Entries open for playwright talent search on April 7

A new competition to find budding playwrights in Norfolk is set to launch on April 7 – with star actor Suranne Jones playing a key role.

The search for amateur writing talent is being run by Sheringham Little Theatre, where Suranne is president of the charity-run community arts venue.

She and her husband Laurence Akers will host a special event in August 10 to showcase and discuss the two winning entries, which will be read to a live audience by professional actors.

Entrants are being asked to create a one-act play on a theme of coastal life, lasting 60 minutes, and with no more than six characters. Entrants must be amateurs, living in Norfolk and aged 16 or over. Entries open on April 7 and close on July 1.

Suranne, best known for her roles in Vigil, Dr Foster and Gentleman Jack says the competiton, which is her idea to help raise funds and profile for the theatre, is a “real opportunity for budding writers, at any stage of their lives, to get their stories out to a wider audience.”

She added: “everyone always feels like they have at least one story to tell and this is really their chance.”

And Laurence said: “We’re a country surrounded by water. So everyone will have a story about the coast. Just write about what you know, use people you’ve met along the way for character inspiration and don’t be afraid to use your own experiences.”

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “This is a great opportunity to find the budding Alan Bennetts, Alan Ayckbourns and Willy Russells hidden in our midst. Since we first announced the project there has been a lot of interest – so, now the competition is launching, we cannot wait to receive a wave of great plays.”

The Coastlife Sheringham Little Theatre Playwriting Prize is being supported by Suranne and Laurence through their production company TeamAkers, which is also a patron of the theatre.

Initial entries will be whittled down to a shortlist of five before the final two are chosen by a panel of judges drawn from a playwright, director, theatre worker, actor and regular playgoer. Entries should be emailed in PDF form to hannah@sheringhamlittletheatre.com between April 7 and July 1. A full list of terms and conditions can be found here