Sally Wainwright

The first comprehensive study of Sally Wainwright, this book examines the celebrated British screenwriter, director and producer through the lens of feminist television criticism and the concept of emotion, offering a detailed exploration of Wainwright's significant contributions to British television drama.

Drawing on original interview material with Wainwright, the book opens with a biographical overview, situating Wainwright's work and sensibilities in Northern England alongside other Northern women writers such as Kay Mellor and Lynda La Plante. A central focus of the study is Wainwright's creation of heroic female characters, exemplified by Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley and Janet Scott and Rachel Bailey in Scott & Bailey. The book focuses extensively on the global success of Gentleman Jack, not only considering the contribution Wainwright has made to feminist and lesbian history but also the impact the series had on its fans through a discussion on Gentleman Jack Changed My Life. The book concludes by examining Wainwright's structuring of 'home' in both regional and national contexts.

Essential reading for scholars of feminist television, British television, and drama, as well as fans of Sally Wainwright, this book illuminates how Wainwright's influential work engages with and contributes to feminist discourse in television.

About the author

Beth Johnson is a Lecturer in Television and Film Studies at Keele University

Product details

• Authors: Kristyn Gorton, Kristyn Johnson Gorton, Beth Johnson
• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 29.07.2025
• EAN: 9781526142870
• ISBN: 978-1-5261-4287-0
• No. of pages: 240
• Series: The Television Series
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Theatre, ballet; Television, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Entertainment & Performing Arts, PERFORMING ARTS / Television / Direction & Production, Film, TV & radio, Film, TV and Radio industries, Individual Film Directors, Film-Makers