Past Competition winners
Zoë Tomalin
2021 Winner
“It’s a real honour to accept a prize named after the late great David Nobbs. I’m beyond thrilled that the judges connected with my script Creeps, a dark comedy about a washed-up actor who accidentally kidnaps his three obsessive teenage girl superfans. I can’t wait to use the award to develop more projects centring problematic, complicated - and frankly kind of gross - women. Thank you!”
Kate Reid & Zak Ghazi-Torbati
2021 Runners Up
“It’s felt amazing to have our comedy writing recognised and supported by the David Nobbs Memorial Trust. So often in our industry, it can feel like you’re having to chart your own course, without much guidance, and basically just learning by trial and error. So, so much error. But placing in this competition has really made us feel like we’re on the right track and that we can get excited for the future!”
Zara Janjua
2021 Runner up
“It was such a wonderful surprise to be named among some very talented and credible writers. Entering competitions imparts deadlines, which can be very necessary for writers. Having something tangible to show for an idea was my overall aim but I hoped I might make some new connections or at the very least be on the radar. Being announced on the shortlist alone was bloody marvellous but this will help to open doors and give my work some credibility. C'mon producers, let's be having ya!”
Tom Critch
2019 Winner
“The last competition I won was for a Batman Forever figurine in 1996, so the bar was set pretty gosh darn high. Winning the DNMT is such a boost to the self-belief in your scribbling, and I cannot thank the judges and the David Nobbs team enough. At times trying to get your writing read/seen/heard feels like swimming through treacle so gems like this are hugely appreciated. My advice to anyone thinking of entering is (Arnie impression) DO IT! DO IT NOW! COME ON!
Currently, I have a six-part audio series in the works with the fine folks at Rusty Quill, as well as a dramedy series and comedy short with Highland Cow Productions and J Black Films respectively”
Aidan Mccaffery
2018 winner
“Winning the David Nobbs Trust Memorial Comedy Writing competition has helped open doors into the comedy industry. Since I won have met several high profile agents and producers about the possibility of developing my winning screenplay Swipe for television. The advantage of having 'PRIZE-WINNING SCREENPLAY' attached to your email, especially when judged by notable industry insiders, is invaluable!”
Sean Fee
2017 Winner
“I’m currently collaborating on an anthology film project and a new sketch show pitch that I can’t really talk about just yet. But I’m still continuing to submit to competitions and the like and just writing as much as I can.
“I have to say I’m so grateful to the David Nobbs trust, which is so important to writers just starting out. I think the trick is no matter what stage you’re at to keep going and keeping writing!”
Lizzie Bates
2017 Runner up
It was so exciting to place as runners up in the DNMT competition. On the awards evening itself we were able to meet and discuss our work with the judges and other industry professionals, and the prize also enabled us to set up meetings with new TV and radio producers in the weeks that followed. Since then, Anna and I have continued to develop our writing as a partnership, as well as working on our own solo projects. Our sitcom script Lifeguards was optioned by Underground Films and shortlisted for a development scheme with RTE and The Irish Film Board. We have also been contributing writers for two series of Radio 4 sketch show Sketchtopia, which was shortlisted for Best Scripted Comedy (sketch show category) in the BBC Audio Drama Awards in 2019.
Anna Emerson
2017 Runner Up
Being runners up in the DNMT writing competition was brilliant for Lizzie and me. It gave us greater confidence in our writing and helped us make new connections in the industry. Most importantly, the funding helped pay for travel costs between London and Cornwall so we could write together in person more often. We’re continuing to develop our writing careers both together and individually, and are excited about the future. Most recently, we’ve written for two series of BBC Radio 4’s Sketchtopia and worked with Underground Films to pitch our project, Lifeguards, as part of a development scheme with RTÉ and the Irish Film Board. We’ve also written two more sitcom pilot scripts, and are both working on solo scripted projects.