A robbers’ hideout, the 19th century occult scene, and the life of Moliere are among the worlds entered into by writers shortlisted for the 2017 Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize.
The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize is the UK’s second largest playwriting prize after the Bruntwood Prize, and aims to find the next great comedy play.
As well as being presented with £10,000, the winning writer will have their play considered for production by Liverpool’s Royal Court, while up to two Highly Commended writers will win £1,500. All entries are judged anonymously.
The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize is run in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, and Liverpool’s Royal Court. The Stage and The Liverpool Echo are official media partners for the 2017 competition.
Shortlisted writers from the inaugural 2015 Prize have gone on to carve successful careers in the theatre industry. Katie Mulgrew, winner of the first Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize, currently has her play Omnibus in production with Liverpool’s Royal Court and the Unity Theatre, with tickets on sale soon. Ian Salmon’s Highly Commended The Comeback Special will be performed at Liverpool’s Cornerstone Theatre in March, while shortlisted Michael Ross’s play Happy To Help was performed at Park Theatre London in 2016.
This year’s judging panel includes Frank Cottrell Boyce (Screenwriter and Author), Alistair Smith (Editor, The Stage), Catherine Jones (Arts Editor, Liverpool Echo), Amanda Whittington (Playwright), Les Dennis (Actor, Comedian and Writer), Kevin Fearon (Chief Executive, Liverpool’s Royal Court), Katie Mulgrew (Comedian and winner of the first Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize), Paul Allen (Playwright and Critic), and Dr John Bennett (Principal Lecturer, Drama and Theatre Studies, Liverpool Hope University).
The winner of the 2017 competition will be revealed at Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre in March 2017.
Kevin Fearon, Executive Producer, Liverpool’s Royal Court, added: “The standard was very high this year and the final judging session was both difficult and enjoyable because of that. The competition’s last winner is being produced by us at Unity Theatre, which has been a catalyst for a new relationship between the two theatres. We are looking forward to meeting the winner of this year’s prize so we can work together to bring the play to the stage.”
Dr John Bennett, Principal Lecturer in Drama at Liverpool Hope said: “The judges’ meeting was very exciting with nine of us trying to find the best play from an impressive shortlist. All the scripts in the final selection reminded us of how powerful comedy can be as a vehicle for social comment, as well as the much-needed belly laugh of a good night out.”
The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize 2017 – The Shortlist
The Last Act of Love of J B Moliere: Simon Bradbury, London
The Elementary Occult: Christopher Jordan, Halifax
A Prayer to Saint Cajetan: Gerry Linford, Ellesmere Port
Mummy’s Boy: Stewart McDonald, Liverpool
Paulo & Me: Ian Nightingale, Ormskirk, Lancashire
Absoluted: Neil Walden, Gloucestershire