2025 Kay Mellor Fellow Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi

10th March 2025

Written by:

Gaynor Mellor, Managing Director (Creative)

Wakefield-based British-Iranian playwright Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Kay Mellor Fellowship. Jasmin follows Kat Rose-Martin and Kirsty Taylor, both from Bradford, as the third and next writer to receive the fellowship, which was established in 2019 in memory of the late Kay Mellor, a pioneering writer in the world of TV and theatre.

I am beyond excited to be awarded the Kay Mellor Fellowship for 2025. Kay was a real staple in my household when I was growing up and I would love to help more people feel seen through my writing in the same way she did. With the support of this Fellowship, I hope to challenge myself and explore how to tell the diverse personal stories I love on a larger scale. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a legacy that includes previous Fellows Kat Rose-Martin and Kirsty Taylor. I hope to continue in their footsteps and tell stories that make Yorkshire proud. ”

Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi

During her fellowship year, Jasmin will develop stories exploring the meaning home, delving into the thriller genre, and being inspired by her Yorkshire and Iranian heritage, while continuing to hone her unique voice as a playwright for both stage and screen. She joined the two previous fellows and representatives from the organisations for a photocall alongside Ribbons, a public art installation in Playhouse Gardens that honours the many women – both past and present  – who have contributed to the city. Kay Mellor’s name is woven into the structure, serving as a lasting tribute to her impact.

What an honour it is to be running the third Kay Mellor fellowship alongside Amy Leach at Leeds Playhouse, Alice Ramsay at the BBC and Leeds City Council. My mum would be so proud that we are carrying on her legacy of handing down the ladder to emerging writers and helping them to develop and craft their talent. We’re really excited to be working with Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi, our 2025 fellow, and welcoming her into our Rollem family. Jasmin sent in a fantastic script and is brimming with passion and ideas. ”

Gaynor Mellor - Managing Director (Creative) Rollem Productions

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