BBC 2023 International Radio Playwriting Competition

Published: 26 Oct 2022

The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.

We are looking for entries in the two categories: English As A First Language and English As A Second Language. Two writers will win an invitation to attend an award ceremony in London and will get the remarkable opportunity to see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A Special Commendation will be made for a runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).

BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition

Benefits of BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition

• The two winners will have their plays recorded and broadcast on BBC World Service.
• They will also receive £2,500 sterling and a trip to London (including airfare and accommodation for one person) where they will attend an award ceremony.
•  We’re delighted to also be awarding a Special Commendation in the name of the writer Georgi Markov, for the play with most potential on the shortlist.

Requirements for BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition

• Entry to the International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023 is open to anyone over the age of 18 (as of 31 January 2020), who is not normally a resident of the United Kingdom.
• Both new and established writers are encouraged to apply.
• There are two categories for entry. One is for entrants who speak English as a first language, the other for entrants with English as a second language. The BBC may require proof of eligibility for the second category.

Application Deadline

How to Apply