Mike Bartlett

Mike Bartlett is an award winning playwright and screenwriter for film and TV series. He is known for his clever examinations of British society. He grew up in Abingdon and attended Abingdon School, where he first developed an interest in theatre. Despite not coming from a family involved in the arts, Bartlett was inspired by the creative atmosphere at his school.

Bartlett’s initial exposure to contemporary theatre came when he saw Mark Ravenhill‘s provocative play Shopping and Fucking (1996), which significantly influenced his desire to pursue theatre professionally. He later studied English and Theatre Studies at Leeds University, where his frustration with the lack of contemporary, relevant plays led him to start writing his own.

After moving to London, Bartlett joined the Royal Court Theatre’s Young Writers Programme in 2003, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of established playwrights like Simon Stephens. His breakthrough came in 2007 with My Child, staged at the Royal Court, which showcased his ability to blend personal and political themes with formal inventiveness.

Bartlett’s works often explore major societal issues with a mix of wit, daring, and audacity. His notable plays include Cock (2009), a powerful exploration of identity and sexuality, Earthquakes in London (2010) staged at the National Theatre, and King Charles III (2014), a speculative piece about the British monarchy that won the Olivier Award for Best New Play.

In addition to his theatre work, Bartlett has written extensively for television, including the widely successful series Doctor Foster (2015-2017) and Press (2018). His writing is characterised by its incisive dialogue, intricate character studies, and the ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Mike Bartlett was appointed as an Associate Playwright at the Royal Court in 2024, a role that involves engaging in creative leadership of the theatre, contributing to the development of the theatre’s artistic programming, and supporting emerging writers.

In 2017, Mike Bartlett spoke to Simon Stephens on the Royal Court’s Playwrights Podcast S2 Ep 6.