The David Nobbs Memorial Trust (DNMT) has announced the 2024 winners of its prestigious annual comedy writing competition. Yet again, the quality of entries was remarkable, demonstrating the depth and breadth of up and coming comedy talent across the UK.

This year’s winner Alice Etches takes the top prize for their script The Waywards. The runners-up are Ralph Jones for his script Redress and Chess Tomlinson for their script Biobag Baby. 

Thanks to the ongoing support of dedicated donors, emerging comedy writers can win cash prizes from the competition, now in its seventh year, to help them ‘buy time’ for writing. The competition, which was established as a tribute to the late, great David Nobbs, also offers valuable one-on-one time with a top comedy producer or commissioner to the overall winner. 

Alice Etches will receive a cash prize of £1000, Ralph Jones and Chess Tomlinson will each receive a cash prize of £250.

Alice Etches said: “I am over the moon to have won… a big thank you to the judges and congrats to all the other wonderful writers! The script I entered is close to my heart, and inspired by family, so it means a lot that people see potential in it. I’m planning on investing the money into creating a short film I’ve written (and maybe another new notebook?).

I always dreamed of working in comedy, and I can’t quite believe I’m actually doing it. Is it as fun and glamorous as I thought it would be? No. There is a lot of rejection, email refreshing and hunching over desks with the posture of a prawn. But I love it, and I’m going to keep at it until I physically turn into a prawn.

My FinalDraft is full of scripts and ideas, soooo if any producers want to have a coffee and a chat… that would be nice? Yeah? Great.

Thank you again, DMNT!”

Ralph Jones said: “I passed out when I read this wonderful news, and was rushed to hospital immediately. When I came to, I was babbling about almost winning a comedy writing competition. None of the medical staff believed me, saying that I didn't seem particularly funny when I arrived. When I showed them the email notifying me, they were forced to eat their words - and the flapjack I had in my pocket. All in all, an absolute roller coaster of an afternoon. Thank you.”

Chess Tomlinson said: "Being long listed, short listed and then runner up has been incredibly validating as a screenwriter. Opportunities like David Nobbs Memorial Trust Comedy Writing Competition continues to smash imposter syndrome, give the opportunity for your work to be read by industry heavy weights and for underrepresented voices to rise up and get their names into 'the room where it happens'."

Judges from across the industry, including veteran comedians, writers and producers turned their expert eye to the entries this year: Lucy Lumsden, owner of Yellow Door Productions and formerly head of comedy commissioning at both Sky and the BBC, alongside comedian, writer and actor Katy Wix and American comedian, writer and presenter Desiree Burch. 

Lucy Lumsden said: “I’m so honoured to be asked to help judge the David Nobbs Memorial Award once again. What a wonderful way for David’s immense comedy legacy to live on. Comedy needs to fight its corner more than ever at the moment and it was a sheer delight to read the winning script. With comedy writing like that we are in safe hands.”  

Trust chair, journalist and author Mary O’Hara said: “Another year, and another great crop of entries for the David Nobbs prize for comedy! Once again, we’ve seen talent shine through, showing that there’s no shortage of brilliant emerging comedy writers ready to hone their skills. Huge congratulations to this year’s awesome winners! 

“Everyone at the Trust is delighted and grateful for the ongoing support and enthusiasm of the judges from across the industry who bring their talent and time to make it all happen. The DNMT relies on individual donors to keep doing what we do and anyone can donate via this link: peoplesfundraising.com/donation/david-nobbs-memorial-trust-2023” 

The Trust’s patrons are Michael Palin, writer Jonathan Coe and playwright Lucy Prebble.

David Nobbs’ widow and Honorary President of the Trust, Susan Nobbs, added “David would have been delighted at the incredible standard of entries this year. As always, it wasn’t easy for the judges to choose the winners, but they’ve done us proud once again.  David always said there were so many writers with voices that needed to be heard.”

Full details of the competition can be found at the Trust website: www.DavidNobbsMemorialTrust.org.uk