A TOP comedian a musical theatre writer has launched the Mercury Theatre's new songwriting competition.

Matilda the Musical writer Tim Minchin has announced the Colchester theatre's latest competition which is being run in conjunction with theatre company Perfect Pitch.

The competition is part of Mercury Online, the theatre's virtual season, and tasks budding theatre stars with writing their own "I Want" song.

Tim said: "An 'I Want' song is the song that introduces the audience to a protagonist's dreams and desires and makes us connect with them and want to go on a journey with them.

"The winner of this contest will receive £500 and have their song recorded and performed."

Entries must be no longer than five minutes in length and the deadline is June 3.

Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information or visit youtube.com/watch?v=eY0aehLJ2vY to watch Tim announcing the competition on Youtube.