Ann McManus

Ann McManus is a British television writer, playwright, and producer best known for her work in creating compelling, character-driven drama. Though she is primarily recognized for her contributions to television, McManus has also explored storytelling through theatre, bringing the same emotional depth and social insight to the stage.

She is the co-creator of the acclaimed British television series Waterloo Road, a long-running school-based drama that tackled complex social issues such as poverty, mental health, and systemic inequality. The show’s popularity and critical success established McManus as a prominent voice in British screenwriting, known for blending heartfelt storytelling with gritty realism.

In addition to Waterloo Road, McManus co-created the prison drama Bad Girls and has contributed to numerous other British TV dramas. Her writing often centers on marginalized voices and underrepresented communities, highlighting personal struggles within broader societal structures.

Though her theatrical work is less widely known than her television projects, McManus’s background in drama and storytelling has influenced a generation of British writers. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives across mediums marks her as a significant figure in contemporary British writing.