Last night saw the very first WriterSlam UK take place at Theatre Royal Stratford East!
We had a great industry turn out supporting some fantastic emerging writing talent, including a judging panel made up of our supporters from ITV, ITV Studios, BBC and Tiger Aspect.
The ensemble of 9 performers rehearsed all day with director Fraser Ayres, and treated us to impressive performances on all 5 pieces, well done to the whole team. Performers included Beth Mullen, Benjamin Hills and Mitesh Soni (all of whom were found through MonologueSlam UK), as well as Michelle Bonnard, Tahirah Sharif, Michael Begley, Wil Johnson, Kym Vithana and Steven Miller.
The five finalists were; Caitlin Inness-Edwards with Old Man of the Mountain, Lee Coan with When I’m Not Around, Michael Wiafe with Keep Me Company, Lisa Blackwell with The Returnee and Tom McKay with The Brotherhood.
We are very proud to announce the winners of each of the fantastic prizes!
Up and coming screenwriter, Lee Coan, was selected as the winner of the ITV award. Coan will receive a paid development commission from ITV and ITV Studios, with mentoring from an ITV Studios Executive and feedback on the script from Jane Hudson, Head of Drama Series at ITV.
Other winners on the night include writer Tom Mackay, who won the BBC award and be offered a place on their Introduction to Writing for Continuing Drama Workshop. This invitation only workshop is run by the BBC to find new potential new writers for their continuing drama series’, Holby City, Casualty, Doctors and Eastenders.
The Tiger Aspect award went to budding writer Michael Wiafe, who will be offered a shadowing placement with a writer on one of their top drama series such as Ripper Street.
Jane Hudson from ITV said: “ITV are delighted to have supported the WriterSlam. It’s given us the opportunity to meet some fantastic new talent and we can’t wait to start working with Lee.”
Congratulations to all our finalists (and our shortlisted writers), we can’t wait to see you take the next steps in your writing career!
Keep your eyes peeled on our website for the next WriterSlam UK, planned for this Autumn!
This scheme is funded by Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Funds.