The finalists have been selected from over 170 other Wales-based drama writers by a panel of judges, including celebrated writers Andrew Davies and Lucy Gannon alongside John McGrath, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales, Kate Rowland, Creative Director, New Writing and Faith Penhale, BBC Cymru Wales Head of Drama.

The winner stands to receive £10,000 and the opportunity to develop their work with BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales. The selected writer will be announced at a special ceremony at the BBC Roath Lock drama studios on Monday 15th December.

The Wales Drama Award is a collaboration between two creative leaders in drama – BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales – in close partnership with BBC Writersroom. It is the first of its kind for writers based in Wales.

Speaking on behalf of the Judges, Kate Rowland, BBC Creative Director, New Writing, said:

“Our aim is to find bold, original writers based in Wales. This year we’re really excited by the four finalists who all bring fresh perspectives to their unique stories and contribute something new to the creative landscape in Wales.”

Faith Penhale, Head of Drama, BBC Cymru Wales and judge panel member said:

“This award is a celebration of the growth of original drama in Wales and recognition of new writing talent. It also gives two drama specialists, BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales the opportunity to showcase emerging playwrights and encourage new, fresh ideas from writers the length and breadth of Wales.”

John McGrath, Artistic Director, National Theatre Wales and judge panel member said:

"It’s been thrilling to read the shortlist of scripts for this year's Wales Drama Award. We’ve been excited by the range of voices, the breadth of subjects, and the variety of forms. I’m delighted that National Theatre Wales is collaborating with BBC Wales and BBC Writersroom on such a key initiative for Welsh drama."

Katherine Chandler was the winner of the inaugural Wales Drama Award in 2012 for her script Parallel Lines which was produced by Dirty Protest. Her original drama short Tag was subsequently produced on BBC iPlayer and she recently adapted Terry Jones’ Fairytales for National Theatre Wales.

Notes to editors:

• The Wales Drama Award 2014 was launched in September 2014, following open sessions held in Wrexham and Cardiff.

• The full judging panel consists of BBC Cymru Wales’ Head of Drama, Faith Penhale; Kate Rowland, BBC Creative Director, New Writing; celebrated writers Andrew Davies and Lucy Gannon; and Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales, John McGrath.

• The Award was open to any writer residing in Wales, and aimed to encourage writers who feel passionate about the stories they want to tell, and who have something to offer audiences across the length and breadth of Wales and the wider UK.

• Applicants were asked to submit a full-length script in any medium (min. length 30 minutes), unperformed and unproduced, and in the English language, to BBC Writersroom, by 9th October 2014.

• The Award Ceremony will be held at BBC Roath Lock studios at 12noon on Monday 15th December 2014.