Our theatre is alive! Results from the Young Playwrights’ Competition!

We are today announcing the winners of our highly successful Young Playwrights’ Competition. We have interviewed one of the writers and you will also hear from some of the Judges.

The results

Overall Drama – A Moment of Rust – Jake Stevens, aged 18.

Best Comedy – The Robbery of Errors – Sian, aged 14.

Most Creative – The Last Tecmancer – Callum, aged 15.

Most Promising – Name in Lights – Penny, aged 14.

Best Plot Twist – The Cornershop Thief – Comfort, aged 14.

About the competition

We spoke to 16-year-old Connie, who originated the idea of the competition.

“I came up with the idea of the Young Playwrights’ Competition when I was thinking of ways to keep the youth of the theatre occupied during the lockdown period as well as keeping them connected to theatre,” Connie said. “I wanted to create something for all ages to keep their creative minds working. I believe it’s crucial to involve the youth at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre because the youth is the future of the Mill. Not only that, it is also an opportunity for young actors and actresses to learn from the experience and to become better in what they do.”

Anyone aged between 13 and 18 was invited to submit a play or scene with a total of 16 actors past and present from the Trust performing the entries, all via Zoom video conferencing.

From the Overall Drama winner

Jake Stevens, winner with his play A Moment of Rust, said:

“I’m eternally grateful to The Mill Theatre for all the opportunities they offer young people. This young writers’ scheme has been an inspiring lockdown project.”

From the Judges

Judge and Vice President of the Trust, David Saint, said:

“Theatre is alive and well at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre with these youngsters.”

Douglas Pope, judge and Chairman, said:

“I am so proud of the commitment they made. We have always encouraged the youth to get involved at the Mill and this has given them a time to shine when we are unable to open. This has given us all a glimmer of hope and encouragement about the future of the arts we all so desperately need.”

The full judging panel was:

• Douglas Pope (Chairman of the Trust)
• David Saint (Vice-President and writer/actor)
• Richard Fitt (NODA Representative for Bedfordshire)
• Michael Horne (Head of Marketing and Director/Performer with the Mill)
• Connie (Youth Ambassador and recent Mill performer)