Penelope Skinner

Penelope Skinner is a British playwright known for her exploration of topics of gender roles, societal expectations, and the complexities of modern life. Raised in Surrey, Skinner began her career in theatre after studying at the University of Edinburgh. Skinner’s first play, Fucked, was produced in 2008 at the Old Red Lion Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival to critical acclaim. Her breakthrough came with The Village Bike (2011), which was staged at the Royal Court Theatre and received widespread acclaim for its candid, darkly humorous portrayal of female sexuality and desire. The play earned her the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright and established her as one of the leading voices of her generation.

Skinner’s other works include Linda (2015), a play about a successful woman in her fifties confronting ageism and sexism, and Angry Alan (2018), a dark comedy that examines toxic masculinity and the men’s rights movement. Her writing is known for its wit, emotional depth, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. Skinner has also worked in television, contributing to series such as Fresh Meat and The Secrets.