Daneka Etchells

Daneka is a writer from Cumbria, based in Manchester and Whitley Bay.

They were part of the 2022 BBC Northern Voices cohort.

Their spec script REEL, developed through BBC NE Voices and with bespoke support from BBC Writers, made the top 3% for the BBC Open Call 2023. REEL is a dark surrealist thriller that follows a young teacher whose life falls apart after a deep-fake video goes viral.

PAGGERING STICK, developed through Paines Plough mentor writer scheme, made the top 0.9% for BBC Open Call 2026.

Their play rogue comet(s) remnants of a decommissioned star, developed on Box of Tricks' PlayBox Writer Attachment Scheme, was Top 5 Finalist for the Lancaster Playwriting Prize, Shortlisted for RSC 37 Plays, Shelagh Delaney Award and Traverse Breakthrough; and Longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize 2023.

Other work includes:  Saffie for Emmerson and Ward; GOBSHITE for RYTDS/20 Stories High; Great Border City (Yam) for Paines Plough; Handlebars, Dodo and the Air Above the Ground and The Safe Zone for DADA Fest, we free things for Box of Tricks. 

BED BITCH, developed with Arts Council England with R&D support from Sheffield Crucible and HOME, is currently under early production. Daneka is also under commission for her project DREGS (due for production 2028).