Papatango has announced a major redesign of the Papatango New Writing Prize, responding to growing pressure on new writing opportunities across the UK.
This year’s Prize will double the number of productions and commissions, introduce expanded cash awards, and offer in depth development support for shortlisted playwrights.
Papatango’s George Turvey and 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% 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 2026 format will see the Prize recognise two playwrights through commissioning, production commitments, royalties and publication.
The Papatango Prize Winner will receive a full premiere production co produced with Park Theatre on the Park200 stage in autumn 2027, alongside an £8,000 commission and publication with Nick Hern Books.
A new award, The Papatango Prize Discovery, will also be launched to support an additional emerging playwright. The Discovery recipient will receive an £8,000 commission and an open ended development pathway, enabling Papatango to match the writer and their work with the most suitable venue and audience.
Three further shortlisted writers will receive cash awards and join a year long elite development group offering dramaturgy and mentoring. Full written feedback will continue to be offered to every entrant, making the Prize unique among UK playwriting awards.
Entries for the 2026 Prize open at 12pm GMT on Wednesday 4 February 2026 and close at 5pm GMT on Monday 16 March 2026.
Past Papatango playwrights have gone on to win BAFTAs, Olivier Awards, Critics’ Circle Awards, OffWestEnd Awards, Alfred Fagon Awards, The Times Breakthrough Award and Royal National Theatre Foundation Awards, with their plays produced in 33 countries.
Winner of the 2025 Papatango Prize Hannah Doran commented, “Winning the Prize completely changed my life. It launched my career as a writer and gave me the opportunity I had been seeking for years – to have a full professional production. The development with Papatango was also a rare gift. The whole experience was extraordinary. I firmly believe that Papatango are one of the most important theatre companies in Britain.”
Park Theatre Artistic Director Jez Bond added, “We are absolutely thrilled to once again partner with Papatango after the huge success of The Meat Kings (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights by Hannah Doran in 2025. Co-commissioning and co-producing the winner of this prestigious prize is an exciting leap into the unknown, and a wonderful opportunity for Park Theatre to remain on the front line of the UK’s new writing scene. We can’t wait to work with our friends at Papatango once more, and deliver another world-class play to our audiences.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
