In memory of the Reggie Perrin author

Entries have opened for this year’s comedy writing prize in memory of Reggie Perrin author David Nobbs.

Now in its sixth year, the competition offers cash prizes to up-and-coming comedy writers, helping them ‘buy time’ for writing.

The winner will take home £1000, while any runners-up will receive £2500. The winner will also get a one-to-one consultation with an established comedy producer or commissioner.

Judges this year include Lucy Lumsden, owner of Yellow Door Productions and formerly head of comedy commissioning at both Sky and the BBC, along with comedian, writer, director and actor Chris Addison.

The contest is aimed at those early in their writing career, but entrants must already have a broadcast credit for their written material. They must accompany their entry with a 500-word statement describing their writing career goals. 

Journalist and author Mary O’Hara, who is the chair of The David Nobbs Memorial Trust, said: "Ever since the competition started in honour of David it has attracted the cream of emerging comedy writing talent… and we are sure that this year will be no different.’

Last year’s winner, Rhiannon Shaw, said: ‘Winning the David Nobbs Prize last year was a completely wonderful and unexpected joy. 

‘The money has helped me carve out the time I need to make my script the best it can be, and the accolade is something I can carry with me forever. It’s given me so much confidence in my comedy writing - last year when I entered I never, ever thought I would win. 

‘All of this is a roundabout way of saying you should definitely enter the 2023 competition - you never know where it could take you.’

Writer Jonathan Coe, one of the patrons of the Trust, added: ‘I’ve never met anyone with such a sharp, instinctive sense of comedy as David Nobbs. Comedy was in his blood, and it was his way of coping with life’s manifold absurdities. 

‘Encouraging younger writers – such as myself – was an integral part of his mission to spread more laughter throughout the world, and I’m proud to have a role in that now.

Full details of the competition are on the Trust website. Entries close on March 31.

Published: 23 Feb 2023