Papatango | New Writing Prize 2026

Deadline: 5 pm on Monday 16th March 2026

Orange text 'Papatango' All you need is a story' set on a black background

Since its launch in 2009, the Papatango Prize has changed the new writing landscape. Writers discovered through the Prize have won BAFTAs, Olivier, Critics' Circle, OffWestEnd, Alfred Fagon and Royal National Theatre Foundation awards and gone on to premiere in 32 countries, while thousands of others have benefitted from our unmatched commitment to provide feedback and other resources. 

In 2026, the Prize is once again leading provision for playwrights. It will expand to:

  • guarantee productions, publication and commissions to not one but two writers;
  • launch a brand-new development group for three other shortlisted writers with cash support, dramaturgy and mentoring;
  • invite all entrants to again request short feedback. 

The Prize is open from 12pm on 4 February - 5pm on 16 March 2026

Entries must be made through the bespoke submissions portal. Please ensure you consult our Guidelines before entering. 

You may also find the FAQs helpful.

Info: This is a non-BBC scheme

Please note that these schemes are listed here for your convenience. However, they are run by external organisations and unless otherwise noted the BBC has no involvement with them.

Therefore the BBC cannot respond to any queries in connection to those and accepts no liability for the accuracy of third party websites and the information contained on them.

Search by Tag:

Rebuild Page

The page will automatically reload. You may need to reload again if the build takes longer than expected.

Useful links

Demo mode

Hides preview environment warning banner on preview pages.

Theme toggler

Select a theme and theme mode and click "Load theme" to load in your theme combination.

Theme:
Theme Mode: