Sophie Willan is fabulous; an actor, comedian and writer from Bolton, whose sitcom ‘Alma’s Not Normal’ earned her two BAFTAs. Her writing manages to be both fearless in tackling serious themes, and incredibly funny. You only have to watch Sophie’s reaction to winning her first BAFTA and acceptance speech for the second to realise how hilarious Sophie is and just how much her success means. 

Growing up Sophie was looked after by her Grandma and spent time in the care system due to her mother being a heroin addict. When she was older, to help fund her career, Sophie worked as an escort. She has utilised her past experiences in her shows ‘On Record’ and ‘Branded’, selling out at the Edinburgh Fringe with national tours and a subsequent Radio 4 series of ‘On Record’. 

Sophie founded a writing and outreach organisation called Stories Of Care for exceptional new writers from diverse backgrounds and set up a paid training programme for young people from low income and Care Experienced backgrounds on the production of her sitcom Alma’s Not Normal.  Alma’s Not Normal is a semi autobiographical comedy which focuses on Alma living in Bolton trying to make the most of what she has and dreaming of being an actress, detailing the ups and downs of her relationships including with her mum, grandma and best friend, played by Strictly star Jayde Adams. The show looks at class, sexuality, prejudice, mental health, abuse, and societal systems like social care, all whilst making you laugh out loud.

This is a conversation about Sophie’s personal changes but also change in systems, change in prejudices and changing the concept of normal. 

Alma’s Not Normal is back on iPlayer for the month of October. 

Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, in the UK, The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123. Hotlines in other countries can be found http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

Sophie mentions Lemn Sissay who’s Changes episode can be found here: 

https://podfollow.com/changeswithanniemacmanus/episode/d006cf556767a3eb86b4249eb1704a789cb3d618/view

Changes is now a deaf friendly podcast. You can access transcripts here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes

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