https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/home daily 1.0 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1595956952097-DXMRDRVO5X6SI6PY4COT/Screen+Shot+2020-07-22+at+21.00.38.png Jessica Swale Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/da30fead-a202-407a-bdd6-75873a2e912b/Paddington+.jpeg Jessica Swale Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/contact daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/publications-jessicaswale daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/0ff7ec6a-9f04-4f57-9f60-31d5b65a1ff1/YOCT+cover.jpg Publications - A Year of Creative Thinking, 366 Daily Inspirations for Writers and Artists A treasure trove of prompts, provocations and practical exercises to help you spark new ideas, hone your craft and unleash your creativity. In A Year of Creative Thinking Jessica Swale guides you through 366 fun and rewarding activities – one for every day of the year (including leap years!) – to fire up your imagination and flex your creative muscles. You'll find a host of writing prompts and imaginative challenges to get you going, quick-fire exercises to help you focus on key aspects of craft (including inventing scenarios, writing dialogue, building subtext, creating atmosphere and plot, and developing your characters), and plenty of quirky and unusual challenges to test your limits and help you explore new avenues. Some are writing exercises, others encourage you to draw, to listen to music, to get outside and find inspiration in your surroundings. Work through the activities day by day, or dip in to suit your needs, the choice is yours! ‘Jessica Swale is one of the most inspiringly creative people I know, and in this book she’s kind enough to share some of her spark and magic. It is a must-read for any creative spirit.’ Zooey Deschanel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1535538788564-5ZJP7C03DRXE9B0GXBVW/Screen+Shot+2018-08-29+at+09.47.52.png Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798637444-I8F2TW7C224JRRIMPJBS/9781848423299.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798614048-4XF8HNX0PTI1V83LVNOY/9781848426238.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798658975-RHX8833MC5WCBAPFX2WM/9781848425590.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798438386-2KT27MQ55YIB6UR7L1PE/9781848429253.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798869556-OLJSBZMW9FQS3MN0DE03/33246298._SY475_.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798846912-PI0AE4VA1ZUY8JFORL01/27284803._SY475_.jpg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605798807256-VGSURUAF739P7EQM21OK/secret_garden_the_swale_300.jpeg Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536317064127-ST30HHM52F8R00I76YLG/0048278_thomas_tallis_300.jpeg Publications https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/associations-jessicaswale daily 0.75 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537801820720-AC11K004TG8J2VERDC3K/jessica_swale.jpg Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537805164076-3GD7IJSV0OB2VMAYQTZ6/as+you+like+it+in+marshalls+8.jpg Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537805166431-RRB00BBXNHVC1ZCF3ILQ/pic77.jpg Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537805257024-GUCN2JYBWPQXITMBE768/MIHS+Play+145.jpg Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537801815768-3UYLWLB7EQLIXV6AIY03/maxresdefault.jpg Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537801832616-EE8QW4A6R3QE9ADZNCOH/Screen+Shot+2018-09-24+at+15.59.24.png Associations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537805267898-PAWONAD8VDDO96SRZT7Z/MIHS+Play+044.jpg Associations https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/media daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/c502d5f9-52eb-4814-9d39-e4414f818b01/Daily+Mail%2C+3-11-25+header.png Jessica Swale Media - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1659628473378-XUXTG33ZXL0YBZHA9TYJ/PULSE-LOGO-BLACK.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Pulse Films welcome Jessica Swale to directing roster Pulse President Davud Karbassioun said, “Simply put Jess is one of the most exciting rising stars in visual storytelling right now. Her diverse tastes and interests and her ability to seamlessly transcend film, television, short-form and theatre gives her a unique creative perspective.” Jess will be on the companies roster for global representation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1658478870247-7LR7XKPM6P4570OAJ1Y1/Speakers+-++Be+You+Festival.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Jessica Swale speaks at Soho Media Club’s BE YOU Festival At the one-day festival for diversity and inclusion, Jessica spoke to those looking to break into the industry in a variety of different roles. She spoke on good practices for writers and directors, as well as how to find a place in the industry using your own unique voice. (Photo Credit: Michael Wharley) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1658479760965-1LVIAJW3Y3EQH75DH6QS/ten+percent.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Ten Percent now available on Amazon Prime! Episodes 3 and 4 of Ten Percent, the UK remake of Call My Agent, were recently directed by Jessica Swale, featuring special guest stars Dominic Cooper, Emma Corin, and Himesh Patel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1620318125568-DSJ3S0VEDWXBTLPY8IXK/DSC00329+copy.jpg Jessica Swale Media - ‘Call My Agent!’ UK Remake In recent weeks, intrigue has been building in the UK industry about the local remake of French hit Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent in France), but cast and plot details have been a tightly guarded secret. It has been announced that Jessica Swale is onboard to direct episodes later on in the series. More details to follow. (DEADLINE) (Photo credit: Michael Wharley) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1611741213711-2XD5T1TT0H3CTT174ZX6/Horizontal_Split_1296_730_Preta-4-1-copy-1611700192-compressed.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Joel Fry Joins Sarah Snook in Jane Austen Adaptation 'Persuasion' British actor Joel Fry, who appeared in Danny Boyle’s Yesterday, has joined Succession's Sarah Snook to star in Persuasion, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel that Mahalia Belo is directing for Searchlight. Jessica Swale, writer-director of the Gemma Arterton-starring war drama Summerland, wrote the adaptation of the book that was first published in 1818. (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) (Picture Credit: Getty Images; Courtesy of UTA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1602101074460-VPCNU3CL1MZS70B3WUDN/emma-mackey.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Sex Education’s Emma Mackey To Star in Working Title’s Adaptation Of ‘Nell Gwynn’ by Jessica Swale After her breakout role in the Netflix comedy series Sex Education, Emma Mackey has landed her first major lead role in a feature film as we are hearing she is attached to star in Working Title’s Nell Gwynn. (DEADLINE) (Picture Credit: AFP/GETTY) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1600199495023-WQJG5X7NOKBVCL2AJEMQ/Screen+Shot+2020-09-15+at+20.40.17.png Jessica Swale Media - Sarah Snook to star in Jane Austen Adaptation 'Persuasion' Succession star Sarah Snook will star in Persuasion, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel that Mahalia Belo is directing for Fox Searchlight. Jessica Swale, the writer-director of the Gemma Arterton- starring war drama Summerland, is writing the adaptation of the book that was first published in 1818. (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) Picture Credit: Alex Vaughan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1605799285820-W5B1IXEQ7DKJP89ON3W4/Screen+Shot+2020-11-19+at+15.21.05.png Jessica Swale Media - A Summerland Soundscape Jessica’s Assistant Director on Summerland, Nicola Allpress, put together a playlist of music the represents the essence of Summerland. Have a listen and discover the music that inspired the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1598864161673-NWLC7ZVSLWWAE14IVFWD/tumblr_f8bc5ff312c19946562c8b63419a68df_f76bdcbc_1280.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Summer Loving Summerland writer-director Jessica Swale shares 50 of her favourite heart-filled films for troubled times. (LETTERBOXD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1600343298867-CP4FCSBP6W43X9GXXLOM/1329225_jessicaswalecrop_215337.jpg Jessica Swale Media - My Working From Home Life: Writer-Director Jessica Swale Jessica spoke to Michael Rosser about the release of Summerland, her working life throughout lockdown and FOMO. (SCREEN DAILY) Photo credit: Michael Wharley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1598296657978-PH2IC0DRRDJ31UBLZ5T6/_file%3Dkinomorket_1012555766.jpg%26dh%3D533%26dw%3D800%26t%3D4%26+copy.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Summerland wins ‘The Ray of Sunshine Award’ at the 48th Norwegian International Film Festival The Ray of Sunshine award went to Summerland, directed by Jessica Swale. The award is meant for the film that excites and spreads the most joy. The film should reach a wide audience. The jury said that the film is ‘is a touching story about the endurance of love in challenging times. This film thrills us with beautiful scenery from Dover whilst the Second World War rages on in other parts of the country. The film showcases a liberating lack of prejudice – and a young heart confirms that love is love, no matter what. The stories intertwine with elegance, and the film left us with big smiles, open hearts and feeling that magic does exist. We hope this film gets a big audience and a long life at the cinemas!’ The jury is appointed by the Norwegian Cinema Managers Association and consisted of Clarissa Bergh from Lillehammer kino, Bjørn Holum from Fosnavåg kino and Ida Katrine Balto from Aurora kino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1597099909850-XABNDBBXXTQL3VD7312R/22188-web-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020+1.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Summerland Is a Cottagecore Period Drama Made for Life in Lockdown “It's safe to say most of us have had a hard time adjusting to life in quarantine these past few months. But Jessica Swale's new film Summerland is a comforting balm that might take your mind off contemporary chaos and make you reconsider the benefits of an isolated existence.” Jessica chats to Brooke Marine about Summerland and her Lockdown Life. (W MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596475895686-XSQKGLGN4EJ0Y5E0TI8L/171216662-622a6954-9c8e-4138-8eb3-f42b415db3fa.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Mark Kermode’s Film of the Week: Summerland review – ‘Wartime wonderment with Gemma Arterton’ ”What a lovely, hopeful and rather magical movie this is. The feature debut from writer/director Jessica Swale, whose impressive theatre CV includes the Olivier award-winner Nell Gwynn, Summerland provides just the tonic we need in times of turmoil. A tale of love lost and found, told with wit and charm, it maintains an impressive balance between the sly and the sentimental, gently subverting mainstream formulae as it slips back and forth in time, alternating between the realist and the romantic.” (THE GUARDIAN) Read Mark’s full review below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596886474597-M2E9GW6EK1K2EXSHZ8KE/image-asset.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Interview: Director Jessica Swale and Star Gemma Arterton Talk Summerland ‘When Jessica Swale, the writer-director of Summerland, and the film’s star Gemma Arterton, began production of the movie, they never would have guessed that the film would premiere under these circumstances.’ Jessica and Gemma Arterton spoke to Jeremy Ross about Summerland’s creative journey and release. (LIVING OUT LOUD LA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596699130260-IOCX3P1NVSUN94GLNZI7/BTS3.jpg Jessica Swale Media - ‘Summerland’ Director Jessica Swale on Gemma Arterton’s Delightful Spontaneity During this 1-on-1 phone interview with Collider, filmmaker Jessica Swale talked about what inspired her to write Summerland, telling a period story with a contemporary sensibility, collaborating with her cast, the changes that were made to the lead character so that Gemma Arterton could play the role, what she most enjoyed about creating and writing someone like Alice, why editing was the hardest part of the process, and the projects that she’s currently developing now. (COLLIDER) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596033094051-3CZ6V2TDGUWMU5V1RXYQ/edith-about-3.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Edith Bowman Soundtracking: Jessica Swale On The Music Of Summerland Jessica is interviewed by the glorious Edith Bowman for her weekly podcast Soundtracking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596139046713-U4FH0NXASNK8S5NNAKA3/Jess+Evening+Standard+1.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Jessica Swale Interview: ‘Women shouldn’t have to pander to the notion of being maternal’ Running the room: Jessica Swale talks Summerland, children and portraying women in film with Nancy Durrant. (EVENING STANDARD) Photograph by Natasha Pszenicki Styling by Colomba Giacomini https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596490144652-5JJPTJ7LPHDVWMHJO4WN/Screen+Shot+2020-08-03+at+22.27.21.png Jessica Swale Media - Summerland review: Gemma Arterton's wartime evacuation drama has a sensual pagan heart “Gemma Arterton is magnificent, as is Lucas Bond as her youthful charge, in Jessica Swale’s 1940-set debut film.” (THE TELEGRAPH) Read the full review below (Subscription required). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596096378264-4ASZMT6Z0VK4N0F0X2PF/22064-web-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020+3.jpg Jessica Swale Media - How “Summerland” Director Jessica Swale Is Reforming the Film Industry The accoladed theatre director and playwright's highly-anticipated first feature film is a mixed-race lesbian love story set during World War II. Here, Swale opens up about filmmakers' responsibility to make the industry more just, once and for all. Photograph by Michael Wharley (THE HELM) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596646295071-EVO1N4SNCKGBNBC4I8BW/Screen+Shot+2020-08-05+at+17.42.26.png Jessica Swale Media - Film at Lincoln Center: Q&A Film at Lincoln Center welcomed Summerland stars Gemma Arterton & Gugu Mbatha-Raw and writer-director Jessica Swale for a Patron evening Q&A, moderated by Tiffany Vazquez. This event was generously presented by Campari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596482214487-8LBUNMQGZN3WGWKBOL9T/21923-web-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020+2.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Listed Londoner: Jessica Swale Jessica spoke to Robert Elms about living in London and her favourite haunts- from favourite building to ice-cream shop. Listen below on BBC Sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596058827748-PQVX7H57ETD627LK7V7Z/22104-web-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Jessica Swale on Her Journey to ‘Summerland,’ Collaborating With Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton Jessica discusses growing up, lasting friendships and her hugely anticipated new film Summerland with Jenelle Riley. (VARIETY) Photograph by Michael Wharley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596059235486-157D93RR8CM6VCATKU77/136368194_6163807024001_6163807993001-vs.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Virtual KCET Cinema Series: Q&A The KCET Cinema Series presents an exclusive Q&A with Jessica and the stars of the film Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Sign up for free below to access the Q&A. (WARNING: SPOILERS). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1595446130339-NOF38OSWIGE2GQXVNJA9/bde022c4-d64c-40b0-a75d-d566d516cac3.png Jessica Swale Media - Women in Film: Laptop Cinema Club Q&A Join WIF and writer/director of Summerland Jessica Swale in conversation with stars, Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. This conversation is moderated by journalist Rebecca Sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596058796159-VZ3BZSJ73S0CCVKO8P3K/web-22163-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Conversations with Creative Women: Interview “Talk about a creative woman! Jessica Swale fits that bill and then some. Her first play, Blue Stockings, premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2013. Then came Nell Gwynn, which won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Jessica is making her feature film debut with the newly released period drama, Summerland. She also wrote the screenplay. We know you’ll enjoy meeting this accomplished, passionate, fascinating woman.” Jessica chats with Sandi Klein. Photograph by Michael Wharley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1595367022583-VDW1PO0BFQTEN05CBDKZ/p0440gtt.jpg Jessica Swale Media - BBC Radio 4: Women’s Hour Live Interview Jessica was live on Radio 4’s Women’s Hour on 27 July talking all about Summerland in the run up to it’s release on 31 July. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1595363789901-LKTYRNAX791E2Y6QEVOF/p06x97fp+%281%29.jpg Jessica Swale Media - The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show: Gemma Arterton Interview Gemma Arterton speaks to Zoe Ball about how she got involved in Summerland, first as a producer before being cast as the lead character, Alice Lamb. Listen to the show from 21 July 2020 on BBC Sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1594906735383-PNH7AEV0UR114HT3TYDO/Screen+Shot+2020-07-16+at+14.37.14.png Jessica Swale Media - Frameline44 Pride Showcase: Summerland Q&A Jessica took part in a live Zoom Q&A to speak about the inspiration, creative process and casting behind Summerland for Frameline44, one of the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ Festivals. Hosted by Peter L. Stein, Jessica was joined by the stars of the film Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1594908360163-W5PXULJIUX5BJ6BA5T1N/Eb86V6tXkAQJ8q_.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Summerland to Reopen Cinemas Lionsgate have announced that Summerland will be their first new film release as cinema’s reopen on 31st July 2020. Speaking about Summerland, Jessica said: “Fundamentally it’s a movie with a great big heart, and in these months of uncertainty and fear, I think stories with optimism woven into their seams have never been more necessary.” “Whilst it’s arguably a tricky time to be bringing out a new movie, it feels like a great privilege to get to tell this story right now. We need film. Perhaps more than ever. And it feels very special to be part of this moment.” (THE INDEPENDENT) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1594464537367-QRGLYERDIC758TD9Q3RI/Screen+Shot+2020-07-11+at+11.45.33.png Jessica Swale Media - Summerland Trailer Debut The debut trailer for Summerland, Jessica Swale’s period drama starring Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the story of a reclusive writer who during the Second World War adopts a young London evacuee. (DEADLINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1560518337388-ZZ7M3R2S9E309TP7D49G/royalacademyofarts-summer-6-4-19-033.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party Jessica attended the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Party 2019 hosted by artist Greyson Perry. (EVENING STANDARD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555681627602-Y24QW192WV3XEN0CCDS1/10-brits-to-watch.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Variety Announces 10 Brits to Watch for 2019 For the third year, Variety is partnering with the Newport Beach Film Festival to recognize those selected at the fifth annual Newport Beach U.K. Honours evening, to be held at the Langham Hotel in London on Feb. 7. Talent selected include writers, actors, and singers appearing working in all mediums. (VARIETY) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555681949679-5VYCHJLR7LNCTEKQNNEA/JBTK7EQQIEI6TAY7HKRMFPSMXU.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Jessica Swale’s historical comedy aims to restore Nell Gwynn’s luster If 17th-century Londoner Nell Gwynn is remembered today, it’s usually for the wrong reasons — as an orange seller who became mistress to England’s King Charles II. By rights, says British playwright Jessica Swale, Gwynn should be recalled as a trailblazing actress who dazzled her contemporaries with her smarts and bon mots. (WASHINGTON POST) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555682098691-DAGPP44O6DCW679Z0DHU/1290178_horriblehistories_43479.jpg Jessica Swale Media - 'Horrible Histories: The Movie' Cast revealed and First Look Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans, the feature adaptation of the children’s book series, has cast Sebastian Croft and Emilia Jones as the two leads and is now shooting on location in the UK and Bulgaria. (SCREENDAILY) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596494067137-F41JVXAPZA7OPKN0ZCS2/Gemma-Arterton.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Gemma Arterton to star in Summerland Recently back on our cinema screens with World War II drama Their Finest, Gemma Arterton will be sticking with the wartime setting for a future film. She's leading the cast of playwright Jessica Swale's directorial debut Summerland. (EMPIRE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590664556215-L20DGC54XNO26LRQCB12/horrible-histories-the-movie+poster.jpg Jessica Swale Media - ‘Horrible Histories: The Movie’ is official Horrible Histories has delighted and revolted generations of readers and viewers ever since the book series began in 1993 – and now the series is coming to the big screen. (RADIOTIMES) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555682770098-02R80P4S0DOA17HOATFH/BBPc65A.img.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Lionsgate takes UK Rights to Summerland (Exclusive) Embankment Films has sold British rights to Lionsgate U.K. for romantic drama Summerland starring Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Variety has been given the exclusive first-look image for the film, which has just wrapped production. (MSN) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555682891325-ZX74TTLJX14JYUN2XEXS/1282482_summertime_779090.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Gugu Mbatha- Raw &Tom Courtenay join Gemma Arterton in ‘Summerland’ (Exclusive) Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle), Tom Courtenay (45 Years) and Penelope Wilton (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) have boarded second world war-era drama Summerland which is set to star and be executive produced by Gemma Arterton. (SCREENDAILY) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555683028687-X32X27NPTRCFSJ8KV7PB/leading_lady_parts.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Leading Lady Parts: Exposing Sexist Stereotypes Leading Lady Parts – the title of which came from writer Jessica Swale’s “slightly rude imagination” – arose out of a Times Up meeting at the start of the year. Gemma Arterton, who appeared in and executive produced the film, was speaking to another actress about how they could use their platform as actors to say something about #MeToo, rather than as spokespeople. (ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555683656182-4A5T7KU29A8K6R8ISQOW/l21nhzf4tlrthmdsgwjn.jpg Jessica Swale Media - BWW Interview: Jessica Swale on getting into writing & theatre… Jessica Swale is a director, screenwriter and Olivier Award-winning playwright. Her most recent stage adaptation The Jungle Book is currently touring, and she is working on no less than six separate screen projects. (BROADWAYWORLD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684177222-GWTMS3H4TKC3283XLGVL/jessica-swale.png.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Jessica Swale Interview: Woman on Fire It seems that Jessica Swale, the Berkshire-born playwright – also dubbed Britain's "best young director of period comedy" – can't put a foot wrong. With awards and accolades raining down, she is the stage's brightest rising star. (THE INDEPENDENT) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684371173-VZ2JS9AKZ6FZNUTDF48V/THE-JUNGLE-BOOK.-Kezia_opt.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Big Interview: playwright Jessica Swale, composer Joe Stilgoe and director Max Webster on The Jungle Book Susan Elkin spoke to playwright Jessica Swale, composer Joe Stilgoe and director Max Webster during the rehearsals for a brand-new adaptation of The Jungle Book which opened at Royal and Derngate, Northampton before Christmas and tours nationally this year. (INK PELLET) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684494034-RTJCJMCBWFT2K6H0SH1J/horrible_histories_rome.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Horrible Histories heads to the Big Screen Horrible Histories is being turned into a movie. The big screen version of the kids' sketch show will be set in Roman Britain and goes into production next year, with plans to make it the first in a series of features. (CHORTLE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684579215-KPE6W3P1LBC4W99IBQJT/national-youth-theatre-blue-stockings.-photo-by-mark-cocksedge.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Play Talk: Jessica Swale on accidentally writing a play... Jessica Swale's debut play Blue Stockings, the story of women fighting for the right to graduate from Cambridge University in the 1800s, was a huge hit when it was staged at Shakespeare's Globe in 2013. (EVENING STANDARD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684740535-T1LHPKHHMYFU18KA70G1/Jess1.jpg Jessica Swale Media - A Woman at Centre Stage As her new play, Nell Gwynn, opens at The Globe; Glass talks to award winning playwright and director Jessica Swale, about her work, women in theatre, and the alchemy of writing. (GLASS MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555684984825-ZJT0V3LPM02TBPJ25EV3/nell-gwynn-19-09-15-shakespeares-globe-2107_captioned-e1452771000563.jpg Jessica Swale Media - ‘The people loved her because she was one of them’ - Jessica Swale on her Play Nell Gwynn Nell Gwynn rose from poverty to become the most celebrated actress of her day and a mistress of King Charles II. And now she is returning to the West End as the subject of Jessica Swale’s acclaimed play Nell Gwynn, first seen at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2015 and to be revived at the Apollo Theatre next month with Gemma Arterton in the title role. (NICK HERNE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555686587362-122SJLRNY1DCD5J66ZBK/unnamed-2.jpg Jessica Swale Media - BBC Radio 4 : Woman’s Hour, Women in Science- Jessica Swale Getting women into science, and the latest from the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555686693943-EY35J7IM1HY2OGP5AR1T/tumblr_inline_n853gdM65y1sv7xz7.jpg Jessica Swale Media - Blue Stockings: The Fight to Graduate with Director Jessica Swale Blue Stockings: The fight to graduate, with director Jessica Swale, director of Bedlam at the Globe in 2010, talks to David Bellwood about writing Blue Stockings, her play about the 1896... (SHAKESPEARE GLOBE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1555686935383-X9WEUD59V6U4KI7R1JW4/TELEMMGLPICT000159874200_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqEc-XunbxCzfN3OsOI9rYk0hieZnlVagp2R9jQVJDoLs.jpeg Jessica Swale Media - Olivier Awards 2018: The Most Glamorous Looks From the Red Carpet Playwright Jessica Swale was one of the evening's Time's Up organisers. (THE TELEGRAPH) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1560518499446-L63J8M6JRFWO6T8FP33K/2EECC86E00000578-3351108-image-a-207_1449588729769-1.jpg Jessica Swale Media - ‘Home is where the art is: How creativity helped one woman cope with family crisis’ When playwright Jessica Swale’s life was thrown into turmoil by her father’s illness, she turned to the creativity that had helped shape her identity as a child… (THE DAILY MAIL) https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/aboutjessicaswale daily 0.75 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596040691725-G76EZ17743P1MWFTPOE8/web-22099-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020.jpg About Photograph by Michael Wharley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/bb028278-2f91-4d89-8372-63dc2a2abf79/YOCT+cover+copy.png About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/892a0201-936f-4684-a85f-a0084713e47d/PAD25_Q2_002_ATG-Assets_1920x1080px_A_AW.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596040847308-87KAMNS7LGH6IBDUQUJ3/21923-web-Jessica-Swale-%C2%A9-Michael-Wharley-2020+1.jpg About Photography by Michael Wharley https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/theatre-jessicaswale daily 0.75 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536315008109-RUGUT0V499ZSWC21AJXJ/tn-500_oa26.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/f0fa0ceb-f5d7-445a-85ff-77d4a1016c18/Screenshot+2025-11-03+at+16.40.01.png Theatre - Make it stand out Paddington The Musical Credit: Isha Shah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1556020548387-7AG55ERKW4MQMDD1EAKL/images.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536316583257-EDYV2PGFMGTMF9UA3ZR6/0048278_thomas_tallis_300.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536309860595-NO3I8M5P5R93KVUAQH5L/bluestocking2s-6419-210x290.jpg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536310188974-HNT1Q1FCIE0WELV7AGGV/nell-gwynn-ne-9119-210x290.jpg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537798817877-DG541JR3MKTQKIHNJJG3/Jungle_Book_A5_master_landscape.jpg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536311427549-X9G2UM1WI6Y916Q8C2B4/0024531_sense_and_sensibility_swale_300.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536311537393-FF7RHMEAUZ7CZGPZ3LYR/0047180_far_from_the_madding_crowd_swale_300.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536311798508-8VX5E0H0U9EO8ZQ6JSKB/0036052_secret_garden_the_swale_300.jpeg Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1537799623449-MFBNYDUAADAM6LTMYMWI/SotD-Tile.jpg Theatre https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/television-jessicaswale daily 0.75 2022-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1651753769864-K1YA28Q3E8PU5LX3TU8B/Screen+Shot+2022-05-05+at+1.28.48+PM.png Television https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1536332521679-P7Y8N5PZ73XZGU9FO7EZ/bluestockings-poster.jpg Television https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/new-page daily 0.75 2019-04-19 https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/film-jessicaswale daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590751331672-EFD9AKL34HDBW5E53QX4/Summerland+2+Credit+Michael+Wharley.jpg Film On the set of Summerland with Gemma Arterton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/03007d43-06f5-41dd-8289-c0c4f19ad8b8/Portrait+Merv+2.jpg Film - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590753873307-31YLVQX0G1SFAPUYYPR1/summerland_int_1sheet_awf_v1.jpg Film - Summerland When an evacuee boy arrives out of the blue and is placed in her care, Alice resolves to be rid of him. Yet, as the young boy opens her heart, allowing her to unlock the secrets of her past, Alice begins to realise that sometimes imagination really can set you free. The film stars Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton and Tom Courtenay. The film is produced by Guy Heeley and Adrian Sturges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754247908-WT3NNI1E7SRHEY5TN9I0/DSC00329.jpg Film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754249970-OOZ8UD069BO38CT8ENN0/DSC00413+%281%29.jpg Film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754259777-UTR070XHYYYKZ4QVF76R/DSC00457+%281%29.jpg Film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754259904-I4YSB53BCZ0AFZ40E9TU/DSC00562+%281%29.jpg Film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754263788-UGQI02WWGT7M5HKROPCV/DSC01049+%281%29.jpg Film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1590754043840-2C0DCF5TMRQKDYJ83RYP/Nell+Gwynn+Final+Credit+Tristram+Kenton+.jpg Film - Nell Gwynn Set in late 17th century England, when women were first allowed to act on stage, Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yarn Alley to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the King. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost? The film is being produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title. https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/summerland daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7e7f5fb105985fc3c8f389/1596491358390-JDDQBLB2LK6Y27M6EYG2/Screen+Shot+2020-08-03+at+22.27.21.png Summerland Summerland still featuring Gemma Arterton as Alice Lamb, Cuckmere Haven, Sussex, UK by Michael Wharley https://www.jessicaswale.co.uk/showreel daily 0.75 2025-12-19