Film director Mike Newell – famous for such classics as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – has judged the 37 entries to our Corona Monologues initiative, picking his favourites in three categories.

Mike was so impressed by the calibre that he decided to spread the joy by awarding Best Writing, Best Direction and Best Acting gongs. ‘I thought all the entries had real originality in their ideas, presentation and performance,’ he told us.

Chair of the Abbey Theatre Trust, Martin Goodman, added: ‘This has been a amazing success – quite beyond my expectations. And it’s great to have had Mike Newell involved.’

But without further ado, as they say – here are the winners:

BEST WRITING

Winner

Zoe Croft: Some Way Out

Nominees

Martin Goodman: Batcave Covid 19

Lucy Hanneghan Birt: Supermarket Aisle

Paul A White: Just John and Me

BEST DIRECTION

Winner

Sarah Soutar & Kaisa Bambridge: Dear Corona Virus

Nominees

Zoe Croft: If I Could and Some Way Out

Simon Hawkins: Solid State

BEST ACTING

Winner

Lisa Sinnott: If I Could and Supermarket Aisle

Nominees

Peter Bryans: Batcave Covid 19

Jack Norris: I Know That I Know Nothing

Mark Coltman: Just John and Me

Don’t forget, winning is it’s own reward here. As we’ve said all along, it’s the recognition that counts and there won’t be any trophies, certificates or all-expenses-paid trips to the Cannes Film Festival. But once again we would like to thank everyone for their involvement.

You can see all the entries on our dedicated YouTube channel here.