Press Releases & Press Packs

07.07.03

ABOUT THE BBC TV DRAMA RADIO 4

Get Writing with BBC ONE's Canterbury Tales and win a place on BBC Radio 4

BBC Learning is joining forces with BBC ONE's Canterbury Tales and BBC Radio 4 to offer five viewers the opportunity to have their stories read on radio by members of the series' cast.

This exceptional opportunity launches BBC Learning's Get Writing initiative - and anyone can take part.

The Canterbury Tales may be 600 years old but their preoccupation with sex, money, love, religion and race resonates with issues in 21st century Britain and the Get Writing team will be travelling the country looking for short stories, inspired by the Tales, reflecting life in the UK.

Twelve creative writing events will be held across the country during September and October, offering the chance to meet writers from Canterbury Tales, members of the BBC production team and successful local writers to get hints, tips and inspiration.

In addition to these events, aspiring authors can log on for help from the BBCi website - www.bbc.co.uk/getwriting - which offers ideas, motivation and advice on how to get started in short story writing and an opportunity to meet fellow writers online.

A large selection of submitted stories will be published on the BBCi site and five will then be chosen to be developed and produced for Radio 4's Afternoon Readings slot to be read by members of the cast. Some stories will also be featured on BBC local radio stations.

Dorothy Stiven, BBC Learning Executive in Drama and Entertainment said: "Chaucer's classic tales mirror the issues and ideas of present day society. We want people to be inspired by these films and encouraged to develop their creative writing skills by having a go at writing their own stories about life in contemporary Britain."

The competition is open to all writing beginners over 16 who have never been published or had work broadcast on the BBC.

Get Writing with The Canterbury Tales is the first phase of a three year project to inspire people, through BBC drama and entertainment programmes, to discover and develop their creative talents.

Further initiatives from the BBC Learning in Drama and Entertainment team will be launched throughout the year.

BBC ONE's Canterbury Tales are being broadcast in September. Julie Walters heads an outstanding cast which also includes James Nesbitt, Om Puri, Paul Nicholls, Dennis Waterman, Billie Piper, Andrew Lincoln, Keeley Hawes, John Simm, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jonny Lee Miller.

The Tales are: The Knight's Tale, The Miller's Tale, The Sea Captain's Tale, The Wife of Bath, The Man of Law's Tale and The Pardoner's Tale.

Notes to Editors

Full details of all the information needed for viewers to take part and submit a story can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/getwriting.

Rules for entry include that the author must be:

• over 16 years of age;

• a UK resident;

• an unpublished writer;

• someone who has never had their work transmitted by the BBC.

Short story writing sessions - venues, dates and times

Tickets to the events are free but limited, so early booking is advisable. Tickets will be available from 1 August from the venues directly.

Full details will be available from www.bbc.co.uk/getwriting or from 0800 066 066 from 1 August 2003.

Stars line up for modern retelling of The Canterbury Tales for BBC ONE (06.08.03)

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