Calling All Budding Playwrights!

English Heritage is looking for talented writers to create a short sketch based on a historical view of Chiswick gardens

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For full details and materials for this competition please see www.english-heritage.org.uk//chiswick-house/competition

Chiswick House Trust

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English Heritage and the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust are looking for talented writers to create a short sketch based on a historical view of Chiswick gardens.

From the scene of grand balls to a place of healing as a Victorian mental asylum, Chiswick House in west London has had a long and varied history.

Now, English Heritage and the CHGT are looking for an alternative take on Chiswick’s past.

Ten signs have been installed in the recently-restored gardens, each showing a historical view of Chiswick. Empty golden picture frames above each sign capture how the same view looks today.

These images should provide the inspiration for your sketch: perhaps you can reveal what secret the two Victorian ladies are sharing in one picture or maybe you can explain what has caused a group of rabbits to dance in another….

Rules

Your sketch should be designed to be listened to – like a radio play – and can take any form you like – e.g. song, poem, play, reminiscence – but should be no longer than 3 minutes in length when read aloud. If you would like sound effects, please include them in the script.

There are three categories of entry, and you can choose to base your sketch on either of the images in each.

1. Under 18s
a) Long-necked visitors
b) The artist admires his handiwork

2. Residents of Chiswick
a) Parklife
b) A sporting tradition

3. Adults
a) An audience of oranges
b) A place of healing

Prizes

The winners in each category will have their piece professionally recorded, alongside established playwrights, as part of the new audio trail for visitors to Chiswick. They will also win an English Heritage membership and hamper.

Please indicate which category you wish to enter and provide your name and address (and age if entering the under 18s category). Send your entry to: chiswickcompetition@english-heritage.org.uk

Or by post to:

Chiswick Competition
English Heritage
1 Waterhouse Square
138-142 High Holborn
London
EC1N 2ST

The closing date for entries is 31 August 2010.

June 28, 2010