Creative Arts Competition for over 70s

King Lear prizes is a new national creative arts competition that has been set up for people aged 70 and over to create new works of literature, poetry, music, drama and visual art.

The name behind the competition comes from the theory that William Shakespeare wrote King Lear whilst in quarantine during the summer of 1906; when there was a major plaque event in London forcing the closure of the Globe and other Theatres in the capital. Read more in the Guardian's article about Shakespeare in lockdown here.

“These new King Lear Prizes are a brilliant idea because they give people a challenge to work on while in isolation. You don’t need experience, you just need to be willing to give composing or writing a try.” — Julian Lloyd Webber, Cellist, Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Judge for the King Lear Prize for Solo Musical Composition

There are five prize categories which include:

Short Story - 2,000 - 10,000 words

Poetry - Up to 40 lines

Solo Musical Composition - up to four minutes, one solo instrument only

Short Drama - up to 15 minutes running time, performed by up to four people

Art - painting, drawing, photography, textile or crafts

The deadline for all entries is Friday 29 May 2020 and the prize is £1,000

For more information about the competition and how to apply, visit the King Lear website by clicking here