Deadline: 24^th February 2025

Lancaster Playwriting Prize is back for another year! We are seeking submissions for Lancaster Playwriting Prize 2025 from writers based in Lancashire and the North-West.

The competition is open to entrants living or learning in Lancashire/North-West UK and must be 18+ years of age. The top three submissions will receive a rehearsed public reading of a 15-20 minute section of their work on 28^th March 2025. Runners up will receive £250 each and the winner will receive £1000 cash prize and a trophy.

The theatre organises the competition alongside Lancaster University.

Each year the competition has a different writing theme and this year the theme is Gothic. The first was aimed at ethnically-diverse writers, while subsequent ones have covered unproduced writers over 55; LGBTQAI+ writers and deaf, disabled or neurodiverse writers.

The submitted scripts can be full length (long or short) plays and must have a maximum of 4 cast members. If your play exceeds 15-20 minutes in length, a section of your play will be performed if you are shortlisted.

The Dukes CEO Chris Lawson says: “As Lancaster’s only professional producing theatre, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to new writing across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity for writers at any stage of their career to work with us in the development of their ideas and stories which need to be heard”

Please note: all submissions will be acknowledged, although due to the expected volume we will receive, feedback will only be given to finalists.

To apply, please send your written piece to our Creative Administrator & Programme Coordinator, Emma Nixon: ask@dukeslancaster.org, entitled "Lancaster Playwriting Prize Submission".  If you'd like an informal chat about the opportunity, you can call Emma on: 01524 598506