The inaugural Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting was held at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 2005. Chris Smith MP was Chair of the judging panel. Fellow judges included actor Brenda Blythyn OBE; Artistic Director of the National Theatre Nicholas Hynter; actor, playwright and singer Kwame Kwei Armah; founding Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre Braham Murray, and Chairman of Bruntwood Micheal Oglesby DL LLD DSc.

2005 Winners

Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting: PRETEND YOU HAVE BIG BUILDINGS by Ben Musgrave

Second Prize: MONSTER by Duncan Macmillan

Third Prize: THE CRACKS IN MY SKIN by Phil Porter

Under 26 Award: SIXTY FIVE MILES by Matthew Hartley

North West Award: CANDYLAND by Ian Kershaw