Kelly Condron
British Writer
From Salford to Storytelling:
Finding My Voice in Comedy and Drama
I began my creative journey as an actor. Growing up, I’d secretly watch the 9pm dramas, captivated by the raw, human stories that defined British TV.
Becoming a writer never seemed like an option—I left school at 16—but now, at 42, I’ve found my voice, and I’m telling the stories that matter.
Growing up in working-class Salford during the 80s and 90s, you couldn’t escape the sarcastic, piss-taking, belly-laughing humour—it was everywhere! Naturally, I write stories that reflect the world I grew up in—character-driven, heartwarming stories with the larger-than-life characters we’d call family.
I quickly learned that if you could make people laugh, you could pretty much get away with anything. So, at 13, I declared I was going to be the “new Victoria Wood,” naively believing that if I worked hard enough, I’d make it. I joined a local acting class, and much to my mum’s delight (and prayers), I ended up on telly. She documented every “bit part” I got—magazine cuttings, Radio Times cast lists—and even had a “screening” of my TV debut at the local pub. Mortified is an understatement. She was over the moon when I landed the role of Zara Morgan in Hollyoaks, a comedic character, and so was I because, for six glorious years, I got paid to make people laugh.
I left education at 16, and for a long time, I felt like a bit of an imposter, especially when I started writing. I didn’t have the fancy qualifications, but what I did have was years of experience on TV sets, learning how to bring stories to life. And that counts, right?
I was diagnosed with autism at 42, which, to be fair, was a bit of a plot twist—like watching a movie and realising halfway through that I am the weird sidekick character. The strangest thing is that no one else was surprised!
Now, looking back, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in and from my late diagnosis and now I better understand how my mind works, I realise that telling stories has always been my way of making sense of the world.
My projects have already gained significant industry interest and brilliant feedback. My work is deeply rooted in the working-class world, where every story is character-driven and rich in humour, heart, and authenticity. Whether it’s my heartfelt play (Something Better), bold TV comedy (OnlyPams), Returnable sitcom (The Women) or state-of-the-nation drama (S.E.N.D Help), I write about real lives—unflinching, human, and unapologetically honest.
I want to make sure that working-class voices—especially the women I write about—finally get their moment to shine.
These are the stories I was born to tell, and I’m just getting started.
Fab to work with, Kelly is bright, intelligent and a natural performer. She takes notes well, considers carefully then returns a well crafted performance often with thrilling surprises. She has a warm personality, talks easily and puts her guests and other performers at ease. Naturally funny and very down to earth, Kelly is a talent who has far to go.
Jo Hallows
Producer
