The first major prize of its kind in 30 years dedicated to British-Caribbean playwrights opens 2 October – 2 December 2026
One of the UK’s most significant Black British theatre initiatives will officially open for applications during Black History Month, as The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights launches submissions from 2 October to 2 November 2026, accompanied by a special industry launch event in London.
Founded by Shereener Browne through Black theatre production company Orísun Productions, The Windrush Prize was launched at the start of Black History Month and is the first initiative of its kind in 30 years dedicated specifically to discovering, nurturing, and elevating British Caribbean playwrights in the UK. The prize will create a platform to celebrate and invest in talent, while addressing the longstanding underrepresentation of British Caribbean voices on UK stages. Find out more. Read announcement.
Open to UK-based British Caribbean writers aged 18+, the prize welcomes both established and emerging playwrights. Submitted works must be original, unpublished, full-length plays.
The prize comprises:
- £10,000 cash prize
- A professional production co-produced by Orísun Productions and Arcola Theatre in 2027
- Publication of the winning play by Methuen Drama
- Industry profile and development opportunities
- Shortlisted writers will also receive mentorship, professional feedback and a reading of an excerpt from their script
The judging panel is jointly chaired by Harold Finley (founder/editor The Kael Report) and Clare Finburgh Delijani (Professor, Dept. of Theatre and Performance at Goldsmiths University of London), alongside a distinguished panel including playwright Roy Williams, actor Steve Toussaint (The House Of The Dragons), Tracey Low (Head of Production, National Theatre) , Jack Lea (Playful Productions), Lynette Goddard (Professor, Black Theatre & Performance, Royal Holloway, London University) and Mehmet Ergen (Artistic Director, Arcola Theatre).
