Ambassador Cruise Line and the PEEL Entertainment Group launch Ambassador Peel Playwriting Challenge 2025

Setting sail for new talent, Ambassador Cruise Line and the PEEL Entertainment Group have
launched the Ambassador Peel Playwriting Challenge 2025. This incredible new award will offer
opportunity for both experienced writers and unproduced playwrights to submit their work, the
winning play will be staged onboard an Ambassador ship, with the winner receiving a cash prize
of £6,000 and a free cruise for two in 2026. The award is the first of its kind to take place on a
cruise ship, making new waves for the theatre industry!
Through the award, Ambassador and PEEL want to celebrate exciting and unseen work, opening
entries to anyone whether they have a stable of work or its their first play and have been
daydreaming about getting their story into script form.

Once finalised, the shortlisted playwrights will be invited to join the ship for the day and get the
chance to see their work performed by their team of terrific onboard actors. All plays must be
under an hour in duration and suitable for performance onboard Ambassador ships, but as no
subject is off limits the award is open to all UK & ROI entrants over the age of 18, with full
guidelines and entry requirements found in the terms and conditions.

The winning play will be produced as part of PEEL’s Theatre@Sea programme which is
performed on both Ambassador’s ships Ambience and Ambition. The onboard acting troupes
are among the few existing repertory companies operating out of the UK. Over the past two
years Theatre@Sea has staged a wide range of productions onboard both ships to a great
reception with a whole host of genres ranging from thrillers and dramas, comedies, and modern
adaptations of classics.

Bob McGowan, Head of Operations from Ambassador Cruise Line, comments, We are delighted
to be partnering with PEEL Entertainment on this first of its kind ship based competition. PEEL
have been running the Theatre@Sea programme onboard our ships which has allowed us to offer a platform to writers, directors and actors and, through this, they have offered a huge range of entertainment to our guests. The playwriting competition takes that a step further and allows established or new writers to share their work in an exciting way. We take great pride in our outstanding entertainment offering and this will add another innovative string to our bow.

Susannah Daley Chairman of PEEL adds, As a fellow playwright competition winner (BBC Young Playwright of the Year), I’m absolutely thrilled we are able to offer this opportunity. We are
working with an esteemed judging panel of experienced writers, producers and directors along
with ship production experts. Our amazing production team are so excited about producing a
new work in this very unusual and often overlooked area.

The judges for the playwriting award will be announced in January when entries open. The
winner will be announced in December 2025.

Founded in April 2021, Ambassador Cruise Line has established an affordable quality, no-fly
offering within the cruise sector. Filling a niche that other cruise operators don’t serve, it offers
authentic experiences aimed at cruise intenders aged 50+ and a selection of multigenerational
sailings. Ambassador operates two ships: Ambience, which sailed her maiden voyage in April
2022, and Ambition, which came into service in May 2023. Blending tradition and innovation,
Ambassador offers guests the chance to enjoy the ‘warmest welcome at sea’ effortlessly and
sustainably, providing them with exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, amazing
entertainment and a host of breathtaking destinations.

PEEL is a leading independent entertainment producer, founded in 1999, specialising in turnkey
entertainment solutions for the cruise industry. Known for its creative innovation and
exceptional quality, PEEL has become a trusted partner to major cruise lines, delivering dynamic
performances and immersive experiences at sea. With a strong foundation in acting and
theatrical production, PEEL’s team includes award-winning directors and industry professionals.
Alongside PEEL’s renowned cruise work, the company has staged new work on several tours
around country estates from @Freerunning, a highly innovative show based on Parkour, to an
adaptation of Anna Sewel’s Black Beauty featuring original designed sculptural horses heads.
PEEL’s success is rooted in its commitment to hard work, dedication, and family values—
principles that continue to drive the company as it creates captivating experiences for audiences
worldwide.

Important dates 15th January 2025 – competition opens for entries
4th April 2025 – competition closes
6th June 2025 – shortlist announced

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