Writer and Script Consultant
"Her passion for helping people discover the best their scripts can be is unlike anything I’ve seen and shows in every note she gives you."
Khiyon Hursey, Writer and Composer. Hamilton (Broadway), Spirited (Apple TV+), Soundtrack (Netflix).
WHat I do
I am a passionate storyteller with over 15 years of industry experience working as a writer and script consultant based in London, working with writers across the UK and internationally. (or script doctor if you’re near a deadline and you genuinely see it as an emergency service!). I work on a variety of scripts, from TV and film to radio, theatre and stand-up comedy, collaborating with both established talent and those beginning their writing journey. I give notes on story, structure, character and dialogue. I punch up scripts, I ask questions to help writers find the best way to tell their story and lend my writing skills to help solve problems as they arise.
How am I different?
I know it’s what they all say but … I’m not like other script consultants.
My contribution to each project is tailored to the needs of the individual and their work. Some people come to me a couple of days before a show or a deadline (and as someone with ADHD, this is often where I thrive!). Others come at the script development stage and we go on a journey to discover what the script truly is. And then there’s everything in between.
I highlight what’s working brilliantly in a script and where more development may be needed. The notes I give are considered and always lead with empathy. Every note is delivered in a way that I’d be happy to receive it myself, and every writer's script receives the same care, rigour and passion that I bring to my own.
My notes are followed by one-on-one sessions (via zoom or in person) where the writer can ask questions, work through challenges, brainstorm ideas and workshop dialogue or scene rewrites. Notes should be a positive part of the process—they exist to make the work stronger. And if something isn’t working, that’s simply a puzzle that we solve together.
"Nobody writes anything on their own. It’s one of the biggest and most frustrating myths in the industry."
Credits
"No two writers are ever going to write the same script - it’s about collaboration not competition"
I started writing and performing my own comedy sketches in Barry, South Wales. It was when Ruth Jones came across them (via a DVD I’d sent to her production company) that my professional career in comedy was kickstarted. I appeared in Gavin and Stacey (BBC) and Stella (Sky One). This was followed by the development of an original comedy pilot, The Sicilians, co-written with Francois Pandolfo and Ben Tyreman for BBC Wales Television.
My debut play Foiled, co-written with David Charles in 2016 (“The perfect comedy,” Critics’ Pick, 5★, The Stage) was later commissioned for radio. The award nominated sitcom Foiled, Starring me, David Oakes and Stephanie Siadatan, ran for four series and hosted appearances from a plethora of stars including Miles Jupp, Derek Jacobi, Felicity Montagu, Vicky Vox, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Ralf Little.
I spent 2017 as part of the BBC’s Comedy Room, the network’s development programme for comedy writers. Some of my recent and current projects include the development of my first feature film with Mark Gordon Pictures, writing for TV sketch show Mitchell and Webb Need Help (Channel 4) and directing comedian Tom Ward’s new stand up hour Post Millenium Tension. Some of my past writing credits include Brought Up (an original TV sitcom pilot commissioned and developed by Mark Gordon Pictures), The Skewer (Radio 4), Pillar of Salt (Radio 4), Welcome Strangers (BBC Radio Wales), for which I am a lead writer and performer.
I have co-written two West End shows premiering at the Vaudeville Theatre —Alyssa Edwards: Memoirs of a Queen (Ru Pauls Drag Race, Netflix, Dancing Queen) and Legends of Lockdown, Live! starring Sean Burke, Rob Madge, Rosie Holt and Austyn Farrell.
As a script consultant and director, some of the talent I’ve most recently worked with includes Tom Ward (QI, Live at the Apollo), Divina De Campo (The Voice, RuPaul’s Drag Race), Ash Holme (1.3m+ Tik Tok; Antics With Ash Podcast), Freya Mallard (100k+ TikTok, Leicester Square New Comedian Finalist) and Tom Price (Torchwood, Magic FM).
Since stepping back from the acting game, I like to stay sharp by running and hosting my own semi-regular comedy night, Forced Fun, at the London Welsh Centre. I regularly perform at live readings of new comedy scripts at Soho House’s ‘Scripted Hot Seat’ event. I also write and perform live comedy sketches with Garnon Davies, appearing at The Glee Club, Backyard Comedy and London Welsh Centre.
"Beth is a unique combination of visionary and collaborator. She would be an asset to any writer or production company savvy enough to work with her"
Ralf Little, Actor, Writer.
The Royle Family (BBC), Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (BBC), The Cafe (SKY ONE), Death in Paradise (BBC).
Testimonials
Beth is an expert on character and comedy. She improved my script leaps and bounds through her abilities to incorporate her comedy expertise line by line while giving detailed feedback on character arcs. She's able to quickly identify the strong points of a script and help you uplift and lean into them and your personal voice. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for thoughtful, care-filled feedback. Her passion for helping people discover the best their scripts can be is unlike anything I've seen and shows in every note she gives you.
Khiyon Hursey, Writer and Composer. Hamilton (Broadway), Spirited (Apple TV+), Soundtrack (Netflix)
Beth Has completely opened up the pathway for me to be able to write a show. When I started working with her I was very lost in the process. Too many ideas and not enough jokes or really any idea of how to craft a show. Her insights, hints, tips and overall energy has been so supportive and useful. In a really short space of time she managed to pull out the threads that connected my ideas and help me to weave them back together into a show that made sense and had a clear direction. I cannot recommend Beth's help enough! She really supercharged my material and helped to edit and refine it into something I was proud to put on stage.
Divina DiCampo, Drag Queen and Singer. RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
From the moment I started working with Beth, I couldn't believe I had spent so long trying to do it alone. Beth is not only a brilliant comedy writer with impeccable timing and incredible instincts, she also has a rare gift for understanding a performer's voice. She instinctively knew what I wanted to say and then pushed me to take it further. She taught me how to better shape my stories with a clearer comedic flow, funnier punchlines, and clever callbacks. Working with Beth has strengthened my confidence as a performer. When I step on stage now, I know the script is solid because we've worked through every line, every beat, every moment. Her insight and instincts have made me a better writer and performer, and I simply wouldn't approach my shows the same way without her. She is an invaluable collaborator….and hands down the funniest and best comedy writer I know.
Tori Scott, Actor, Singer, Comedian. Better Nate Than Never (Disney+), Guys & Dolls (Bridge Theatre), The Cher Show (UK Tour).
I have worked with Beth on scripts ranging from sketches to sitcoms and her insight, experience and talent is always invaluable. She does much more than add or punch up jokes (she does that as well obviously) but she has a holistic approach to anything she works on. She'll unpick a script, identifying any logic problems, plot holes, inconsistencies, and really interrogate in a way that never fails to enrich it, draft after draft. On top of this, she's a joy to work with.
Dan Thomas, Comedian, Writer, Director. The Trick (BBC), Keeping Faith (BBC), Beena and Amrit (BBC).
When Beth Granville asked me to record a guest appearance on her hit radio show Foiled, I was delighted, as I was a fan of the show already. What I hadn't banked on was her incredible creative energy, always coming up with new ideas and making smart and subtle changes (to an already fantastic script), and moreover having an absolute willingness to hear ideas from other cast members and collaborate effortlessly without ever being precious about her work. Such generosity is not too common in my experience and her ability to take on other creative viewpoints without compromising her vision was beyond impressive. So much so that I soon asked her to work with me on a pilot that had been picked up by a production company and required a new draft. The experience of writing with her followed the same pattern as acting on Foiled. Her abilities to spot narrative inconsistencies, to punch up jokes, to view a tricky beat through a different and original lens, are second to none. In short, Beth is a unique combination of visionary and collaborator, who is equally at home working on overarching narrative or the fine detailed cadence of a punchline. And that's without even mentioning her skills as a comic performer! She would be an asset to any writer or production savvy enough to work with her.
Ralf Little, Actor, Writer. The Royle Family (BBC), Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (BBC), The Cafe (SKY ONE), Death in Paradise (BBC).
Beth has collaborated with us on a number of high-profile projects. She has an incredible energy with an undeniable passion for stories and comedy. Her writing is astute, hilarious and urgent. Beth is truly a joy to collaborate with and is always willing & eager to guide others through the writing, dramaturgical and development process. We'd highly recommend Beth and look forward to working with her again soon.
James Quaife and Robin Rayner for New Frame Productions. Stephen Bartlett: Diary of a CEO. West End Acoustic.
Beth's knowledge of story and structure is second-to-none. Her notes are invaluable and fixed numerous problems I was having with my script. She has a proper writing brain and I'm annoyed most days how talented she is.
Robin Morgan. Comedian, Writer, Actor. Mock The Week (BBC Two), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Mash Report (BBC Two), 8 Out of 10 Cats (C4), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).
As a new writer, with little more than a passion for writing in one hand and a concept in the other Beth has eloquently guided me through the journey of script writing from story structure, to characterisation, to plot development. Each session tailored to my individual need, with a clear plan of next steps. Beth has the ability to prise out a deeper level to your writing, in a way that is both encouraging and motivating. Her love for story telling is contagious and with her experience and skills in the industry you know you're in safe hands. I feel extremely blessed to be mentored by Beth. She's a joy to work with and without whom I would have given up long ago.
Emma Booker - Writer.
I absolutely love working with Beth. Her insight with regard to what a sketch needs to make it work is lightning-quick and her characters are always hilarious. A joy to write and perform with and a brilliant addition to any writers room.
Jackson Davies. Writer, Comedian, Producer. BBC Radio 1, Apple Music.
Beth is simply incredible. Her notes and analysis are thorough, concise and more importantly, inspiring. As someone who dreads redrafting, Beth's feedback consistently encourages me to keep persevering and tinkering. As a comedy writer, I appreciate her impressive feedback, ability to punch up jokes and approach narrative from a different perspective. She is forever my first stop when rewriting.
Sian Harries, BAFTA nom Writer/Performer, Co-host The Froth Podcast, Writer Ch4's Man Down.
I first worked with Beth in 2014, when she acted in a sitcom I was directing. I was instantly struck by her pitch perfect timing, her ability to take a note, and her ideas which were clever, different and funny. Since that time I have been lucky enough to see her flourish as a writer, performer and creator. She's one of those lucky people who just gets comedy. Whether it's writing topical gags for my BBC panel show, if it's helping me plot a new sitcom just for a day, if it's taking my own stand-up material to a substantially better place: she's pretty much the definition of someone to have on speed-dial if you work in any element of the comedy industry. She knows how to generate funny, she knows how to manage the often perilous waters of working with other funny people, she knows how to take tired ideas and bring them back to the boil. There is, quite simply, no element of this business I wouldn't recommend her to have a significant and positive impact with. That combination of energy, enthusiasm and actually being funny is completely rare. You get the first two all the time, trust me, but to find someone who has all three has literally happened to me twice. And one of those was me.
Sian Harries, BAFTA nom Writer/Performer, Co-host The Froth Podcast, Writer Ch4's Man Down.
One thing that people forget when looking for a script consultant is to find someone who not only gives you intelligent, constructive feedback but who actually champions your ideas. Writing can be a slow, lonely and occasionally demoralising journey and you really need a cheerleader to help you get to the finish line. I promise you, Beth Granville is that cheerleader. She's wickedly funny, incredibly bright and I always walk away from script discussions feeling confident in my ideas with an armoury of brilliant new suggestions to climb up over that bastard wall that's in my way. Look, the girl knows script like the back of her hand - but working with someone, who after one session can make you feel like you know scripts and EVEN better … you know YOUR own script, well - that's priceless.
Olivia Nixon, Writer, Actress. Guilt Trip (BBC), Reluctant Persuaders (BBC), Script House 2019 global finalist.
Beth Granville is a treasure. She's the woman you want in your corner when it comes to crafting your best script. One of her many strengths is her attention to character. She tirelessly challenges the writer to find the most authentic, intelligent, concise dialogue to effortlessly bring your characters to life. She's like a wizard weaving story and theme together through the vehicle of character, elevating every moment with such ease as if it's magic. Beyond her writing talents, Beth is a true joy to work with. Her magnetic personality and charisma are contagious; she brings 110% of herself and her rich personal experience to the work. Her self-awareness and honesty created an instant trust and always created a safe space for our work together. She is a champion of great ideas, and I always felt we were in a beautiful collaboration together with no ego. Notes can be a painful experience for a writer, but with Beth, each session was joyful, and her creativity and collaboration always left me feeling inspired and ready to tackle the next draft. When working with Beth, I walked away with a refined shooting script and a lifelong friend. I'm looking forward to working with her again soon!
Tom Price, Radio Presenter, Actor, Stand-up Comedian. Magic Radio, Torchwood (BBC), Secret Diary of a Call Girl (ITV), Stella (SKY1), The Leak (BBC).
If you want to write the best, you have to hang with the best. Beth is the most talented writer I know and I plan to have her in my corner as a collaborator for the rest of my career. Not only has she improved my projects, working with her has equated to a masters program in writing. She truly loves the craft and has been observing and examining the intricate way humans interact and communicate for years. Her ability to recognize the truth is so acute, her taste level so refined, and her sense of humor so fresh she elevates every project she is working on. Her ability to be simultaneously kind and constructive is actual sorcery. Like, I don't know how she made me feel so capable from the beginning only to improve my projects so drastically by the end. Beth will always be my first call when I finish writing a draft. I trust her with my characters' lives.
Gabriel Notarangelo (Writer and Actor, LA.) Fomosexuals, The Sin Bin, The Party is Over, Bunheads.
Beth Granville is an exceptional collaborator with the energy, instincts and talent to take any project to the next level. As an LA-based Award Winning Writer, Director and Producer, I have worked with many script consultants, and Beth stands out for her ability to nurture a writer's voice while simultaneously strengthening the work. She is an invaluable creative partner.
Jess Berry, LA based Award Winning Writer, Director, Producer. Audience Choice Award at Academy-Award® Hoosier Films, Emmy® Nominated Hulu Original Documentary CHANGING THE GAME.
Services
I provide a tailored approach to helping you make your script as sensational on the page page as it is in your head.
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Detailed notes throughout your script.
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Suggestions for punch ups.
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A separate page of notes on structure, character and story.
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A video chat/phone call to discuss my notes, problem solve and make a plan of how to move forward with rewrites. (The aim is that you feel excited not daunted to go away and rewrite your script).
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Script development sessions which focus on story and characters.
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Back and forth notes on drafts.
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Mentoring.
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Proofreading.
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Pitch support.
Get in touch
If you would like to get in touch to book a free consultation to talk to me about what your script needs please get in touch using the button below!
For any writers' rooms or co-writing enquiries please contact my agent Marc Simonsson at MMB Creative marc@mmbcreative.com
