Nick Hern Books is proud to have been the Publishing Partner for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting – one of the UK's leading national competitions for playwriting, run in partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester – since its inception back in 2005.
The writers recognised by the Bruntwood Prize have gone on to establish themselves as some of today's most exciting and renowned playwrights, and having their scripts published and licensed for performance by NHB has given their plays a continued life both on the page and on stage, with subsequent professional and amateur performances around the world.
Below is a list of Bruntwood Prize-winners published by Nick Hern Books. For more information on the prize and how to enter, visit the Bruntwood Prize website.
Bindweed
A shattering and darkly funny play about responsibility and rehabilitation, which looks at what can be done to tackle abuse at its root. Winner of the Judges' Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022.
Shed: Exploded View
A devastating play about violence, love and loss. Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
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By Kimber LeeA powerful, hilarious play exploding lifetimes of repeating Asian stereotypes, winner of the International Award for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2019. Published alongside its staging at the Manchester International Festival 2023.
Tambo & Bones
By Dave HarrisA daring theatrical exploration of the intersection of race, capitalism and performance, by slam poet turned playwright Dave Harris.
Electric Rosary
By Tim FoleyA sharp, timely and gloriously funny play that asks what faith really means in the age of artificial intelligence. Winner of the Bruntwood Prize Judges' Award.
Glee & Me
By Stuart SladeA touching drama about a teenage girl diagnosed with a brain tumour, an unexpectedly optimistic portrayal of love and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.
Parliament Square
By James FritzA searingly powerful play about what one individual can do to effect change. Winner of the Judges’ Award in the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
How My Light Is Spent
By Alan HarrisA funny, hopeful play about loneliness, longing and being left behind. Winner of the Judges' Award in the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
Wish List
A sensitive, delicate and powerful play that asks what our labour is worth and how life can be lived when the system is stacked against you. Winner of the 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
Bird
Winner of a Judges Award in the 2013 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, Bird is a raw, delicate and bold play about growing up in a care home, and eventually leaving it for the outside world.
Yen
By Anna JordanAnna Jordan's Bruntwood Prize-winning play, Yen explores a childhood lived without boundaries and the consequences of being forced to grow up on your own.
So Here We Are
By Luke NorrisA play about what can happen when nothing happens, a compassionate look at young lives cut short and a touching portrait of childhood friendships under strain in adult life.
Britannia Waves the Rules
By Gareth FarrAn arresting and angry look at conflict and its effect on soldiers returning home.
Three Birds
By Janice OkohA startling and darkly comic drama about childhood, family and fantasy. Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, and later adapted into BBC television drama Just Act Normal.
Mogadishu
A gripping and urgent play about a well-meaning teacher who intervenes on behalf of a troublesome student, with terrifying consequences.
Sixty Five Miles
By Matt HartleyA devastating drama about family and the ties that bind us together. Winner of the Under-26 Award at the 2005 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
Winterlong
A shattering and heartbreaking play, joint winner of the Bruntwood Playwriting Competition.
Salt
By Fiona PeekA modern morality tale about the corrosive effect of money, joint winner of the 2008 Bruntwood Playwriting Competition.
Pretend You Have Big Buildings
By Ben MusgraveA tender and funny play about growing up in Romford in the shadow of Canary Wharf, winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.