Acclaimed playwright and screenwriter receives honorary doctorate from OU

Posted on 27 November 2025 • Arts and social sciences, Honorary Graduate

The playwright and screenwriter, James Graham, has received an honorary doctorate from The Open University (OU).

Graham is known for writing plays like Dear England, a story taking us to the heart of Gareth Southgate’s England men’s football team, and for screenplays like Sherwood, a gripping crime drama tapping into his own experiences of growing up in north Nottinghamshire.

The honour was presented to James following him receiving an OBE for services to drama and young people, as well as his inclusion as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

He received his honorary doctorate at The OU’s graduation ceremony at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on 11 November.

Sam Toolan, Head of External Engagement, in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the OU, presented James with his honorary doctorate. Sam said:

“The central reason for presenting James Graham with this award is his tireless focus on a topic that is pivotal to the OU’s values: the importance of amplifying the voices and lived experiences of working-class people in the UK. In particular, his work to achieve this on stage and screen resonates with the ambitions of our emerging School of Creative Industries, which will offer flexible education to people from a wide range of backgrounds who are seeking learning and employment in the creative industries and beyond.”

“Across stage and screen, James Graham has consistently brought important realities into focus. His works — from This House, Labour of Love and Best of Enemies to Quiz, Coalition and The Way — typically show how institutions, the media and political choices shape everyday lives, and how humour and empathy can be used to present complex arguments without blunting their edge. His storytelling expands who gets to belong in our shared narratives, and he has used his platform to argue that opportunity must be built, measured and defended if it is to be real.”

On receiving the honorary doctorate, James Graham commented:

“It’s a significant privilege to be honoured by the incredible Open University in this way. I share deeply their ethos and belief that lifelong learning should be open, accessible and inspiring to all, and I look forward to being a part of that mission.”

Dr James Blake, Head of the OU’s School of Creative Industries said:

“I would like to congratulate James Graham on this award.  It recognises and honours his work to foster diversity in the screen sector. In particular, this includes his efforts to grow opportunities for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and raising their profile within the industry. As we launch the new school of creative industries at the OU, inclusion is at the heart of our mission and ethos. I think we can make a real difference to make the film and media industries more equitable. So it is great that we can recognise the work of James Graham in this area.”