Oliver Sykes graduated with a first class BA Hons in Theatre Studies in 2010. Here he shares his journey from an underprivileged background to a successful career as a producer, children’s writer and Lead Artist for Stories of Care – for which he is soon to be honoured with a British Citizens Award.

"I'm Oliver Sykes - silly loud-mouthed theatre performer, children's author and proud Lancaster University graduate. I’m also one of six kids. I was brought up on a council estate in rural Derbyshire by my single-parent dad. We lived on the breadline, receiving clothing donations from local charities and free school meals.

I’m not sure how our dad did it, but he somehow managed to instil within us all a fervent passion for education and a steely determination to aspire to greater things.

I graduated from Lancaster University with a first class BA Honours degree in Theatre Studies in 2010. However, this achievement alone wasn’t enough for me to just walk into the Arts Industry and start building my career.

After graduating, I had to move back home. It was here that I got my first post-University job. It wasn’t in a theatre or a library (as I had hoped). Instead, it was in the local factory, which specialises in making brake-lines for cars. I got hired as a Factory Operative, working on the production line.

In a nutshell, it was loud, repetitive and mind-numbingly boring. But each week, I deposited every penny I could spare into a savings account, so that when my big chance came, I would be in a position to move out of home and jump ship!

It took almost a year. But when it came, it really came…

I secured a 12-month paid placement as a Trainee Producer at the Contact Theatre in Manchester, funded by the DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursary Scheme, a talent development initiative, which created new, paid, entry-level roles in the arts for graduates. This programme sought to address the socio-economic barriers that skilled graduates from low-income backgrounds experience when they enter the workforce.

Despite lots of amazing successes, the Cameron-Clegg coalition scrapped the programme in 2012. But I was one of the lucky ones. I was afforded a small window into the Arts Industry, and I leapt through that window like a man possessed.

Actively creating progression routes (to help young people from low-income backgrounds to access the arts) has been at the core of my work as a Producer and Artist ever since; whether I’ve been designing and delivering national strategic touring models (creating work experience opportunities for young people), or producing the work of artists whose voices are underrepresented in the Arts or in working as a Children’s Writer, my work in the Arts is all connected by one common theme: addressing challenges and barriers of class and social mobility.

My journey as a Children’s Writer began in 2015. I was working as Producer for a dynamic non-profit writing organisation called Stories Of Care, which is founded by BAFTA-winning Actress and Care Leaver, Sophie Willan.

During the project, my role evolved from producing to becoming a core member of the creative team, helping to deliver the writing programme and editing participant’s stories. I soon discovered I had a natural talent and flair for children’s writing. Not only that, but I really enjoyed it. It allowed me to explore my life experiences, being both silly and serious on the page, as well as the stage. I’ve never looked back since.

Over the past two years, I’ve written three books, secured three publishing deals, made my first children’s theatre show, had a second children’s theatre show commissioned, served as Stories Of Care’s Lead Artist, delivered a series of lectures on creative writing, delivered a key-note speech on how boxing can help us to become better writers… and more besides!

In March 2022, Sophie Willan and I will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of our endeavours. The award recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country. It’s a real honour to say the least.

Like most writers from backgrounds similar to mine, it’s been a long, hard slog – and there’s still a long way to go – but I’ll be sticking it out. With the help and support of lots of other incredibly talented friends and colleagues, I’m sure I’ll continue my work ‘bridging the gap’ and producing lots of comforting and inspiring stories for children, as well as empowering other (young) writers to do the same for themselves."

For more information visit www.storiesofcare.co.uk