Verity Bargate Award Workshop 2026

Sponsored by Character 7, the Verity Bargate Award is Soho Theatre’s flagship new writing award with the winning play produced in a full production on their stages.

On the award, Soho Theatre says:

"This award is for everyone. First-time writers, late starters, people who’ve been sitting on an idea for years. We don’t care about your background or your credentials—we want a great play. If you’re in the UK or Ireland and you’ve got a story burning a hole in your brain, something urgent or funny or devastating that won’t leave you alone, send it to us. Just a brilliant idea, a bold voice, and the guts to put it on the page.

Launched in 1982, the Verity Bargate Award is one of the longest-established playwrighting awards in the UK and honours Verity Bargate, Soho’s co-founder who passionately championed new writing during her time at the small but hugely influential fringe theatre company, Soho Poly. In 2022 the Verity Bargate Award celebrated its 40th birthday."

Submissions for the 2026 Award open on Monday 12 January and close on Monday 13 April.

Join us for a new-writing workshop for emerging playwrights. This session offers participants tools and inspiration to begin writing a play, encouraging first-time writers to take their first steps into playwriting.

Supported by Character 7 & Arts Council England.

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.