SALFORD ARTS THEATRE
PHONE 0161 925 0111
SALFORD ARTS THEATRE
A Hidden Gem In The Heart of Salford

          Community is at the Heart of Our Theatre


Shelagh Delaney, born 25 November 1938, brought a fresh and spirited voice to the 1950's theatre scene; female, teenager, northern and working class she defied those attempted to pigeon hole her.  Her first play A Taste Of Honey was directed by the renowned Joan Littlewood which was performed at the Theatre, Stratford it later transferred to the West End and then into a film.



The 1950's was the start of theatre changing bring us the cultural revolution that was 'Kitchen sink drama' theatre that was much more accessible to the working class.

Since 2014, we have been celebrating the life and work of Salford born writer Shelagh Delaney 


We have done this in a variety of ways; produced her work, had readings of her short stories, and shown her screen plays, as well as working with several writers to support and showcase new writing


In 2021 we announced the very first  Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award and we are now in our 3rd year.


Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award Criteria - 2024

We are thrilled to announce submissions are open from the 25th November 


AWARD DETAILS

  • The winning writer will receive a cash award of £3000.00
  • The winning play will be produced and performed at Salford Arts Theatre
  • Support and mentorship will be available to the winning writer

CRITERIA

  • Working Class Female writers who live and or born in Greater Manchester (Age 16 +)
  • At the submission stage, please submit either a first draft or finished script.
  • The finished piece will need to be a minimum of 60 minutes (One Act Play) but can be more, with a minimum of two characters and a maximum of 4 characters.
  • We are looking for new writing that is not connected, contracted, or committed to any other venue, creative team, or producer. The new work should not have had any previous  productions, or plan to before the performance at Salford Arts Theatre.
  • We are only accepting scripts for stage and are not looking for adaptations or translations of established works. 
  • Original and new pieces of writing only
  • The writers must hold all copyright and other related rights to the piece

 

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Submit your script as a PDF by email info@salfordartstheatre.com In the body of the email please also include the following details:

  • Your name, age and where you are based
  • Up to 500 words about yourself (which can include any previous experience)
  • Brief synopsis of the idea or play
  • Full contact details


DATES FOR THE DIARY

25th November 2023 - Submissions Open

31st May 2024 -  Submission Closes

30th June 2024 -  Shortlist Announcement

1st August 2024 - Winner announced

November 2024 - Winning play will be performed at Salford Arts Theatre

PREVIOUS WINNERS

 


Joanna Nicks is our 2nd winner of The Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award 2023

“I am delighted and proud that my script has been chosen for the Shelagh Delaney Award this year. It is about two working class young women living in the North and was written in and inspired by this part of the country, so it feels fitting to continue the legacy of Shelagh Delaney's work. This will be my first full length production so it’s a huge step forward and foot in the door for me. I am excited to get started and can’t wait to find the actors who will bring my characters to life.”

2022 Winner Of The Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award

Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award Winner 2022


Matilda Neill was our very first winner of The Shelagh Delaney New Writing Award 2022

" I would highly recommend anyone with a story to tell to apply for the Shelagh Delaney Writing Award. Salford Arts Theatre have been so supportive in bringing my play to life and I could not have imagined a better venue or team. I have met some wonderful, talented people and feel confident and excited about my future as a writer. There was such a lovely atmosphere in the theatre on the nights of the performance and I really feel like I have been part of something special."
Share by: