BBC World Service and British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023
The BBC World Service and British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023 is now accepting submissions. Writers from outside the UK have the rare opportunity to use the medium of radio drama to convey stories for an international audience thanks to a global competition run by BBC World Service and the British Council.
They are asking for contributions in two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. The two top awards might come from either category.
Both winners will attend an award ceremony in London and see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).
Prizes
- Cash Prize: £2,500 sterling (or the equivalent in a local currency at the BBC’s discretion)
- A trip to London (standard airfare and accommodation for one person) to see the winning play being recorded and attend a prize-giving event.
Eligibility
- Open to anyone who at February 12, 2023 is over the age of 18 and not considered to be a resident of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (“UK”).
- Professional and previously published writers are eligible to enter, but this is not a requirement of entry. They may require proof of eligibility.
- Entrants must not be BBC, BBC Group company, or British Council employees, close relatives of such employees or any person connected to the competition. Proof of age, identity and eligibility may be requested.
- Entrants should write a radio play of approximately fifty three minutes’ length on any subject of their choice.
Application
To enter, you’ll need to complete the online application form, and supply the following:
- The script for your 53-minute radio play with up to six central characters. This should be submitted as a PDF file
- A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your play. This should be no more than 400 words long, and submitted as a PDF file
For more information, visit BBC World Service and British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition.
