Novelist and Bafta-winning writer Stephen S Thompson dies aged 56

Stephen S Thompson, novelist and writer of Bafta-winning drama “Sitting in Limbo”, has died at the age of 56 following a short battle with cancer.

His death last week was announced by his family. In a statement they said: “Stephen passed away on Thursday 26th May after a short battle with cancer. He fought hard to beat the odds after being diagnosed just a month earlier, but, ultimately, spent his last few weeks at home, as was his wish, receiving end-of-life care.

“Throughout this time Stephen showed a characteristic determination to live. In the end, however, the rapid progression of the cancer meant his body was unable to match the power of his indomitable mind, and he passed away peacefully surrounded by love. His family, friends and partner are heartbroken at his passing but so incredibly proud of all he achieved, both personally and professionally, during his all too short life.”

An acclaimed novelist of Jamaican descent, Thompson’s first book Toy Soldiers (Sceptre) was published in 2000. He went on to write three further novels, including Missing Joe (Sceptre) in 2012. 

He wrote the powerful feature-length drama “Sitting in Limbo” in response to his brother Anthony Bryan’s fight against deportation amid the Windrush scandal. The film was broadcast on BBC1 in June 2020, directed by Stella Corradi and starred Patrick Robinson, going on to win the Bafta for Best Single Drama. 

Thompson was published in the Observer, the Voice, Wasafiri, Five Dials and Arena Magazine among others, and was the editor and publisher of the online literary journal the Colverstone Review. He lectured in creative writing at University of Winchester, Birkbeck College and the University of Edinburgh, and taught screenwriting at Central Film School in London.