Robin French

Robin French
Born	Robin Edward Mackender French 1978 (age 45–46) Birmingham,England
Occupation(s)	Playwright, writer

Robin French(born 1978,Birmingham) is an English playwright, film and television writer and songwriter.

Background

French's father is English, his mother is from Barbados.French studied modern and medieval languages atSelwyn College, Cambridge,where he graduated with first-class honours in 2001.While at Cambridge he was active in the CambridgeFootlightsand won two play-writing competitions.

Career

Television

French's sitcomCuckoo,co-created and co-written withKieron Quirkestarted to air onBBC ThreeandBBC Onein 2012,with the second series in 2014 and the third series in 2016.The series launch became BBC Three's most-watched comedy launch, beating the record set byBad Educationwhich debuted the previous month. Greg Davies was nominated for aBAFTAfor Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme, for his role inCuckoo.At theBritish Comedy Awards,Cuckoowas nominated for Best New Comedy Programme and Greg Davies was nominated for Best TV Comedy Actor. "Cuckoostars:Andy Samberg(first series only),Greg Davies,Taylor Lautner(second series onwards),Helen Baxendale,Esther Smith(second series onwards),Tyger Drew-HoneyandTamla Kari(first series only).

French has twice been awarded the title of Hotshot (representing UK writing) byBroadcastmagazine(2006 and 2008). He was writer and script editor for two series ofBBC'sMan Stroke WomanstarringNick Frost,Nicholas Burns (actor),Amanda AbbingtonandDaisy Haggard.He was co-creator of (ABC Family) US sitcomRoommates,and co-creator and co-writer ofITV2's mystery dramedyTrinitystarringCharles DanceandClaire Skinner.

Film

French's film Crocodile, directed by Gaelle Denis, was selected for Cannes Critics’ Week 2014 and won the Canal Plus Award at the2014 Cannes Film Festival.It was nominated by BIFA for Best British Short 2014. It was winner of the Signis Prize at Guanajuato International Film Festival, Mexico 2014. It was winner of the Channel 4 Best Short Film Award at Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival 2014

French's short film Groove is in the Heart, directed by Bijan Sheibani, was produced by The Guardian and The Royal Court Theatre.It was subsequently selected as part of the BFI film season 2015.

French is currently writing a film about David Bowie and Iggy Pop's time in Berlin.

Theatre

French is currently writer in residence at theBirmingham Repertory Theatre.His version ofHenrik Ibsen'sHedda Gabler,"Heather Gardner", was produced byBirmingham Repertory Theatrein 2013.French's first play,Bear Hug,won theRoyal Court TheatreYoung Writers Programme and was subsequently produced at the theatre. It has since had productions in Italy, Germany, Irelandand Poland. His second play,Gilbert is Deadperformed atHoxton Hallin Shoreditch, London, in November 2009. His play for young peopleThe Red Helicopterwas performed at theAlmeidatheatre, London, in August 2010. The Guardianlisted French as one of the UK's "young stars in the ascendant" in 2005.

French's playCrooked Dances,inspired by the music ofErik Satie,played at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, in 2019.

Music

French spent several years as the bassist of UK bandMr Hudson and the Library.French played under the alias Maps Huxley, and co-wrote the song "One Specific Thing" from the albumA Tale of Two Cities.He left the band to pursue writing in September 2007. He co-wrote the opening song ofPixie Lott's latest albumYoung Foolish HappywithMr Hudson,Cathy DennisandPixie Lott.