Lucy Akhurst

Lucy Akhurst is a British stage and film director. She is best known for her work on the acclaimed films The Falling and The Arbor.

Akhurst was born in London in 1967. She attended the University of Kent, where she studied English and Drama. While there, she was involved in several stage productions, which sparked her interest in directing. After graduating, she worked as a runner in the film and television industry, while also directing a number of plays for the Royal Court Theatre.

Akhurst made her feature film debut with the drama The Falling in 2004. The film starred Marianne Faithfull, Emily Woof, and Cathryn Bradshaw. It was a critical success, and established Akhurst as a talented director with a unique style.

In 2010, Akhurst directed the acclaimed drama The Arbor. The film was based on the life of playwright Andrea Dunbar, and starred Manjinder Virk and George Costigan. The Arbor was praised by critics for its honest, unflinching approach to the subject matter.

Akhurst has also directed a number of television projects, including the miniseries The Bletchley Circle and the drama series Tipping the Velvet. She has also directed episodes of the comedy series The Smoking Room and the drama series Teachers.

In addition to her directing work, Akhurst is also an accomplished writer. She wrote the screenplay for the 2012 film Shadow Dancer, which starred Clive Owen and Andrea Riseborough. She has also written several plays, including The Mother and Death Is a Game.

Akhurst is a passionate advocate for women in the film and television industry. She was recently appointed to the British Film Institute's Women in Film and Television steering committee. Akhurst is dedicated to improving opportunities for women in the industry, and is an outspoken supporter of the #MeToo movement.

Akhurst has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Bafta for Best British Film for The Arbor. She is an extremely talented and versatile director, who continues to bring a unique perspective to her work.