Biography
Michael Bartlett: Novelist and Playwright.
The story of
Michael Bartlett
I have been a professional writer for over 50 years. I sold my first play to BBC Radio 4 back in 1973 and since then I have written many plays for radio, television and the theatre. However, I am probably best known for The Archers (Radio 4), Rainbow (Thames TV) and Jackanory (BBC). One radio play, There’s A Slight Depression Centred Over Britain, won an IBA/Radio Clyde drama award and my stage version of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, designed for a cast of only 4 actors, toured very successfully in the south of England in 2005.
During the years when I was reliant on writing to earn a living I also wrote scripts for business training, open and distance learning courses and promotional material.
In other parts of my professional life I have been:
- Director in BBC Children's Television
- Producer in BBC Schools Radio
- Producer and Editor in BBC Radio Drama
- Programme Controller of a commercial radio station
- Production Director of an audio production company
- Editor of an audio book publishing company
I have also been the Chairman of The Children’s Film Unit, Chairman of Factotum Theatre Company and on the board of the Attic Theatre, Wimbledon.
I have been a member of The Writers’ Guild Of Great Britain since 1975 and am now a Life Member.
After retiring I turned to writing novels and short stories, something that would not have been financially viable in my pre-pension days. To date I have had 8 books published with two more in the pipeline.
