We are saddened to hear of the passing of David Leland; theatre, film and television writer, director, and actor.

David initially worked in stage management and direction at the Crucible Theatre, where he collaborated with and helped inspire emerging talent such as Michael Palin and Terry Jones, directing the world premiere of Their Finest Hours, two short plays performed at the Crucible Theatre in 1976.

He also recognised the writing and performing genius of an as-of-yet undiscovered Victoria Wood, who wrote her first play, Talent, which Leland directed in the formerly named Studio theatre in 1978. Sheffield Theatres revived a version of Talent in the Crucible in 2021.

David Leland passed away on 24 December 2023. Leland was represented as a writer/director by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.