Robert Sloman was born in Oldham, Lancashire, and spent his formative years in Plymouth, Devon. He received his education at St Boniface, a prestigious Catholic school, where he developed a strong foundation in the arts. After completing his studies, Sloman attended Exeter University, where he became increasingly involved in dramatics and honed his skills as a performer.
Following his graduation, Sloman joined the repertory company at Newton Poppleford, further solidifying his passion for the performing arts. However, it soon became apparent that his true calling lay in writing. Sloman's desire to pursue a career as a writer led him to join the Sunday Times, where he made a name for himself as a playwright.
Two of Sloman's plays, The Golden Rivet and The Tinker, achieved significant success, with The Tinker being adapted into the film Young and Willing (1962),directed by the renowned Ralph Thomas. The film featured early performances by notable actors John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Jeremy Brett.
In 1970, Sloman's friend and fellow writer Barry Letts, producer of the popular BBC science-fiction series Doctor Who (1963),approached him to co-write a serial. The result, The Dæmons: Episode One (1971),was an unusual and innovative story that blended English tradition with the occult and was set in a picturesque English village. The story was a huge success, and Sloman became a regular contributor to the series, writing for each of Jon Pertwee's subsequent three seasons.
Sloman's work on Doctor Who was characterized by his intelligent and thought-provoking writing style, which often incorporated moral messages and character-driven dramas. His stories tackled a range of themes, including corporate greed and pollution in The Green Death: Episode One (1973) and Buddhist principles in Planet of the Spiders: Part One (1974).
Throughout his career, Sloman was deeply committed to his craft and was known for his dedication to his work. In his later years, he divided his time between England and Spain, indulging his passion for sailing and enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
