£750 for promising comedy talent

The comedy writing prize set up in memory of Reggie Perrin creator David Nobbs has increased its prize.

This year’s winner will receive £750, up from £500, while any runners-up will continue to receive £250. Also, for the first time, winners will get a one-on-one consultation with an established comedy producer.

Entries have opened today for the award. Hopefuls must already have a broadcast credit for writing, and submit a 500-word statement describing their career goals. 

Judges are Lucy Lumsden, owner of Yellow Door Productions and formerly head of comedy commissioning at both Sky and the BBC; the comedian Roisin Conaty, who created the Channel 4 sitcom, Gameface; and actor and writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor, whose comedy Timewasters is currently being adapted for a possible US TV series.

Author Mary O’Hara, who is chair of the David Nobbs Memorial Trust, said: ‘Getting a foothold as a writer be it in sketch, book writing or sitcom can be tough at the best of times. However, with the pandemic hitting the comedy community very hard, we are more keen than ever to offer support to those starting out in their career. 

‘That is why this year, as well as a higher cash prize for our overall winner, anyone who wins a prize will also be offered a one-on-one consultation with a brilliant comedy producer from the Trust’s board.

‘David Nobbs was a passionate supporter of new talent and from the huge number of entries in previous competitions, we know there is a rich pool of talent ready to make it to the next level and carry on a great comedy tradition.’

Patrons of the  Trust include Barry Cryer and Michael Palin, with writers Jonathan Coe and Lucy Prebble joining this year.

Coe said: ‘I’ve never met anyone with such a sharp, instinctive sense of comedy as David Nobbs. Comedy was in his blood and it was his way of coping with life’s manifold absurdities. 

‘Encouraging younger writers – such as myself – was an integral part of his mission to spread more laughter throughout the world, and I’m proud to have a role in that now, as a Patron of David’s Memorial Trust.’

Full details for the competition can be found here

Published: 26 Jan 2021