manchester Writing School professor Simon Stephens, will explore the significance and achievement of the ‘Small Axe’ series, giving first-hand insight into the writing process. Simon will also explore Alex’s own story, which is the focus of the fourth film in the series.

The critically acclaimed ‘Small Axe’ series is available to watch on the BBC i-player. The ‘Alex Wheatle’ episode screens on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday 6th December.

This event is suitable for adults and also YA readers, anyone interested in the writing process and/or the themes touched on by the series. Teachers may wish to recommend it to their pupils. A resource to support classroom engagement with the series, including links to essays and articles relevant to the BLM movement will be provided to all who register for the event.