Guess who's a fan of Dean Morris Cards? Read our special interview with Jonathan Harvey
What is your background?
I come from Liverpool. My Dad was a Social Worker and my Mum was a nurse. I have an elder brother who is a music teacher now.
You use to be a teacher, at what point did you decide to become a writer full time?
I had my first play on when I was at University, and kept having plays on during my shortlived teaching career in Thamesmead, South East London. I gave up teaching at Christmas 1992 and went on the dole. I gave myself a target of having a play on in London within two years. Two years later I had two on in the West End at the same time!
After writing the play ‘Beautiful Thing’ you helped a lot of people come out, what was your own experience like?
All very positive. My Mum and Dad were brilliant, as was my brother. I was very lucky. Even during the times they might have struggled with it, I was always assured that they still loved me.
What is your favourite pass time?
Walking my dogs Dusty and Mr Chips. Either that or watching the Eurovision Song Contest.
What is you favourite Dean Morris Card?
The one with the two women on that says WE LOVE MINGE.
You write for Coronation Street, and you recently wrote the Coronation Play to celebrate its 50th anniversary, who is you favourite all time character?
Blanche Hunt. She said the unsayable with the privilege of old age.
If you could work with any actor, who would it be?
Julie Walters. Love the truthfulness of her portrayals.
Describe your perfect day?
Sleeping. Watching crap telly. More sleeping.
How would you describe your personality?
Borderline.
What inspires you?
Anyone who makes me laugh.
Have you sent a Dean Morris card to anyone? What was the card and to who?
I sent the WE LOVE MINGE card to Antony Cotton from Coronation Street this week as he and his fella had put me up for the night so I was saying thank you.
What is your favourite shop?
Eurovision Memorabilia – it only exists in my mind.
What are you working on now?
Today, a new sitcom for the BBC.
I come from Liverpool. My Dad was a Social Worker and my Mum was a nurse. I have an elder brother who is a music teacher now.
You use to be a teacher, at what point did you decide to become a writer full time?
I had my first play on when I was at University, and kept having plays on during my shortlived teaching career in Thamesmead, South East London. I gave up teaching at Christmas 1992 and went on the dole. I gave myself a target of having a play on in London within two years. Two years later I had two on in the West End at the same time!
After writing the play ‘Beautiful Thing’ you helped a lot of people come out, what was your own experience like?
All very positive. My Mum and Dad were brilliant, as was my brother. I was very lucky. Even during the times they might have struggled with it, I was always assured that they still loved me.
What is your favourite pass time?
Walking my dogs Dusty and Mr Chips. Either that or watching the Eurovision Song Contest.
What is you favourite Dean Morris Card?
The one with the two women on that says WE LOVE MINGE.
You write for Coronation Street, and you recently wrote the Coronation Play to celebrate its 50th anniversary, who is you favourite all time character?
Blanche Hunt. She said the unsayable with the privilege of old age.
If you could work with any actor, who would it be?
Julie Walters. Love the truthfulness of her portrayals.
Describe your perfect day?
Sleeping. Watching crap telly. More sleeping.
How would you describe your personality?
Borderline.
What inspires you?
Anyone who makes me laugh.
Have you sent a Dean Morris card to anyone? What was the card and to who?
I sent the WE LOVE MINGE card to Antony Cotton from Coronation Street this week as he and his fella had put me up for the night so I was saying thank you.
What is your favourite shop?
Eurovision Memorabilia – it only exists in my mind.
What are you working on now?
Today, a new sitcom for the BBC.
