Playwriting Festival 2025

THE MADDERMARKET THEATRE’S PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

We are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Norwich Players Theatre Company Playwriting Competition! There is an abundance of talent in Norfolk and Suffolk, and we are eager to see it.

We are taking submissions from those who are 18 plus and resident in Norfolk or Suffolk.

So, what is it that we are looking for?

• Original concepts and writing. Plagiarism will not be counted.

• We ask that all writing submitted has not been performed in the past.

• Runtime should be 15 – 20 minutes maximum.

• A cast of four or less – Of course, they can perform as many characters as needed!

• A minimal and flexible set, costumes and effects.

We encourage you to use the above as encouragement to think outside of the box, as opposed to seeing them as boundaries.

The submissions will be split into four categories: Comedy/Farce; Drama; Crime/Thriller; and Adaptation. 

There will be a Winner and Runner-Up in each category.

Category winners will have their play directed and performed by NPTC members in front of an audience.

Category runners-up will have an acted reading of their play in front of an audience.

All performances and readings will take place on the Maddermarket premises.

NOTES FOR THE DIARY:

01/01/25 – Submissions Are Open!

15/02/25 – Workshop Session. This is available for all to attend and gain any support on your writing projects. Email in advance to BOOK A SLOT!

15/03/25 – Submission Window Closed. Midnight.

01/05/25 – Results Announced!

Between 01/05/25 & 13/07/25 – Crunch Time! Directors allocated, casting and a short period of rehearsals.

13/07/25 & 20/07/25 – Performances And Readings!

Please send all submissions as a PDF to joe.flatt@maddermarket.org