Opening in 2009, the Papatango New Writing Prize was the first – and remains the only – annual playwriting award in the UK to guarantee an emerging playwright a full production on the professional stage. It provides a royalty of 10% of the gross box office and publication by Nick Hern Books, as well as a full commission to support a follow-up play.

As well as giving one brilliant writer an unrivalled opportunity, the Prize is unique in giving feedback to all entries. No other company makes such an investment in emerging playwrights.

The Prize is assessed completely anonymously. The reading team is at least 50% female, 20% people of colour and 20% over the age of 40, and all readers have an equal role in judging entries throughout the process.

Exactly equal numbers of men & women have won the Prize in its first ten years. 70% have been state educated, with an age range stretching from 20s to 50s. Moreover, Prize directors have been equally divided between men and women, and the creative teams have been 52% male and 48% female.

It is open to all residents of the UK or Ireland, free to enter, and assessed anonymously. Remember: all you need is a story.

Shook by Samuel Bailey was chosen as the winner of the 2019 Papatango Prize from a record 1,406 entries. You can read more about the play and book tickets here.