Billie Pleffer

Judges' comments

Two rival gangs face off in this surreal, contemporary fairytale by Billie Pleffer. Baby Baby is cinematic in style, with startlingly vivid writing. The conception of its world is wonderfully original. The judges wish to highly commend this writer, who shows a great deal of promise. We love the mystery and tension of the story, the surprise and strangeness of the battle, and the way she has created a deep sense of disquiet throughout. The characters are economically drawn but fascinating and the dialogue spare but evocative. We are in a fairytale place, which nonetheless feels entirely visceral. It is a script that constantly surprises. We very much look forward to seeing what Billie Pleffer does next.