Michelle Scally Clarke is a professional, freelance author, poet, playwright, actor, and songwriter. She is also a creative writing facilitator, dedicated to helping others express their creativity and wellbeing through writing.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for storytelling, Michelle's work is a reflection of both her unique voice and perspective. Her ability to connect with different audiences using her creative expression, sets her apart in the industry.

Writing poetry from the age of 13, Michelle found her feet as a performance poet at 27. This led to her becoming a published author of two biographies and starring in national productions such as ‘The World Temple’ and ‘Carnival Messiah’, touring in America, Belgium and The Netherlands. 

In a career spanning more than twenty-six years, Michelle has worked alongside such ‘greats' as Linton Kwesi Johnson, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Benjamin Zephaniah, Lemn Sissay, Brian Patten and current poet laureate Simon Armitage.  Published by Route Press, Michelle has written two books and the accompanying albums ‘I Am’ and ‘She Is’, and her work is included in numerous anthologies.    

Michelle pioneered and established the online group the ‘Clear Out Your Closet Collective’. This has become a user-led, peer support group of people suffering with mental ill health issues, often triggered by trauma and distress. The Collective has online members from as far away as Finland. 

Michelle’s career is diverse and has a wide reach. Her theatre workshop for Space2, ‘Suitcase’ was written for Yorkshire School children explored mental health issues and wellbeing. In 2018, she created a cross cultural play and film for the NHS, ‘Jeans, Whose Genes?’, and wrote ‘East Side Story’ for the Leeds Playhouse. During the COVID lockdowns, Michelle worked on several projects to improve well-being in the community including ‘Colour Our City Green’.

Other collaborations include work with Leeds Beckett University, Artlink, Leeds Lieder, further projects with Leeds Playhouse and the Huddersfield Literature Festival. In 2023, Michelle worked with the BBC, participating in ‘Contains Strong Language’, and her autobiographical piece ‘Looking at Leeds’ was featured on Radio 3’s ‘The Essay’. Most recently, Michelle was commissioned by Proper Job Theatre Co to be one of the scriptwriters for their production of ‘Beowulf’.

Michelle’s body of work is reflective of her own diverse background. Based in West Yorkshire, she uses creative writing, drama and art to promote wellbeing and collaborates with other artists to build bridges between communities and generations.

Explore the world of Michelle Scally Clarke, and immerse yourself in the power of words and imagination.