Oxford Writers' House Talks

The event showcases the best of Oxford’s writing. Gathering together tales from all over the globe, of tradition, family, darkness, light and celebration.

An insightful discussion between comedy writer John Osborne and ex-Head of BBC Radio Comedy, Jane Berthoud. The two worked together closely from the start of John's radio career. John was scouted at Edinburgh Festival, and adapted his scripts for a highly successful radio comedy. In a discussion, Jane and John lookes at two distinctive perspectives of comedy, and discussed the relationship between writer and commissioning editor. They also talked about getting your script read, what editors look for in comedy, and how writing for radio differs from writing for print or television.

Dr Eleni Philippou, Leah Broad, Theophilus Kwek and James Watt in conversation. The Oxford Culture Review kicks off a new academic year with our Autumn event, Critical Writing! Good writing is ‘critical’ in both senses: as a vehicle of informed cultural opinion; and as a necessary response to fast-moving news cycles. An informal discussion on the question, ‘What makes good academic criticism?’ This journal’s largest section is dedicated to reviews, and in this talk we focus on how to apply academic expertise – and good, clear writing – to works of art, literature, music, theatre, and scholarship. We’ll also hear from practitioners (active across the fields of poetry, translation, music, drama, and criticism) about how best to frame a truly constructive review.

Award-winning author Mark Haddon discusses his writing process and interests with local poet and writer Daisy Johnson. The conversation is moderated by KJ Orr.

Oxford authors and academics discuss their writing process.