VAULT Creative Arts has announced James Rushbrooke as the winner of the 2026 VCA Playwriting Award for his play Before I’m Dead.
The award-winning play was chosen from over 500 submissions worldwide, making this the most competitive year in the award’s history.
As part of the prize, Before I’m Dead will receive a fully produced four-week run at The Glitch in Waterloo, running from 25 May to 21 June 2026.
Rushbrooke’s two-hander will also receive a £2,500 cash award, publication by Methuen Drama, and a bespoke mentoring package as part of the initiative.
The VCA Playwriting Award is one of VAULT Creative Arts’ flagship programmes, supporting early-career writers by removing financial and industry barriers to stage production.
Generously supported by the Garrick Charitable Trust, the award offers one emerging writer each year a professionally produced London run alongside publication.
Before I’m Dead centres on Zara, a 17-year-old with a terminal diagnosis who decides to record her own eulogy before a brain tumour robs her of the ability to do so.
Funny, furious and deeply human, the play explores grief, witnessing, and what it truly means to see another person beyond the version they present to the world.
VAULT Creative Arts Artistic Director and CEO Oli Savage said, “We were once again blown away by the quantity and quality of submissions for the VCA Playwriting Award. It goes to show the importance of providing opportunities to emerging writers. All the scripts were brilliant – and I’m thrilled to be working with James on this beautiful and poignant production this year.”
James Rushbrooke said, “This is an amazing opportunity and I’m excited to be working with the VCA team. Theatre needs grassroots support and more opportunities, the VCA is a great conduit for new writing and I’m thrilled for my work to be staged at The Glitch.
“Theatre is collaborative and whilst it’s always wonderful to invent characters in your head and throw them onto a page. The real magic of theatre is when other creatives come together to build an imaginary world, bring characters to life and then put it in front of an audience. I’m excited for that process to begin and grateful for the opportunity.”
Former award winner Simon Marshall added, “The VCA Playwriting Prize gave my writing a hugely valuable platform – opportunity to engage with and gain new audiences and connections, and to work with a team who wanted the play to shine.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
