David Nobbs Memorial Trust to launch writing competition

Tuesday 6th December 2016, 8:36pm

David Nobbs
  • The David Nobbs Memorial Trust is launching a comedy writing competition on the 1st January 2017
  • Entrants are required to submit 10 pages of a sitcom script, or four three-minute comedy sketches
  • The competition, supported by Barry Cryer, and Michael Palin, has a £500 first prize

The David Nobbs Memorial Trust, which was launched earlier this year to remember the Reggie Perrin author, is preparing its first annual comedy writing competition.

The contest, which opens on the 1st January 2017, is aimed at those early in their writing career - but it is not totally 'open door'. Entrants must be able to provide a broadcast credit for their written material (for example Newsjack) and accompany their entry with a 500-word Statement of Intent, describing their writing career goals.

Entrants are being asked to submit the first 10 pages of a half hour radio or television sitcom pilot script, or four three-minute comedy sketches. The closing date for submissions is midnight on Sunday 15th January 2017.

The winner will be announced at the Craft Of Comedy 2017 conference in Llandudno on 1st April. The judges will award a first prize of £500, as well as any runner-up prizes.

The David Nobbs Memorial Trust has been established by comedy producers, performers and people who knew and loved David Nobbs, with the blessing of his family, to honour his memory by supporting new comedy writing in the UK.

Trust chair, journalist Mary O'Hara says: "Getting a foothold as a writer be it in sketch, book writing or sitcom, can be tough so we've decided to try to help those starting out. We're running a competition in David's name and will award a modest bursary that could help winners set aside some precious hours for writing."

Nobbs' widow and Honorary President of the Trust, Susan Nobbs, says: "I know that awarding a bursary to new writers, as a support at the beginning of their chosen career would have definitely appealed to David."

The Trust is supported by two of the late writer's friends, Barry Cryer, and Michael Palin, who said, "I knew David Nobbs from the very earliest days - when we were both struggling comedy writers. Throughout my subsequent career David was extraordinarily helpful and supportive. I'm delighted, through his name, to continue his help and support for new writing talent."

Full details for the competition, including the rules and how to submit your entry next year, can be found at the Trust website: DavidNobbsMemorialTrust.org.uk

Share this page