If you are aged 8 – 25, we want you to create a new speech for a character in a Shakespeare play. It could be a major character, one who speaks less or even one who doesn’t speak at all!

We’d like you to consider the moment or purpose for which you are giving this character a voice: What does Isabella have to say at the end of Measure for Measure? What can Romeo tell us about young people who resort to violence, or Hamlet about the loss of a parent?

‘Speech’ does not have to mean written, spoken or even word-based – you choose how your character communicates. It could be with a song or spoken word piece, with movement, or via a visual message.

Successful shortlisted entries will be showcased in a gala event at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus in November. We will also be creating The Forgotten Folio – a digital legacy of the speeches that Shakespeare ‘forgot’ to write.

Competition closes for entries on 31 July 2023!

Additional prizes will include, but not be limited to:

24 shortlisted entries will receive a £10 National Book Token voucher.

Third place in each category will receive a What You Will trophy and a £25 Love-to-Shop voucher.

Second place in each category will receive a What You Will trophy and £50 Love-to-Shop voucher.

Winners in each category will receive What You Will trophy and £100 Love-to-Shop voucher.

Further prizes and awards may be announced during the competition.