A “TRULY outstanding comic writer” is being sought in a national competition just launched by Liverpool's Royal Court and Hope University. 

The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize says it offers both established and undiscovered writers the opportunity to enter. That could open the floodgates to anyone from  Armando Iannucci to Victoria Wood gagging to get their script produced at Liverpool's Royal Court (and a £10,000 cash prize). To make sure everyone gets an equal go, all entries will be judged anonymously. 

The aim, they say, is to find the next great comedic play and eminent playwright of the future, with a judging panel led by playwright John Godber who is Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Liverpool Hope University, Dr John Bennett who teaches drama there, the Royal Court's Kevin Fearon and Catherine Jones from the Echo.

In addition to the main prize, two runners up will receive ‘highly commended’ awards of £1,500. There is also a separate category for the under 21s, with the younger winner receiving a £2,500 first prize and £500 for the two runners up. 

Large

Liverpool Hope's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pillay,  said: “Through the Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize we will not only recognise and develop new talent, but further strengthen Liverpool’s place as one of the greatest cities for culture, regionally, nationally and internationally.” 

Gillian Miller, Chief Executive of the Royal Court Liverpool Trust added: “Everybody here is delighted to be a part of this competition. New writing is a major part of what we do here at The Court and this prize is a great opportunity for somebody to get their work produced and performed in front of a large audience. We are expecting entries to come in from all across the country so the winner will have to be a truly outstanding comic writer.” 

All entries must be submitted online no later than midnight on 30th May 2014. Details of those shortlisted will then be released with the winner announced in November as part of the Cornerstone Arts Festival 2014. 

For further information, including full terms and conditions, visit this.