Peter Lathan Prize for New Writing 2023 Announced

Peter Lathan Prize for New Writing 2023 Announced

The Customs House is delighted to announce the winner of the Peter Lathan Prize for New Writing 2023.

Writer Alan Diment has been awarded the prize following the venues annual new writing night, PLAY.

Alan’s play Boggle follows Sarah and Darren, curators at small photographic archive, who are tasked with pulling together work under the theme of North East life in the 80s. But Darren discovers something which leads him to re-examine the collection’s past and question it’s future.

An extract of Alan’s play was performed as part of a rehearsed reading at PLAY 3 at The Customs House on October 23. His work was joined by four other pieces by writers from the region; Nee Job, Nee Money, Nee F*cking Clue by Harry Palmer, LADS LADS LADS by Lucy-Jo Finnighan, Ark by Sarah Davy and I Will by Kieron Michael.

Leah Strug, Programming & Audience Development Manager said: ‘As ever, the standard of writing was exceptional and it’s a real pleasure to be able to showcase new voices at The Customs House. We are excited to see the direction Alan takes with what was an intriguing and well pitched excerpt.’

The annual prize will provide Alan with access to support from The Customs House to continue work developing Boggle.

Alan said: ‘I’m both surprised and honored to be the recipient of this year’s Peter Lathan Prize for New Writing – especially given the high quality of my fellow writers. As someone who turned to writing plays relatively late in life, this award – with the wonderful opportunities it offers – is a valuable incentive and a reminder that age is no barrier to creativity.’

If you have a piece of work you’d be interested in being part of our new writing programme, submissions for PLAY 4 will be open next year or email [email protected] for more information.