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A new competition has been launched to find the best unknown theatre critic in the country.

The Stage Critic Search 2015 launched on April 30, and aims to find the best unknown critics across the UK, aged over 18.

Alistair Smith, Editor of The Stage newspaper, said: “One reason we are doing this is the lowering number of opportunities for young critics out there. So we wanted to help.”

The entries will be cut down to one critic from 12 different regions across the UK, and will have their reviews published online.

This final 12 will then be reduced to three finalists, and a winner will be crowned after they review the same piece.

The winner will get a £1000 prize.

John Wales, CEO of TheatrePeople.com, who are co-running the scheme, said: “Independent, well written and considered reviews inform prospective clients before they book.

“Although an independent viewpoint, accuracy of the review delivers trust and encourages repeat theatre visits when expectations are satisfied and surpassed.

“At TheatrePeople.com, we rely on quality reviews to help us.”

Other judges in the competition are critics Mark Shenton and Natasha Tripney, the actor Cush Jumbo, artistic director of Sheffield Theatres Daniel Evans and playwright Stephanie Street.

The entrants will be mentored by Lyn Gardner from The Guardian, Henry Hitchings from the London’s Evening Standard and Andrew Haydon from the Postcards from the Gods blog.

The Stage Critic Search 2015 are now appealing for entrants. For more information, and to apply, click here.