A playwriting competition for Northern writers!

One winning script will be chosen for a five-night production by the People’s Theatre in May 2027 in their Studio Theatre, and the writer will receive a cash prize of £1,000.

The judges for the competition are looking for a new full-length play on any subject, for a cast of any age or gender. Don't worry about how old you are or much experience you have - the Award is open to everyone with a story to tell. 

Past winners include Peter Straughan (BAFTA & Oscar-winner for ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ & ‘Conclave’), Carina Rodney (Audible, BBC Radio 4, Live Theatre) and Alison Carr (National Theatre, Finalist: Women’s Prize for Playwriting, BBC Three).

SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

• Deadline: 6pm on Saturday 12 September 2026 
• Entries are anonymous. In your email, please supply your script’s title, your name, your current address including postcode, your email address and telephone number.
• If posting your entry, please supply this information on a separate sheet of paper.
• Entries should be emailed to thepeoplesplay@peoplestheatre.co.uk, or posted to ‘The People’s Play, People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF’

For more information, including submission guidelines, click the opportunity info link below!