Finalists of BBC's first Writer's Prize
BBC Audio and Music and BBC writersroom are delighted to announce the results of the first BBC Writer's Prize. The Writer’s Prize was established to create a unique opportunity for new and established writers who want to write for Radio Drama and Radio Comedy.
Published: 22 February 2013
We were confronted by complex storytelling, boldness and an emotional engagement that comes from writers passionate about their subject."
The response was extraordinary, with over 1,200 original scripts submitted to BBC writersroom for consideration. The judges Jeremy Howe (Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 4 Drama), Caroline Raphael (Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 4 Comedy and Radio 4 Extra), Kate Rowland (BBC Creative Director of New Writing), Roy Williams (writer) and Miles Jupp (writer-performer) were given a shortlist of 18 scripts and, after much debate, have reached their decision.
Two dramas have been commissioned as Afternoon Dramas for Radio 4: Rock Me Amadeus by Simon Topping and Bang Up by Sarah Hehir.
Jeremy Howe says: “In Rock me Amadeus Simon Topping takes on a challenging subject – gender identity – and explores it with a lightness of tone and a freshness of voice that makes it an utterly engaging read. It is a warm, playful piece of writing that doesn’t duck the serious issues.”
“In Bang Up, Sarah Hehir charts the developing relationship between a young offender in a Kentish detention centre and his teacher. It is tough, warm, beautifully observed and written from the inside with real heart. It pulls you into the worlds of the two central characters in such a way that makes you really care for them both, and takes us on a surprising journey.”
The judges were impressed by the overall range and calibre of the drama scripts submitted for the competition, from cycling grannies in space to noir thrillers and pharmacies, boy-eating polar bears and the ethical dilemma of which parent to kill when the food runs out.
Kate Rowland says: “We were confronted by complex storytelling, boldness and an emotional engagement that comes from writers passionate about their subject.”
And in the Radio Comedy category, The Joy Of Adult Education by Mark Wallington has been selected for pilot commission.
Caroline Raphael says: “I look forward to seeing how The Joy Of Adult Education develops. Strong likeable characters, a good sense of how radio can work, and a sense of controlled absurdism marked this script out for me.”
Miles Jupp adds: “What I love about this script is that once you've tuned into it, it builds and builds and builds. The writer has a terrific turn of phrase, and chooses their words carefully and deliberately, throwing up so many lines that are wonderful when standing alone and hilariously funny in context. The characters are beautifully and lovingly drawn too, giving real warmth to this understated joy of a script.”
Notes to editors
BBC writersroom is recognised for providing a unique service to all writers. The writersroom team works across all areas to create new schemes to find the most original writers for TV Drama, TV and Radio Comedy, Radio Drama, Films and Children’s.
BBC writersroom acts as a resource for the whole industry matching writers with departments, external organisations with internal groups and outside partners. Writersroom acts as an internal agent championing talent and diversity throughout the organisation, helping writers move from one area to another. Whether it’s through the Scriptroom, website, TV Drama Writer’s Festival, external partnerships, residential schemes or open access competitions, writers have an open door to the BBC.
Simon Topping grew up near Liverpool and now lives in Brighton. Last year he did a playwriting MA and wrote his first radio play.
Sarah Hehir is a playwright and poet. She was shortlisted for the Nick Darke Award 2012 and currently writes for Needlefoot, creating immersive dance worlds.
Mark Wallington writes books and scripts, fiction and non-fiction, usually comedy and travel. His last book was about a rock 'n roll tour with a ukulele.
