Wales Drama Award announces first ever winner
BBC Cymru Wales, National Theatre Wales and the Writersroom today announce Katherine Chandler as the winner of the inaugural Wales Drama Award.
Published: 26 October 2012
I'm convinced this new award will help us find and nurture bold, original writers with the potential to make an indelible impact on stage or screen in the years to come."
Beating nearly 250 other Wales-based drama writers to the title, Katherine was selected as the winner by a panel of judges, including celebrated writers Abi Morgan and Swansea born Russell T Davies.
Katherine will receive £10,000 and the opportunity to develop her winning script entitled ‘Parallel Lines’ or another piece, with either BBC Cymru Wales or National Theatre Wales. The runners-up, revealed today as Paul Jenkins and Ralph Bolland, will also be supported with a script development opportunity and £1000.
Launched in March 2012 at the opening of BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios, the winners of the prestigious new award were named today at a special ceremony, featuring performances of the six shortlisted scripts from leading Welsh actors: Matthew Trevannion; Steffan Rhodri; Nia Roberts; Lisa Palfrey; Harry Ferrier and Remy Beasley.
The award is a collaboration between two creative leaders in drama – BBC Cymru Wales Drama and National Theatre Wales – in close partnership with BBC Writersroom. It is the first of its kind for writers based in Wales.
Speaking at the ceremony at Roath Lock, Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director, BBC Cymru Wales, said: “We set out to create a unique platform for new writers based in Wales, and the response has been phenomenal. I think BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales both share a determination to champion new talent - and I 'm convinced this new award will help us find and nurture bold, original writers with the potential to make an indelible impact on stage or screen in the years to come.”
Faith Penhale, Head of Drama, BBC Cymru Wales and judge panel member, said: “We’re thrilled to announce today the winner of our first award for original writers in Wales, at a time when both National Theatre Wales and BBC Cymru Wales Drama are in such good creative health. The Wales Drama Award not only celebrates, but nurtures new talent providing support to up and coming writers in an industry that is often hard to break into. Katherine and all of the writers shortlisted prove why we have every reason to be excited for the future of drama in Wales.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director, National Theatre Wales and judge panel member, said: “We have been very pleased indeed with the number and quality of scripts submitted for the award. This is a really exciting time for writing and for writers in Wales; I hope the award will focus the widest possible attention on the great things writers are doing here. Everyone at National Theatre Wales is thrilled for Katherine, and we look forward to many more collaborations with BBC Cymru Wales Drama and BBC Writersroom.”
JP4
