David Nobbs writing contest 2019

The David Nobbs Memorial Trust, established after the death of the Reginald Perrin author, has today launched its third annual comedy writing competition.

A first prize of £500 - as well as any runner-up prizes - will be awarded after judges turn their critical eye on entries, which can be submitted from now (Monday 10th June) until 23rd June.

The Trust was established by comedy producers, performers and people who knew and loved David, with the blessing of his family, to honour his memory by supporting new comedy writing in the UK.

The contest is aimed at those early in their writing career - but it is not totally 'open door'. Entrants must be able to provide a broadcast credit for their written material and accompany their entry with a 500-word Statement of Intent, describing their writing career goals. Winner(s) will be announced in August.

One of last year's winners, Tom Ellen, said: "Reading David Nobbs as a teenager was instrumental in making me want to write funny things, so it meant a huge amount to come joint runner-up in the 2018 DNMT contest. The money was obviously massively helpful in allowing me to take time off from day-job freelancing to finish my script, but more than anything, the opportunity to get my stuff read and judged by comedy professionals was a fantastic confidence boost. It was so encouraging, and it's really helped me take comedy writing more seriously.

"Since entering the contest, I've got two deals to write a couple of (hopefully) funny books: one, a comedy novel, and the other, an illustrated children's book. I also continue to contribute comic strip scripts, spoof articles and other foul-mouthed nonsense to the mighty Viz magazine. In short, the DNMT contest is absolutely brilliant - it can open doors, provide you with valuable time to write and give your confidence and drive a priceless shot in the arm. Stop thinking about entering and DO IT!"

Trust chair, journalist Mary O'Hara says: "Getting a foothold as a writer - be it in sketch, book writing or sitcom - can be tough so we are trying to help those starting out. We are thrilled to be running our third comedy writing competition in David's name. David Nobbs was a passionate supporter of new talent and from the huge number of entries to our competitions to date, we know there is a rich pool of talent ready to make it to the next level and carry on a great comedy tradition."

Another winner, Keiron Nicholson added: "I would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career in comedy writing to enter the David Nobbs Memorial Trust competition. Placing last year was a big confidence boost and the prize money helped carve out time to keep developing the script. Contests like this are an invaluable aid to new writers."

This year's final round judging panel is chaired by Nerys Evans, Creative Director of Comedy at Expectation Entertainment and former commissioning editor for comedy at Channel 4; who is joined by writer and performer Rufus Jones, fresh from his recent hit series, Home. A third judge is still to be announced.

The Trust is supported by two of David's friends, comedy legends Barry Cryer and Michael Palin.

Palin says: "I knew David Nobbs from the very earliest days - when we were both struggling comedy writers. Throughout my subsequent career David was extraordinarily helpful and supportive. I'm delighted, through his name, to continue his help and support for new writing talent."

Nobbs's widow and Honorary President of the Trust, Susan Nobbs, adds: "I know that awarding a bursary to new writers, as a support at the beginning of their chosen career would have definitely appealed to David."

Full information about the competition and entry can be found at The David Nobbs Memorial Trust website.