THE very best in new writing is taking to the Studio space at the Mercury next week as part of the Colchester theatre's New Talent festival.

It follows the announcement off the winner and runners-up of this year's Mercury Playwriting Prize which has been held in association with Essex University.

More than 160 entries were received from emerging writers based in the Eastern region with the winner being revealed as Oliver Bennett, an actor based in High Wycombe.

Oliver, who studied at RADA, only took up writing a couple of years ago.

He says: "As a kid I always liked writing but it was really because I had a period of unemployment as an actor. My first work was actually a collection of short plays I put on with some actor friends.

"I've had the first scene for this play for quite some time but just didn't know where to take it beyond that. Once I got that sorted it kind of all clicked into place."

The result is Europe After The Rain, a darkly surreal and highly theatrical exploration of the world we live in now, offering up a dark mirror to the concerns of contemporary Britain in terms of immigration, enfranchisement, globalisation, loss and love.

The runners-up of the competition are Berri George, another actor, based in London, but whose parents have a house in Frinton, and Phil Tong, a former drama teacher from Eastbourne.

Gazette:

Emerging talent - Berri George

Alongside the main prize, the panel of judges also chose a special student prize from Essex University students, the winner of which was Ryan Cogman for his play Floodgate.

Dan Sherer, associate for New Work, says: “Europe After The Rain is a tremendous script – a worthy winner of the Mercury Playwriting Prize. Oliver Bennett has written something timely, beautifully layered, and highly theatrical.

"We are delighted to be able to work with Oliver over the coming year as an Associate Artist, as part of our commitment to nurturing new work and emerging artists.”

As well as receiving £2,000 and his year-long attachment to the Mercury, Oliver will be supported to stage a production of his winning play in the Mercury’s Studio Theatre.

Rehearsed readings of all the winners' plays, as well as last year’s Essex Playwriting Competition winner, Kenny Emson’s The Piscator, take place in the Studio Theatre from July 5 to 8.

The festival also features a sharing from the current group taking part in the Mercury’s Early Careers Training Programme and a live recording of the BBC Essex Playwright of the Year winning piece.

Tickets for the rehearsed readings are free but must be booked in advance by calling 01206 573948 or click here.