A Mid-Wales based playwright has won The Ilfeld Prize, a new award celebrating outstanding new writing for the stage.

Machynlleth based Jacob Hodgkinson was chosen for his play How a Sting Tracks. He is a graduate of the 2013 Royal Court Young Writers Programme and the 2016/18 New Welsh Playwrights Programmes at the Sherman Theatre.

With over 700 submissions, the winners were shortlisted out of 30 exceptional plays. Each winner receives a £5,000 award alongside mentoring, a workshop reading, and publication opportunities.

Speaking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Jacob said: “"I am absolutely over the moon to be one of the winners of the Ilfeld Prize. My play has been on a long journey up to this point, but through the prize already opening a number of doors for me, I am now feeling incredibly hopeful that it may finally make it to production. I can't thank Etan enough for creating this prize and for supporting new writing in a time where it feels harder than ever to get new work on stage.”

Founded by cultural entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist Etan Ilfeld, the Prize reflects a commitment to innovation across the arts.

Etan Ilfeld said: "The quality of writing we received was extraordinary. From over 700 plays, these three works stood out for their originality, theatrical vision, and strength of storytelling. We're thrilled to celebrate them.”

Through financial and creative support, the Ilfeld Prize aims to nurture the next generation of groundbreaking theatre-makers.