Pentabus today announces that applications are open for the 2027 Jerwood Writer in Residence.
Jerwood Foundation are kindly supporting the programme for a third year with annual funding of £20,000. This includes a £12,000 bursary for an early-career playwright, providing the opportunity to spend between six months and a year writing with Pentabus in Ludlow, South Shropshire. During their time with Pentabus, the recipient will be supported to write at least one new full-length play or piece of theatre, whilst gaining insight into how a professional theatre company works. The remaining £8,000 of Jerwood Foundation’s annual support contributes to the process of identifying, developing and supporting the writer throughout the programme, including accommodation and travel costs.
The 2027 Jerwood Writer in Residence will be the 12th writer in residence that Pentabus has hosted, all of whom have gone on to awards and success.
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).
Key dates for the 2027 Jerwood Writer in Residence application process:
- Application Deadline: Monday 29 June 2026 at 10am.
- Shortlist Interviews 1: w/c 30 November 2026.
- Shortlist Interviews 2: w/c 11 January 2027 (in-person at Pentabus).
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.’
For further information contact Emma at press@pentabus.co.uk.
About Jerwood Foundation
Established in 1977 for John Jerwood MC (1918-1991) by Alan Grieve CBE (1928-2025), Jerwood Foundation is a UK charity committed to supporting excellence and emerging talent in the arts in the UK. Alan Grieve served as Chairman for over 30 years and the organisation is now led by Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee. To date Jerwood Foundation has committed over £113.5 million to support the arts in the UK. Jerwood Foundation owns the Jerwood Collection of modern and contemporary art, and an important part of Jerwood’s philanthropic mission is delivered by the Collection through its loaning programme and promotion of a broader understanding, interpretation and enjoyment of art. Also included in the Jerwood group of organisations is Jerwood Space, which was Jerwood’s first major capital project when established by Jerwood Foundation in Southwark in 1998. Jerwood Space is a dedicated rehearsal space providing theatre, musical theatre, opera and dance companies with an outstanding environment within which to create their work.
