A HAMPSHIRE writer is celebrating after her play about the Beatles won top prize in a prestigious competition staged in the legendary band’s home city.

Former Daily Echo proofreader Margaret Histed’s short play was performed alongside seven others at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre as part of the Ticket to Write festival.

Margaret travelled up to the city from her home in Brockenhurst to see her play, The Night I Met George, brought to life by local actors – and was astonished when it was voted the best by the audience and a panel of theatre professionals.

“I couldn’t believe it – I was surprised and delighted. Seeing my play on stage was a thrilling experience,” said Margaret, who learned how to write drama on a course in Southampton led by John Burgess, The Nuffield theatre’s script executive.

This year’s sold-out Ticket to Write festival was devoted to plays about the Beatles. Margaret’s play was dedicated to the late George Harrison, and told the story of two teenage schoolgirls, Terri Margaret Histed. and Nikki, desperate to meet their idol. It was described by the theatre as “a delightfully warm piece”.

Margaret, a freelance publishers’ editor who writes in her spare time, was presented with a cheque for £150 following her win – which also earned her a huge round of applause. She has had her plays and monologues staged in London, Hedge End and Winchester.

“I grew up to the soundtrack of the Beatles’ music,” she said. “Entering the Ticket to Write competition has given me the chance to go back to my teenage years as a fan of the Fab Four.”