Hope Mill Theatre’s ‘Through The Mill’ playwriting prize will close for entries on 27 November so budding writers are being encouraged to send their submissions through as soon as possible.

Finalists for the prize, which was launched earlier this year, includes mentorship with writer Jonathan Harvey as well as £5,000 and having their play produced by and performed at Hope Mill.

Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre Joseph Houston said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our first ever Playwriting Prize. Since opening in 2015, Hope Mill has hosted and programmed a lot of new writing from a range of exciting companies. We wanted as an organisation to find a way to support freelance writers and new writing by seeing it through to a full production as well as offering financial support. This is just the beginning of this amazing opportunity and we will be launching this prize annually.” 

Acclaimed stage and screen writer Jonathan Harvey said: “I have long been a fan of Hope Mill Theatre. They are proof positive that great theatre doesn’t just take place in our capital.

“I am thrilled to be involved in Through The Mill. I got my first break in competitions at Liverpool Playhouse and the Royal Court in London. Getting my plays produced via these competitions was the best education ever, and the prize money helped get me through Uni!

“This is such a good opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the competition brings, and to work with the finalists.”

For more information on submissions and criteria, please click here.