Four very different pieces made up the short-list. Previous winner Doc Watson offers a typically energetic, even frenetic, tussle between two self-important musicians, where it transpires the third member of the trio is the real villain. Anthony Powers’ play begins with exciting action which leads to a definite result, then leaves us with a delicate situation hanging over two friends – a situation which may be resolved in the future. What is unsaid between them creates a poignant finale.

Two plays presented me with a dilemma: totally different, one from another, yet having enough in common to demonstrate just how varied and versatile the craft of play-writing may be. I was torn between Oliver Eade’s fascinating exploration of quantam physics and Fiona Fraser’s treatment of contemporary issues in an historical setting. Both plays deal with time in unusual ways, both have a crime (or supposed crime) at their heart and both involve flights of fancy. But there the similarities end. Oliver Eade has written quick-firing dialogue in a fast-moving scenario, though whether we are invited to move forwards or backwards is not at first easy to know. Fiona Fraser uses a much more relaxed and seamless conversational style which includes, particularly as it is written for sound production, more observational narrative. However, her play for voices could be staged without difficulty. What a double-bill the pair of them would make – humour, intrigue and plenty to stir the imagination.