Oxford/42 New Writing Prize 2025: winner announced

The winner of the inaugural Oxford / 42 New Writing Prize was announced in a ceremony at Magdalen College on 16 June. Congratulations to Steve Mellen who won the prize for his novel ‘Ask the Ghosts’. Keelan Gallagher's film script ‘Billy Balaclava' was awarded runner-up.

Steve commented: “This was the first creative writing competition I’ve entered, and I never thought I would be shortlisted, let alone win. To be announced as the winner was a moment that, 48 hours later, has still not sunk in. To be chosen by such an experienced panel of judges with a wealth of talent between them was a humbling moment and also a real vindication for sticking with the idea of ‘Ask the Ghosts’, and I cannot wait for the next steps with 42. Another wonderful part of the process was being able to meet faculty members from Oxford University, and also my fellow shortlisted candidates and hear about their amazing projects.”

Shortlisted writers at the awards ceremony at Magdalen College

Launched last autumn, the Oxford / 42 New Writing Prize is a collaboration between the Faculty of English at the University of Oxford and management and production company, 42. The prize was open to aspiring novelists, playwrights and screenwriters. There was a fantastic response to the prize with over 3,500 entries. The winner will receive £1,500 along with professional representation by 42. 

The team at 42 commented: “We were overwhelmed by the level of response to the Prize: we had a wonderfully diverse range of submissions, and an engaging time deciding which writers captured our imaginations the most. We’re excited to see how the careers of our winner and shortlisted writers evolve over time.”

Read on to find out more about ‘Ask the Ghosts’ and the other shortlisted submissions.

Winner

Steve Mellen, Ask the Ghosts (novel)

What if the dead could speak again?

This gripping, high-concept thriller explores what happens when a new drug, Mirax, brings people back to life for a few minutes: to share last words, or play sick jokes, or — perhaps — to reveal their killer. Pitting a troubled detective against the unscrupulous Mirax creator, this assured debut left the judges wanting more.

Rona Munro admired the slick and stylish execution. Chris Chibnall appreciated the economical world building and command of that elusive art: knowing what to leave out. All agreed that this tremendous premise, handled with confidence, was a great example of how to make difficult things look easy.

Runner-up

Keelan Gallagher, Billy Balaclava (feature film)

Late 1990s. The story of Liam, a teenager from west Belfast, who has been transplanted to Dublin, where he is bullied and scorned at every turn. Aided and abetted by his cousin, Liam mounts a resistance movement — and doubles down on trouble.

The judges loved the strong, original voice and finesse of this script, with endearing characters, a considered perspective, great structure, and surprises. They found it reminiscent of Four Lions, Kneecap, Gregory’s Girl and Son of Rambow. Professor Robert Douglas-Fairhurst admired the charm and assured tone, balancing menace and jokiness.  

Shortlist

Edelle Dwyer, Ascension (novel)

When Moll returns to Ireland to confront the churchmen who forced her to give up her baby, she must face up to more than the past.

This confident work shimmers with ambition, emotional texture and a rich sense of place. Dwyer’s beautiful prose is balanced by a sure grasp of her characters’ interior lives and efficient narrative drive. An exciting literary voice with real flair.

Ed Hancox, Outraged (TV script)

Hancox unpacks the story of Peter Tatchell, the gay rights campaigner, and the closeted homosexual Christians whom he took to task for their hypocrisy in the 1990s — in actions not unlike those of the homophobic tabloids...

This polished script is informed by in-depth research and interviews with the key protagonists from all sides of the story. Tragedy, humour and pathos bring complex moral questions into focus. Catherine Blyth appreciated the distinct characters and deft, pacy scenes.

Abir Mohammad, Bhaijaan (stage play)

Bhaijaan means ‘Elder brother’ in Urdu — the perfect title for this two-hander study of brotherhood and toxic masculinity. Khafi and Zain, friends and wrestling partners, are fifteen and dreaming of escaping Ilford. How? By becoming the next stars of WWF — and possibly passing their maths GCSE.

The judges applauded this raw, authentic and exciting debut. Rona Munro thought it brought a fresh perspective and good angle on a timely subject, with convincing dialogue and a great pair of characters. A winning examination of challenges and digging into thorny territory: how to be a man, and emotionally connected?

Megan Shandley, Roar, Bellona (TV script)

Based on real-life events in Cramond, Edinburgh. Clara, a thirty-something ferry woman, thinks her troubles are over when she discovers a Roman statue of a lioness — but when she claims her bounty, life only gets more complicated.

Abby Ajayi found this visually exciting and well-written. The judges admired Shandley’s adroit and convincing characterisation, engaging subject, appealing setting. The use of fantasy and historical elements explore the limits of the form.