Hampstead Theatre has revealed the nine emerging playwrights selected for its prestigious INSPIRE 2025 programme, now under the leadership of Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens.
The selected writers are: Liz Daramola, Noga Flaishon, Lianne Harvey, Simon Jaggers, Simon Marshall, Roni Neale, Alex Rugman, Clancy Ryan, and Isabella Waldron.
Each playwright will develop a new play with dramaturgical support from Hampstead Theatre’s creative team. The programme also includes masterclasses with leading playwrights, workshops, and a sharing of their work at Hampstead Theatre.
Simon Stephens, who takes over as Programme Director from Roy Williams, said:
“The group of writers we have assembled is charged by their brilliant individuality. All nine writers write with confidence and energy. One of the joys of my working life has been to find identities for groups of striking writers. I can’t wait to start that work with Inspire.”
INSPIRE was founded in 2017 to support first-time and emerging playwrights of all ages and backgrounds. It has since supported 49 writers, with several going on to receive full productions and industry recognition.
Greg Ripley-Duggan, Producer and Chief Executive at Hampstead Theatre, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome this new group of playwrights to Hampstead Theatre and to the INSPIRE programme. New writing is at the heart of what we do and we are especially excited to see Simon Stephens bring his experience and passion to the programme. We can’t wait to see where their ideas and talent will take them.”
Recent alumni include Nancy Farino, whose debut play Fatherland will premiere at Hampstead Theatre in November.
The INSPIRE 2025 programme is generously supported by Zmira & Rodney Hornstein, The Klein Family Foundation, Anatol Orient, and Jon & NoraLee Sedmak.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
