FAQs

  • Full-length horror plays (70–120 minutes), original and written in English. Your work must be unproduced, unpublished, and not previously awarded any prizes. All forms of playwriting are accepted as long as they fulfil the other criteria listed. This includes one-person shows, full cast plays, musicals.

  • Horror can be psychological, supernatural, political, social, or otherwise — but it should engage fear, dread, or the darker edges of human experience.

  • Playwrights must be 18 or older, based in the UK or Ireland, and have had at least one professional stage production (two weeks or more with paid cast). You must own the copyright to your play.

  • Works that adapt or are inspired by existing material (books, films, folklore, fairytales, etc.) are only eligible if the material is out of copyright.

  • Approximately 70–120 minutes.

  • Plays with scale, ambition, and emotional impact. Strong story, compelling characters, theatrical momentum, and creative use of horror as a storytelling engine are key.

  • Shortlisted writers will be notified, and three finalists will present rehearsed readings at the Prize Giving event. The overall winner receives £10,000, mentorship opportunities, and a rehearsed reading of their play.

  • No. Only unproduced, unpublished works are eligible.

  • All applicants should download the complete Submission Guidelines for full information on formatting, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

  • You can read the full terms and conditions of entering the competition here. These include the eligibility criteria, details of the winner’s prize, and a right of first refusal to the winning play given to Sophie Cairns Productions.