The Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trip Opportunity welcomes submissions from new writers.

Since 2016, audio producers Big Finish have run an annual Doctor Who script competition.

The Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trip Opportunity honours the memory of the late Big Finish staffer by welcoming submissions from writers new to the company.

Launching the competition for the eighth time, executive producer Nicholas Briggs said:

It’s a bittersweet time of year when we announce our annual Paul Spragg Memorial Writers’ Opportunity. There’s the sadness concerning the loss of Paul, who was one of our most valued colleagues, taken from this life at far too young an age. But then there’s the joy of remembering his unswerving dedication to Big Finish and his boundless positivity. Perhaps most importantly, there’s the enthusiastic encouragement he always gave to potential, new contributors — which is the reason why this competition was set up in his name. Here’s to Paul and all the brilliant writers yet to come.”

A twist for 2023

In previous years, the competition has asked for a story idea using any of the regular Doctors. This year, however, there are some specifics as range producer Peter Anghelides explains:

“By a happy coincidence, each of the previous years’ winning entries has a different Doctor as its protagonist. This year, we thought we’d design the competition to ensure that continues. So, we’re asking for proposals for one of the following Doctors: First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Eighth.”

The writer of the selected tale will be invited to develop it with Big Finish, ready for recording by a Doctor Who actor. It will be released at Christmas 2023.

All the previous winners are available to download for free. They each come with the winners’ original submissions and final scripts.

Full terms and conditions are available on the Big Finish website. Submissions – made up of a story synopsis and an opening extract (both approximately 500 words) – are due by 23:59 (UK time) on Friday 30th June 2023.

2022’s winner was ‘The World Tree’ by Nick Slawicz, a touching and bittersweet drama which we gave a five-star rating.

You can check out our reviews of all the previous winners; Forever Fallen, Landbound, The Last Day at Work, The Best-Laid Plans, Free Speech, The Lichyrwick Abomination and The World Tree.