As part of the school’s sponsorship of the Ilkley Literature Festival, renowned British writer, musician, and director Jeremy Dyson visited to share his journey into the world of writing. Best known as a co-creator of The League of Gentlemen and co-writer of the hugely successful play Ghost Stories, Jeremy captivated students with insights into his career, his writing approach, and the creative process.
The workshop, designed specifically for Sixth Form English students, gave them the opportunity to learn directly from Jeremy’s extensive experience. He spoke candidly about the hurdles he faced while trying to make his mark in the industry, highlighting the struggles many writers encounter when starting out. Jeremy addressed common challenges, such as self-doubt and writer’s block, and offered practical advice for overcoming them. “A well-kept journal is the key to writer’s block. It’s the single most powerful tool as a writer,” he said, encouraging students to develop habits that nurture creativity.
Jeremy Dyson stands showing the pupils his personal journal.
Jeremy also discussed the power of comedy writing as a way of processing life’s difficulties, sharing personal stories of how he draws from real-life experiences. One particularly memorable example was the fate of his childhood pet tortoise, which met an unfortunate end. Jeremy explained how he turned this upsetting event into a comedic horror scene, creating a character—a veterinarian who unintentionally kills every animal he treats. In one scene, the veterinarian tries a new method to treat an elderly woman’s tortoise, with comically disastrous results. “A bit of truth at the heart of it brings the scene to life,” Jeremy noted.
Jeremy shares the tortoise scene from The League of Gentlemen.
The creative writing workshop was a highlight, guiding students on how to unlock their own storytelling potential using tools like mind mapping and drawing on their personal experiences. Jeremy emphasised the importance of boldness and self-discovery in writing. When asked for advice on breaking into the industry, he said, “Find out who you are—that process never really stops. You start by reading, anything, and everything. Learn and pay attention to what you love. Be bold in trial and error, tune into your passion, and understand who you are.”
He also encouraged students to discover their own voice by exploring films and literature that deeply resonate with them. “Writing is based on what you love,” Jeremy explained, adding that by following what excites or moves them, writers will naturally find their unique style. “Learn what you love and become a scholar at it” he advised.
Jeremy’s visit left a lasting impression on the Sixth Form pupils, many of whom left the workshop feeling inspired to continue developing their writing skills and pursue their creative ambitions.
We extend our thanks to Jeremy Dyson for taking the time to visit BGS and sharing his insights and experiences with our students. His passion for storytelling and dedication to nurturing young writers will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of creative talent.
“Learn what you love and become a scholar at it.”
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