About this episode

Frank Cottrell-Boyce discusses his career and cultural influences with John Wilson.

The writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce talks to John Wilson about his cultural influences and career. He started out as a screenwriter on the television soaps Brookside and Coronation Street, before publishing his debut children's novel Millions in 2004. The book won the prestigious Carnegie Medal and a screenplay version was made into a film by Danny Boyle. He also wrote five films for the director Michael Winterbottom, including Welcome To Sarajevo and Twenty Four Hour Party People. In 2012, Frank renewed his creative partnership with Danny Boyle as the writer of the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. After many bestselling children’s books including Framed, Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy, in 2024 he was appointed as the Children’s Laureate. Producer: Edwina Pitman

People in this episode

Host: John Wilson

Guest: Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Topics covered

• cultural influences
• career
• children's literature
• screenwriting
• Olympics
• awards

Keywords

• Frank Cottrell-Boyce
• children's books
• screenwriter
• Danny Boyle
• Carnegie Medal

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brookside, Coronation Street

Books & works: Millions, Welcome To Sarajevo, Twenty Four Hour Party People, Framed, Cosmic, The Astounding Broccoli Boy

More episodes of This Cultural Life

• Tania Bruguera · July 9, 2026 · 43 min
• Anish Kapoor · July 2, 2026 · 43 min
• Kiefer Sutherland · June 18, 2026 · 43 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Cultural Life podcast page.