Black theatre production company Orísun Productions has announced the launch of The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights, marking the first major initiative of its kind in 30 years dedicated specifically to discovering, nurturing, and elevating British Caribbean voices in the UK. Submissions will officially open on October 2, 2026, with the award designed to address the ongoing underrepresentation of Caribbean storytelling on British stages.
Established by Shereener Browne, founding CEO of Orísun Productions and a former criminal barrister, the prize carries a deeply personal legacy. Browne created the initiative using the compensation awarded to her late father, Myron Brown, who became stateless after being caught up in the Windrush scandal.
The prize launches in partnership with London's Arcola Theatre, which will co-produce and present the premiere of the winning play in 2027. Open to UK-based British Caribbean writers over the age of 18, both represented and unrepresented, the initiative requires submissions to be unpublished, full-length plays. The selected playwright will receive a £10,000 cash prize, a minimum three-week run at the Arcola Theatre, and publication of their text by Methuen Drama. Shortlisted writers will also receive tailored mentorship, professional feedback, and a public reading of their script excerpts.
Administered by the Society of Authors, the prize is supported by a wide network of literary and cultural organizations, including Casarotto Ramsay and Associates, Afridiziak Theatre News, and the London Writers Centre. Alongside the main award, Orísun Productions will host creative workshops and networking events aimed at developing skills and unearthing new writers within the diaspora.
The judging panel is jointly chaired by Harold Finley and Professor Clare Finburgh-Delijani, alongside a distinguished committee that includes actor Steve Toussaint and playwright Roy Williams. Applications will remain open until December 2, 2026.
