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 Your work must be unproduced, unpublished, and not previously awarded any prizes.

  • 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 (four weeks or more with paid cast and crew). You must own the copyright to your play.

  • No. Submissions must be fully original and not adapted from other works or existing intellectual property.

  • 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  • No. Only unproduced, unpublished works are eligible.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.