Arcola is proud to be partnering with Black theatre production company Orísun Productions on their newly-launched Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights.
The first initiative of its kind in 30 years, the prize aims to address the ongoing underrepresentation of British Caribbean voices across British theatre and to build a lasting legacy for Caribbean storytelling on British stages.
Open to UK-based British Caribbean writers over the age of 18, the prize welcomes both represented and unrepresented playwrights to submit unpublished, full-length plays, with submissions opening on 2 October 2026.
The selected playwright will receive a £10,000 cash prize, a production of their play at Arcola Theatre for a minimum three-week run, and publication of the winning text by Methuen Drama. Shortlisted writers will also receive mentorship, professional feedback and a reading of an excerpt from their script.
As part of the prize’s wider initiative, Orísun Productions will be hosting workshops, seminars and networking events delivered with established partners to unearth and nurture new playwrights.
Established by Shereener Browne, founding CEO of Orísun Productions and former criminal barrister, the prize was born from both a personal and political history connected to the Windrush scandal.
“This prize is deeply personal,” said Browne. “My father, originally from Nevis, spent decades building a life in Britain, only to have his identity and belonging questioned. He did not live to see the justice he deserved. Using [his] compensation to create opportunities for other people from the Caribbean diaspora both honours him and amplifies the unique and significant contribution the Caribbean community has made to this country.”
Arcola looks forward to presenting a production of the first winning play in 2027, co-produced with Orísun Productions. Our Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen sums it up best: “We sincerely hope this initiative will play a meaningful role in supporting many more British Caribbean stories on their journey from page to stage.”
Register your interest in The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights here to receive updates, reminders when applications open, and information about future opportunities.