Robert Evans (writer)

Robert Neil Evans (born 30 April 1976) is a Welsh playwright^[1] and actor.

Born in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, in southeast Wales, he graduated in English and publishing at Oxford Brookes University, completed a postgraduate degree in English and drama at Cardiff University, then trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama where he gained his masters. In 2002, he began writing professionally. His first play, Leslie's Electric Video, was developed by Sgript Cymru in 2002. Mary's in the Shed was produced and published by the same company in 2003. His first TV comedy miniseries, The Watkins Report, was produced by Bethan Jones and directed by Rhys Powys for BBC 2W in 2005. In 2007, Evans's comedy mockumentary series, Cynthia, was produced and directed by Gareth Gwenlan for BBC Wales. He also wrote for the hit BBC One sitcom Green Green Grass and edited the script for the new series of the BAFTA and RTS award-winning children's comedy Young Dracula (also for BBC One).

CBBC, BAFTA and Starz

In 2010, a series of thirteen 30 minute episodes of Evans' sitcom, Sadie J, was commissioned by CBBC. Series one of Sadie J began transmitting on 14 January 2011 at 5.25pm on the CBBC Channel. The show was nominated for a children's BAFTA^[1] in the best comedy category in the same year. Series two started on 25 January 2012, also on CBBC. Series three was commissioned shortly afterwards and began transmitting in January 2013. This brings the total episode count to 39. In September 2012, it was announced that Sadie J had been sold to the US cable channel Starz. The series began transmitting there in Autumn 2013. Evans is also an actor and has made several cameo appearances in the show as Captain Skylo, star of the fictional TV sci-fi show Space Cargo.

Stella and Ruth Jones

In January 2011, Evans revealed in an interview with The Western Mail that he had been commissioned to write two episodes of Stella, a new comedy drama created by and starring Ruth Jones of Gavin & Stacey. Following the success of the first series of Stella, a second series was commissioned in January 2012 and televised in January 2013. Series three was televised in January 2014. Evans has been part of the writing team on every series thus far. He also appears in the series (from season two onwards) as the funeral director, Gwyn Thomas. Now in its sixth season, the series has becomes a bona fide hit with critics and audiences alike. It has also won multiple BAFTA awards, along with being nominated for RTS and Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

Edge of Heaven

On 20 June 2013, it was reported in Broadcast, the TV industry magazine, that Evans has created, written and will appear in his own series of six 60-minute shows for ITV. The show is called Edge of Heaven and is set in a 1980s inspired B&B in Margate. Camille Coduri from Dr Who will play the B&B landlady Judy, with Nitin Kundra from Celebrity Juice as her husband Tandeep and Blake Harrison from Inbetweeners as her son Alfie. After being jilted by his bride-to-be at the altar, Alfie turns to his family for support - including his nanny Mo, played by Marcia Warren; his sister Ann Marie, played by Laura Checkley; and his uncles, played by Gavin & Stacey's Adrian Scarborough and writer Robert Evans.

Disney and Miranda Hart

After writing on the hit Disney series 'The Lodge' in 2016, Evans teamed up with comedy writer and star Miranda Hart to create a show for Disney Europe. It was announced on 13 February 2017 on the British Comedy Guide website that Evans and Hart had collaborated on a ten part comedy series. Miranda Hart says of the show: "I hope kids everywhere will be enchanted by lovely, funny Sammy who gets herself in to many silly scrapes and adventures, much to our delight. With the show set in the intriguing world of tween vlogging, it is a perfect fit that So Sammy has its platform on the Disney Channel app." This is the first time Disney have commissioned original content for their app. Helene Etzi from the company says: "The series demonstrates our commitment to creating shows that resonate with our local audiences and are made in a format that is convenient for them, whether that's in the comfort of their own home or while they're on the go."

Eastenders and S4C film

In 2018, Evans joined the writing team for the iconic, multiple award-winning continuing drama, Eastenders. In the same year he was commissioned to write his first feature-length film script for the Welsh language TV channel S4C. The 90 minute film, Pluen Eira (Snow Feather), stars Matthew Gravelle and Kate Jarman and made its debut on Christmas Day 2018. The film was chosen to close out the Into Film Festival in Cardiff. S4C's content commissioner, Amanda Rees, said: "We are very proud of the film Pluen Eira that traces the history of Clive and Rhi, and their first Christmas with their new son Frank, who is eleven years old. This is a lovely family movie that is sure to bring a smile to the face and a tear to the eye.” Non Stevens, head of Into Film Cymru said "This is a magical ending to a special Festival. I’m very grateful to Boom Cymru and S4C for realising our dream.” The film was also included in Wales online's list of "The Top Christmas TV for 2018".

Secret Life of Boys, International EMMY Nomination

In 2017, Evans joined the writing team for the BAFTA and RTS award-winning television show Secret Life of Boys. The show, created by Anthony Q Farrell, is about Ginger Boxwell, who flies from Australia to the UK to live with her four chaotic cousins whom she's never met before. It is broadcast on CBBC and ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company). In 2019 Evans was part of the writing team for Season 2, which was nominated for a Kids International EMMY.

Princess Mirror-Belle and Julia Donaldson

In 2020, Evans was commissioned by the BBC to adapt Julia Donaldson's popular book series Princess Mirror-Belle. The live action drama follows Ellen and her mischievous mirror double, a magical princess from another land called Mirror-Belle, who often leaves a trail of chaos in her wake. Based on the best-selling Princess Mirror-Belle books by the renowned author, this 13-part series will feature both new adventures and classic stories from the books. Evans wrote 5 of the 13 episodes, including the launch episode and the finale. The series was to be filmed in the Summer of 2020, but the shoot was moved to the Autumn due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to hit screens in early 2021.

References

^ ^a ^b "BAFTA Awards Search | BAFTA Awards". Retrieved 7 July 2014.

Sources

[bafta-1] "BAFTA Awards Search | BAFTA Awards". Retrieved 7 July 2014.

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