A Playwright’s Odyssey: The David Storey Story

David Storey (13 July 1933 – 27 March 2017) was an English playwright, screenwriter, award-winning novelist and professional rugby league player. He won the Booker Prize in 1976 for his novel Saville.

Early Life And Education

David Storey, an English playwright, screenwriter, and novelist, was born on July 13, 1933, in Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. He was the son of a coal miner, Frank Richmond Storey, and his wife, Lily (née Cartwright) Storey. His early life in a working-class family and the experiences he gathered there deeply influenced his later works. Storey’s education began at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, which laid the foundation for his literary journey. He furthered his education at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he honed his skills in art while simultaneously playing rugby league for Leeds RLFC. This unique combination of artistic and athletic pursuits not only supported him financially but also enriched his creative expression, leading to a successful career that included winning the Booker Prize in 1976 for his novel “Saville”.

Career And Achievements

David Storey, an English novelist and playwright, had a career marked by significant achievements and recognition. His literary prowess was acknowledged with the prestigious Booker Prize in 1976 for his novel “Saville” and he also won the MacMillan Fiction Award for “This Sporting Life” in 1960. Storey’s plays garnered acclaim as well, with “The Contractor,” “Home,” and “The Changing Room” each winning the New York Critics Best Play of the Year Award. His play “The Restoration of Arnold Middleton” won the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright. Moreover, his contributions to literature were recognized with a nomination for the Booker Prize for his play “The Changing Room” in 1973. Storey’s works often drew from his lower-class background and his brief professional rugby career, providing a unique perspective in his storytelling. His first published novel, “This Sporting Life,” reflects his own experiences and was adapted into a film, further cementing his status as a distinguished storyteller. Storey’s legacy in literature and drama is marked by his ability to capture the essence of British life, earning him a lasting place in the annals of English literature.

Notable Events And Milestones

David Storey journey began with a dual passion for sports and the arts, which saw him sign a professional contract with the Leeds Rugby League Club and simultaneously win a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art in London. This duality of interests significantly shaped his storytelling, infusing his narratives with the raw vigor of sports and the nuanced sensitivity of the arts. Storey’s first novel, “This Sporting Life” (1960), drew from his rugby experiences and won the Macmillan Fiction Award, later adapted into a film that became a landmark in British cinema. His literary prowess continued to shine with “Flight into Camden” (1960), which won the Somerset Maugham Award, and “Saville” (1976), which secured him the prestigious Booker Prize, illustrating the life of a coal miner’s son breaking free from village life. Storey’s works often explored themes of working-class life, the struggle for identity, and the conflict between individual aspirations and societal expectations. His plays, such as “The Restoration of Arnold Middleton” (1966) and “In Celebration” (1969), received critical acclaim for their honest portrayal of life’s complexities and the human condition.

Storey’s impact extended beyond literature into the realm of drama, where his plays like “Home” (1970), set in an insane asylum, and “The Changing Room” (1971), set in a rugby team’s changing room, were lauded for their authenticity and emotional depth. His ability to capture the essence of British society, particularly the working class, and his exploration of social issues and human relationships, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Despite personal challenges, including a battle with clinical depression, Storey’s creative output remained prolific and influential. His legacy is not just in the awards and accolades he received but in the way his works continue to resonate with readers and audiences, offering a window into the soul of post-war Britain. His contributions to society and culture are a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to reflect and shape the human experience. David Storey passed away on March 27, 2017, at the age of 83.

Awards And Honors

• Booker Prize (1976) for the novel “Saville”.
• MacMillan Fiction Award for “This Sporting Life” (1960).
• Somerset Maugham Award for “Flight into Camden” (1963).
• Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize for “Pasmore” (1973).
• John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for “Flight into Camden” (1961).
• The screenplay for “This Sporting Life” was adapted into a film directed by Lindsay Anderson (1963).
• His play “The Restoration of Arnold Middleton” won immediate recognition upon its performance (1966).
• His plays “Home” and “Early Days” were made into television films, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
• Storey’s work has been acknowledged for its contribution to English literature, with several other literary awards and nominations throughout his career.

Additional Resources

Books by David Storey:

• “This Sporting Life” (1960) – Storey’s first novel which was adapted into a film.
• “Flight into Camden” (1961) – Winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and the Somerset Maugham Award.
• “Saville” (1976) – Awarded the Booker Prize.
• “Pasmore” (1972) – Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winner of the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize.

Documentaries:

• Unfortunately, there are no specific documentaries on David Storey, but his work and impact on postwar English culture are often featured in broader documentaries about English literature and theater.

Museums:

• The Modern Art Museum (MoMA) in New York has featured works by David Storey in their exhibitions.
• For a more personal exploration, visiting the Highgate Cemetery in London where David Storey is buried could be a reflective experience for fans of his work.

Additional Reading:

• Storey’s posthumous memoir, published in 2021, offers a gripping insight into his life and work.

Online Resources:

– The Wikipedia page on David Storey provides a comprehensive overview of his life, works, and achievements.

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