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The International Radio Playwriting Competition – a partnership between the 麻豆约拍 World Service and the British Council – is a global competition offering a unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of radio drama to reach an international audience. The judges for the 2023 Competition were delighted to make their final selection from entries spread across 11 different countries and all seven regions.

English as a first language

The Mighty Corbeau by Julien Marvin Neaves (Trinidad and Tobago)

An ageing calypso singer decides to come out of retirement to finally prove he is better than his award-winning rival of many years. But he is faced with a huge and unforeseen obstacle. A lively and poignant exploration of ageing and mental health.

English as a second language

Steady Eyes by Hyukin Michaela Kwon (South Korea)

When a mysterious unseen force starts abducting animals from across the globe, human beings fear they will be next. So, three generations of women from a Seoul family attempt to resolve their long-held differences. A bold and imaginative family drama with a sci-fi twist.

Special Commendation (Georgi Markov Award)

Slamming Doors by Nadya Todorova (Bulgaria)

Two strangers, both desperate to escape their respective partners, find themselves locked on the stairway of a city apartment block at night. As they search for the key they unearth truths about each other, their neighbours and themselves. A funny and sharply observed relationship drama about the lies that we tell and the secrets we keep.

See the full list of 2023's winners and commendations

The International Radio Playwriting Competition is run by and the .