TIM Firth, BAFTA-winning writer and patron of Stockton Heath Festival since 2012 shared fascinating insights into his inspiration and writing process at an exclusive sell-out Festival fundraiser recently.
As an early writer Tim reflected that there were few outlets for culture and his work in this area – which shifted with the arrival of Stockton Heath Festival, run by volunteers since 2008.
He admitted that growing up in Stockton Heath still influences his signature writing style and elements of school friends creep into his characters. The question is: who is the @rse end of a dragon in the shadows and who are the daring heroes claiming the spotlight?!
This candid ‘audience with’ event featured archive footage of Tim’s work and an audience Q&A, facilitated by Gary Skentelbery (from Warrington Worldwide) who first met Tim as a young man working alongside his late father Gordon at Warrington Museum with performing puppets – or so he thought! It was actually Tim’s brother Simon, who still works with puppets! It’s highly likely Tim was around as the @rse end of a puppet!
Putting Pen to Paper
Since the age of 5 Tim dreamed of being a writer, beginning with One-Act plays for school, family and friends (as many children do). What separated Tim was his confidence and persistence to keep going. And serendipity. Tim believes there is ‘no such thing as coincidence’ and that at times paying close attention to what’s around you can nudge you to say ‘yes’ to certain projects. Being asked to write Calendar Girls was one example as the call came through as he was sitting opposite the actual calendar!
Writing Basics to Bafta-winning
When it comes to process, ‘write, write, write’, is Tim’s advice. This tip came to the fore when working with long-time friend Gary Barlow penning The Band stage show featuring the music of Take That. Snippets, whole songs, and fragments of ideas which had been gathering dust for decades gelled during the creative process. Believing in a natural flow without over controlling the process allowed the project to emerge organically.
The breadth of Tim’s work is now recognised globally.
He shared his insight into working in the fast-moving world of Jerry Bruckheimer, the LA ‘movie mogul’ responsible for the Top Gun franchise, highlighting the difference in film-making between the UK and US. When across the pond, get your name on the credits was Tim’s sage advice!
“Given his immense success, it is refreshing that Tim has remained true to his roots and still enjoys life in and around Stockton Heath”, said Gary from Warrington Worldwide. “I have been privileged to watch his work bloom over time, and see Tim receive worldwide recognition for his impressive body of work.”
During the Q&A Gary pulled out an old photo he took at the museum of the puppet event in 1992! For years he had believed it showed a young Tim with his dad – when in fact it was his brother Simon!
Tim Firth – Picture Andy Gilbert
Tim’s multi-award-winning work spans and many genres. From Ripley and Scuff mostly filmed in Stockton Heath, Neville’s Island (later re-imagined as four women in Sheila’s Island), Kinky Boots, episodes of The Bill, to children’s entertainment The Rottentrolls puppets which won a BAFTA Award, there is a consistent thread: keeping it real.
By Tim’s admission he prefers real and unvarnished conversations to social media where there is room for fakery. ‘The stage is my passion’, Tim said. Every performance is different. Everything you see and hear is happening in real time.
Keeping art, culture and heritage alive
Chris Rees, Stockton Heath Festival volunteer Co-ordinator adds: “We were thrilled that Tim agreed to this charity fundraising event knowing that – as he revealed – he prefers to be the @rse end of the dragon quietly in the background and definitely not the daring hero in the limelight.
“The audience was treated to a very humble, funny and unique peek into Tim’s world that many have not had the privilege of hearing about. Thanks to everyone who continues to support Stockton Heath Festival. The annual event belongs to our whole community and attracts 1000s each year to experience a unique mix of art, culture and heritage. We hope it will continue for many years to come.”
As to Tim’s next project? It will be coming to a screen or stage near you.
Stockton Heath Festival Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July 2026
Over 50 events: Visit What’s On for details and to buy tickets: www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk
Meanwhile to ensure future festivals organisers have now launched a Crowdfunding page CLICK HERE
