Adeola Solanke

Adeola Solanke is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich, affiliated with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. As an award-winning playwright and screenwriter, her work bridges historical drama and contemporary cultural narratives centered on African diaspora experiences in London.

• MFA in Film and Television (Screenwriting) from University of Southern California (Fulbright Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa International Scholar)
• BA in English Literature from University of Sheffield
• PG Diploma in Creative Writing from Goldsmiths, University of London (AHRC-funded Pinter Centre Writer-in-Residence)

Her research focuses on historical drama, particularly African artists in Georgian and Sixties London, and interdisciplinary collaborations in theatre. Key projects include the critically acclaimed play The Court Must Have a Queen, commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces and performed at Hampton Court Palace (2018).

Solanke’s scholarly outputs include plays, screenplays, and multimedia materials exploring Tudor history, African diaspora narratives, and cultural identity. Her creative works have been recognized with the BEFFTA Award for Best Play (2015) and the University of Sheffield’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2016).

• British Film Institute’s first Writer-in-Residence (Royal Literary Fund supported)
• Member of BFI’s African Odysseys Committee
• Quarter and semi-finalist in the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholls Screenwriting Contest

Her roles extend to judging the Nollywood Movies Awards and mentoring emerging playwrights. Current projects involve scripts about African artists in Georgian and Sixties London, continuing her legacy of blending historical research with theatrical innovation.