The Octagon Theatre Prize is awarded annually for outstanding achievement in writing drama by a student at the University of Bolton. This year’s prize winner is Tony Godrich for his 60-minute radio play The Gift.

The Gift is a 60-minute radio play specifically aimed at the BBC’s drama slot The Wire. The drama explores the little-known phenomenon of gay men who purposely seek to become infected with HIV – commonly termed ‘bug chasers’.

The story focuses on the personal history of Alex, a 35 year old gay man. In his early teens, Alex’s burgeoning sexuality sees him suffer at the hands of homophobic school bullies and a father that blames his son’s sexuality for his wife leaving home. Added to this, late 80s television scare campaigns and public ignorance instils in Alex that to be gay means to catch AIDS and ultimately die.

The story is told through Alex’s present day monologues which frame flashbacks. The listener is urged to put themselves in the role of the silent protagonist, a bug chaser taken on a ritualistic journey of Alex’s past experiences. Sound collages help heighten the emotion and tie time lines together, whilst short, fast paced scenes add a cinematic quality to this non-judgemental and emotionally hard hitting piece of drama.

Please note: contains adult themes