Entries for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting – the largest playwriting competition in Europe – are now open until 6pm GMT on Thursday 9 January 2025.

The Prize is open to writers based in the UK and Ireland, and submissions must be original plays (i.e. not adaptations, translations or musicals) over one hour long which have not been previously received a professional production. There are two further awards categories – the International Award (open by invitation via five overseas theatres) and the North West Original New Voice Award and Residency, for writers who live in the North West of England. Further details of each category, eligibility and the entry process can be found here.

A total prize pot of £50,000 is available, and the overall winner will also enter a relationship with the Royal Exchange with the aim of developing their play towards production.

Nick Hern Books has been the proud Publishing Partner of the Bruntwood Prize ever since its inception in 2005, and has so far published almost twenty plays recognised by the Prize – see the full list of plays here. Good luck to everybody entering this year!