Judges of an initiative to discover new voices from a range of backgrounds in the playwriting world have drawn up a shortlist.

The Lancaster Playwriting Prize, an initiative arising out of the cultural partnership between Lancaster University and The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, launched in August.

It is supported by the actress and Lancaster University alumna Lucy Briers.

Each year, the Prize has different entry criteria in a bid to reach underserved playwrights.

For 2019, the Prize focuses on unproduced writers aged over 55 who are based in North West England. The winner will receive £1500.

The shortlist is:

• Alison Chaplin (Greater Manchester): Dancing Backwards.
• Harvey Cox (Greater Manchester) : Burial Detail.
• Suzanne Jeans (Cheshire): An Absence of.
• Karen Rigby (Merseyside): Dusty Bates throws like a girl.
• Amanda Webster (Lancashire): For One Night Only.

The winner will be announced on 7^th February 2020 at The Dukes Lancaster before the performance of Ladies that Bus. 

To find out more please go to: www.lancaster.ac.uk/playwriting