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George Devine Award

George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright was founded in 1966, named in honour of the dramatist George Devine (1910-1966), co-founder and inaugural artistic director of Royal Court Theatre.

Overview

The George Devine Award was cofounded in 1966 by Jocelyn Herbert following George Devine's passing on 20 January 1966. Herbert was Devine's long time collaborator and colleague at Royal Court Theatre, as well as his partner since the late 1950s. The award is currently governed by the George Devine Memorial Award, a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The award is granted annually and submissions are judged by a panel made up of established playwrights, directors, and actors. As of 2025, winner of the award receives a cash prize of to support their future works.

The award is considered to be highly prestigious in the British theatre industry. Diana Nneka Atuona, who won the award in 2019, credited the award's prestige with helping her attract venues willing to produce her winning play, which was eventually picked up by Donmar Warehouse. Similarly, Elinor Cook said that winning the award in 2013 "made people’s ears prick up", helping her land an attachment with the National Theatre as well as a TV writing gig with BBC One.

Past winners and nominees

2020s

2010s

2000s

1990s

1980s

1970s

1960s

References