Pentabus to Open Applications for 2027 Jerwood Writer in Residence

Pentabus are looking for an emerging playwright become our 2027 Jerwood Writer in Residence.

The Jerwood Writer in Residence bursary supports a professional playwright in the early stage of their career, giving the recipient the opportunity to spend up to a year at our base in Ludlow in South Shropshire. During their time with Pentabus, the recipient will write at least one new full length play or piece of theatre and will be supported dramaturgically by the Artistic Director.

The £12,000 Bursary is generously supported for by the Jerwood Foundation. It is intended to cover the recipient's living costs while they are resident at Pentabus for at least six months of their year-long bursary. The Writer in Residence will be the working artist at the core of the company. They will take part in all our day to day activity from Artistic Planning meetings to meeting rural communities and audiences. They will work with our Engagement Lead to plan and deliver our Young Company and Young Writers' workshops.

The current Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus is Rhys Warrington. He was previously part of Pentabus' National Young Writers' Programme (2022-23) and his new play MONUMENT is set to premiere in a co-production between The Royal Court Theatre and Sherman Theatre in December 2026, as part of the Royal Court's 70th Anniversary Season.

Previous writers include Sid Sagar and Liv Hennessy (2024/25), Laura Waldren and Henry Maddicott (2023), Florence Espuet-Nickless (2021/22), Tom Powell (2020/21), Sophie Ellerby (2018/19), Tim Foley (2017), Joe White (2016) and Simon Longman (2015).

The Writer in Residence will start their residency in Spring 2027, and there will be a period of overlap with current writer Rhys Warrington, who commented:

'Being this year's Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus is EVERYTHING I'd hoped it would be and more. To have the space and time to dream up and write a brand new play, and to do that alongside such a wonderful, warm, generous team of people, is a genuine gift. I'm already discovering things about the play I'm writing, and even more than that, about myself as a writer, that I simply wouldn't have found otherwise. And to top it all off, Ludlow is absolutely gorgeous. I implore everyone to apply!'

Pentabus Executive Director Verity Overs-Morrell added:

'We are truly delighted that the Jerwood Foundation are supporting a third Jerwood Writer in Residence and our 12th Writer in Residence overall. The Writer in Residence is the beating heart of our company, so being able to continue the programme into 2027 with this support is truly wonderful. It would not be possible without the extraordinary philanthropic vision and generosity of the Jerwood Foundation.'

Lara Wardle, Jerwood Foundation Executive Director and Trustee said:

'Jerwood Foundation has renewed its partnership with Pentabus to enable a continuation of its leading Jerwood Writer in Residence programme which offers emerging playwrights' valuable opportunities to develop their writing and reflects Jerwood Foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting excellence and emerging talent in the arts.'

How to Apply & Deadlines:

You MUST complete all sections of the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form, and ensure you also upload the following:

• A copy of a full length play that you've written. Ideally, we'd like to read plays that have had a professional reading or production. NB This play will not be read unless you are longlisted. Please provide details of the production or reading with the play.
• A current writer's CV or Biog.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and based in the UK. If you need additional technical or other access support in applying for this bursary, or you need the information in a format that best suits your needs, please email projects@pentabus.co.uk.

To apply please check our website: https://pentabus.co.uk/artists/jf-writer-residence-applications.

Applications close on Monday 29 June 2026, 10am.
Shortlist Interviews 1: w/c 30 November 2026.
Shortlist Interviews 2: w/c 11 January 2027 (in person at Pentabus).

The Jerwood Writer in Residence is to begin their residency from Spring 2027.

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