Since the deadline on 5 June when we were delighted and overwhelmed to receive 1,938 submissions, a team of dedicated and experienced readers have been looking at the work, discussing it, arguing over it and passionately advocating for it. Each script has been given the dedicated time and attention it deserves and the readers are acutely aware of the time, effort and determination it takes to complete a script and the bravery it takes to submit it to the Prize. The readers have consisted of directors, dramaturgs, literary managers, actors, designers, literary agents, critics and previous winners. It has been exciting to see readers get excited by the work.

This is a difficult part of the process. This is a Prize. Which means it is “competitive”. Which means there is a selection process. While it would be wonderful to find ways to support everyone who has submitted their work, we simply do not have the resources to do that. Which is why we continue to offer opportunities and other support through the website. We do appreciate how much it takes to complete a script and submit it to the Prize and we want to find other ways to support everyone out there away from the very intense process of the Prize.

Below is the Longlist of 100 scripts. Each of these plays has been read by at least 4 distinct and different readers – through the process we endeavour to give each script to a different reader to ensure a variety of viewpoints. Some of these scripts will have been read by more readers. Each of these scripts will receive feedback on their work before the end of the year.

We want to offer a heartfelt congratulations to everyone on this list, whoever you are, wherever you are, for taking the time to submit this exciting piece of work and we hope it deservedly finds a home.

THE LONGLIST (in alphabetical order) 

A new team of 12 readers are now looking at this work to identify the shortlist of ten scripts that will go to the judges. The shortlist will be announced on 30 October.