SCRIPT Yorkshire’s showcase for new writers played to a packed Studio Theatre.

Winners of five previous rounds created a 15-minute original piece, performed by members of the York Settlement Players, with just one day’s rehearsal.

Pack Up, by Hannah Davies, was a monologue by a female singleton, asked to be a godmother by her best friend.

From initial disbelief and boosted ego that comes with the request, to an over-confidence which leads to an unforgivable lapse of judgement, the storytelling was gripping, honest and believable.

Comic-drama Late Rooms involved three friends on a school trip, listening to inappropriate behaviour in the next hotel room. Writer Morven Hamilton showed an excellent ear for dialogue, and the foulmouthed childish bickering rang true without feeling scripted.

Grandma’s 80th Birthday, by Jean Harrod, was the broadest of the five pieces, and the cast of six recreated a drunken family gathering well. Tensions simmered between various family members, but ultimately the shock announcement at the climax felt rushed and unimportant. Zoo Tomorrow, by Daniel Meyers, was a touching, emotional tale of loss, disguised as a very funny and honest argument between a recently separated couple. Meyers’ writing caught the frustrations of trying to fix a long-term relationship after its dissolution, and performers Anna Rogers and Richard Johnston pulled off three roles with enthusiasm that caused much discussion afterwards.

Sub-Plot, by Graham Sanderson, was a deliberately Pinter-esque sketch in which a man and woman talk about their longing, needs and fears with each other, disguising their conversation in gardening terms.

In the end, Morven Hamilton’s Late Rooms won the audience vote, with Sub-Plot coming in a close second – so close, two recounts were needed, but the real winners were the audience.