From our friends at Soho Theatre!

Verity Bargate Award is currently open for submissions.

Submissions are now open until Monday 13 April at 11am, and we want to make sure that the opportunity reaches as many writers as possible!

Alternatively, you can repost the following post on Instagram here

Verity Bargate Award 2026

Sponsored by Character 7, the Verity Bargate Award is Soho Theatre’s flagship new writing award, with the winning play receiving a £12k prize and a full production on one of their stages.

On the Award, Soho Theatre says:

“This award is for everyone. First-time writers, late starters, people who’ve been sitting on an idea for years. We don’t care about your background or your credentials - we want a great play. If you’re in the UK or Ireland and you’ve got a story burning a hole in your brain, something urgent or funny or devastating that won’t leave you alone, send it to us. Just a brilliant idea, a bold voice, and the guts to put it on the page.

“Launched in 1982, the Verity Bargate Award is one of the longest-established playwrighting awards in the UK and honours Verity Bargate, Soho’s co-founder, who passionately championed new writing during her time at the small but hugely influential fringe theatre company, Soho Poly. In 2022, the Verity Bargate Award celebrated its 40th birthday.

“Submissions for the Award close on Monday 13 April, and whether you’ve just finished the first draft of something or have the tenth sitting in a file gathering digital dust - we want to hear from you!”

For more information about eligibility and to submit your play for the Award please visit Soho Theatre’s website here.