Johnny McKnight is an award-winning writer, director and educator known for his significant contriubtions to theatre and screen.

With over 60 professional theatre productions to his credit, notable works including the award-winning Fringe First winner SHE'S BEHIND YOU (Traverse Theatre/National Theatre of Scotland), WENDY HOOSE (Random Accomplice, Birds of Paradise), THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF SEE THRU SAM (Random Accomplice) and MEET ME AT THE KNOB (Play, Pie, Pint). His plays THE JOKE and A PERFECT STROKE (Play, Pie and a Pint) were nominated for Best New Play at the Critics Award Theatre Scotland. 

Recent projects include a number one tour of THE HIGH LIFE (National Theatre of Scotland), UK Tour of 101 DALMATIANS (Runaway Entertainment), the hit Edinburgh Festival/US tour, NO LOVE SONGS (Dundee Rep) and RUBBLE (Scottish Opera). 

Johnny has been described as the "vanguard of post-modernist panto," with over 30 original commissions, and a slew of awards and nominations – most recently winning Best Panto (twice), Achievement In Inclusive Practice and Achievement in Innovation.

He has over 50 hours of screen credits including HOLBY CITY and QUEEN OF THE NEW YEAR and was as part of the core writing team for BBC’s Continuing Drama RIVER CITY. He was nominated for the Royal Television Society Scotland Best Writer 2023, with his anniversary episode of RIVER CITY winning BEST DRAMA 2023. His work on River City has concluded with McKnight writing the very final episode to be broadcast in autumn 2026.

As Co-Artistic Director of the award-winning Random Accomplice Theatre Company for 17 years, Johnny created and toured work across the UK and internationally, including performances in New York, London, Prague and Spain. His directing experience spans collaborations with prestigious organisations such as the Edinburgh International Festival and National Theatre of Scotland.

In education, Johnny has worked with all ages and abilities throughout his career. He has had several educational resources published by Scottish Opera, as well as been lead artist multiple CPD Primary and Secondary Teaching modules. He also served as Senior Tutor for Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Youthworks programme.

Johnny held the position of Associate Artist at the National Theatre of Scotland (2020-2023) and Associate Playwright for Playwrights Studio Scotland, mentoring new and emergent writing talents.