SPOTLIGHT, Lancaster's long-running live writing cabaret, is hosting another prize 'Open Mike' Competition later this month.

Last year's first Open Competition was a thundering success and a great night's entertainment - and so it is being repeated on Friday, June 20, with 20 spots up for grabs.

Entrants must perform their own writing - short prose, poetry, monologue or comedy - in a five minute to be in with a chance of the £25 first prize. The winner will be chosen by audience vote on the night.

Spots must be booked in advance by calling 01524-381642 or e-mailing sarah.fiske@virgin.net

* Spotlight, operating since at the Yorkshire House, has also received Regional Arts

Lottery Funding to organize a series of free workshops - two of which will follow later this month.

Selecting Work For Performance will take place on Sunday June 22nd, from 1pm at The Gregson Centre, exploring what makes some writing more suitable for performance at live events and ways of adapting work on the page for live performance.

And exactly a week later, on Sunday, June 29, the subject will be Performance Skills upstairs at The Yorkshire House from 7.30pm.

Places for both workshops are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

To reserve a place call Sarah or Ron on 01524-381642 or e-mail: sarah.fiske@virgin.net.