Papatango to change competition format for new writing prize

Papatango has announced a revised format for its Papatango New Writing Prize, introducing an expanded structure intended to increase opportunities for emerging playwrights.

The organisation said the redevelopment responds to ongoing reductions in opportunities for new writing. Artistic director George Turvey and executive producer Chris Foxon said today: “With opportunities for playwrights – especially the unknown but brilliant debutants we have such a track record launching – disappearing, we are proud to have found a way not merely to sustain the Papatango Prize but to expand it.

“This year: doubles the number of productions; doubles the number of commissions; adds extra cash awards and in-depth CPD; and continues its unmatched offer of feedback for everyone. With productions of new plays dropping by 30 per cent since 2019, it is more vital than ever that our Prize empowers extraordinary new writers to shine. Our expansion does just that – all without a penny of Arts Council England support.”

The Prize will now recognise two playwrights through commissions and development support. The overall winner will receive a premiere production of their play in a full run co-produced by Papatango and Park Theatre on Park Theatre’s Park200 stage in autumn 2027. The winner will also receive an £8,000 commission, royalties and publication with Nick Hern Books.

A new award, The Papatango Prize Discovery, has also been introduced. The Discovery recipient will receive an £8,000 commission and a development and production pathway tailored to the individual project. The company said the new strand is designed to support writers working across different scales and styles and to allow for longer-term dramaturgical development.

The remaining three shortlisted writers will receive cash awards and will be invited to join a year-long development group offering dramaturgy and mentoring. Papatango will continue to provide personalised feedback to every entrant to the Prize.

The 2026 Papatango New Writing Prize will open for submissions at 12pm GMT on 4 February 2026 and close at 5pm GMT on 16 March 2026.

Writers previously supported through the Prize have gone on to win BAFTA, Olivier, Critics’ Circle, OffWestEnd, Alfred Fagon, The Times Breakthrough and Royal National Theatre Foundation awards, with productions staged internationally.

The most recent winner, Hannah Doran, is currently one of two UK finalists for this year’s Susan Smith Blackburn Prize following Papatango’s development and co-production of her play with Park Theatre. The production has also been named a finalist at the OffWestEnd Awards.

Writers previously produced under the Prize include Dawn King, Dominic Mitchell, Iman Qureshi, Samuel Bailey, Tom Morton-Smith, Fiona Doyle, Matt Grinter, Luke Owen, Louise Monaghan, James Rushbrooke, Tajinder Singh Hayer, Tom Powell, Jaki McCarrick, Clive Judd, Igor Memic and Nkenna Akunna.

Further details about the Prize and submission process are available via the Papatango website.