Introduction
Hugh Stoddart began writing for both stage and screen while still a student. He was invited to join the Writers’ Circle at the Royal Court Theatre, London but from early on, his interest lay more in the visual arts and film. He worked in contemporary art throughout the 1970’s, first at a gallery in London, then for South West Arts based in Exeter, and finally as director of the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, achieving a move to larger premises and an expanded international programme. At the end of his three year contract there, his collaboration with director/producer Colin Gregg had already led to two films and, encouraged by interest from the newly-created Channel Four in what was to become their third film, Hugh decided to launch himself as a full-time screenwriter. Since then, although his work has appeared in radio and the theatre, TV and cinema have remained the principal outlets for his work.