The annual Essex playwriting competition reaches its finale tonight as brand new plays by University based playwrights compete before a panel of judges.

Come and spot new talent, as the shortlisted plays are given a full production, under the direction of Gari Jones, in a night that promises to be every bit as diverse, passionate, eclectic and nerve-tingling as last year.

The judges received a massive 51 entries this year, from which six finalists were selected to have their plays produced and performed tonight!

The panel of expert judges includes Bafta award winning writer and Essex alumnus Nick Dear, whose many plays include the adaptation of Frankenstein directed by Danny Boyle at the National Theatre starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller.

The Essex Dionysia is part of the UoE Centre for Theatre Studies annual Summer School. Every year the scheme employs a professional director to work intensively with more than 20 Essex drama students to create a night of performance in under three weeks. This year Gari Jones will take the helm assisted by four Essex student assistant directors.

Essex Dionysia Prize 2014 Shortlist

Digging for Gold by Cassie Catchpole

Emperor Boy by Harriet Dallen

Father Tinker by Jacko Lang

Migrations by Robin Brooker

Women’s Troubles by Rebecca Houlihan-Broad

The People of Pripyat by Liv Jones