Writer wins Off Cut award in memory of Lisbon crash victims

Award-winner Caroline Lamb with prize organiser Glenn Meads

Writer Caroline Lamb has become the first recipient of the Will Nelson New Writing Award at this year's sold-out Manchester Off Cut Festival.

Caroline received the award in a ceremony at Manchester's 53two venue for her play Undeniable Proof, one of the standout productions of this year's 20-strong field of entries.

The award was created in memory of Will Nelson, a drama lecturer at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, and theatre director Kayleigh Smith, who died last September in the Lisbon funicular railway crash, and celebrates their shared passion for championing new writing, emerging artists and the power of creativity and community.

Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith - award named after them

Caroline said: "I'm blown away at winning the writing award - particularly considering what it means, in memory of Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith. We must keep making art for them - and to ensure the world retains its colour through dark times."

The award gives Caroline £1,000 worth of professional mentoring and development support from an established writer, helping them to develop the work first seen during the Off Cut event.

The prize was made possible by a memorial fundraiser organised by Will's friend Glenn Meads, who wanted to create a lasting legacy for the couple.

The Off Cut Festival 2026 was judged by, among others, Joanne Moss from ITV and Nick Bagnall, the newly-appointed artistic director of Oldham Coliseum.

Jane Martin with her award for "Eggshells"

The award winners were: Will Nelson New Writing Award, Caroline Lamb for Undeniable Proof; Directing Award: Luke Walters for Undeniable Proof; Ensemble Acting Award: Anne Baron, Geoff Baron and Rowe David McClelland for Eggshells, and a special directing commendation went to Carole Shinkfield, director of the play Staircases

The festival's Best Play award, voted by the audience, was presented to Jane Martin's Eggshells, which will now receive a full production at 53two in 2027.

In addition to their awards, these artists become 53two associates, joining the theatre's growing network of creatives who receive support, development opportunities and access to rehearsal and creative spaces.

Simon Naylor, 53two's creative director, said: "‘It’s an incredible festival that we’re proud to house. Co-creator Daniel Brennan has created a celebration of the brilliant talent on offer in the North West.

Off Cut has become one of the UK's leading festivals for new writing, providing emerging playwrights, directors and performers with a platform to develop their work."

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