Synergy Theatre Project, Write Now II

Write Now II

The company launched its second scriptwriting competition, Write Now, in 2008 in partnership with the Royal Court Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, New Wolsey Theatre and the Theatre Writing Partnership.

Over 100 scripts from prisoners across England and Wales were submitted and the shortlist judged by a panel comprising Martin McDonagh, Shelagh Stephenson, Erwin James, Tamara Gausi, Mark Dudgeon and Danny Sapani. The winning scripts were: 1st Prize Care by David (HMP Standford Hill), 2nd prize Sour Times by Stuart (HMP Dovegate) and 3rd prize Every Coin Has Two Sides by Carlon (HMP Frankland).

In July 2009 extracts from the winning plays were performed by a professional cast in a script-in-hand reading at the Royal Court Theatre and HMP Standford Hill where the first prize-winner David is held. Audiences comprised prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, theatre professionals and the general public.