WRITERS' GUILD (GB) AWARDS
2025 Olwen Wymark Awards for Theatre
The Olwen Wymark Awards, the brainchild of playwrights Mark Ravenhill and David James (former Chair of the WGGB Theatre Committee), were set up to give WGGB members the opportunity to thank publicly those who had given them a positive experience in new writing over the previous year.
They are named in honour of playwright Olwen Wymark, passionate supporter of WGGB and former Chair of the WGGB Theatre Committee, who died in 2013.
David James, who has organised the award since 2005, said: “The award was set up to make a statement of how important encouragement is, and is based on the simple premise of saying ‘thank you’. "
The winners of the 21st annual awards are:
1.Martin Berry, Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive of Exeter Northcott Theatre
Nominated by Sarah Dickenson for Martin and his team’s support in championing and developing Sarah’s play The Commotion Time – a retelling of the 16th-century Prayer Book Rebellion and Siege of Exeter, in which the seven-strong professional cast shared the stage with an ensemble and choir of 43 local people.
2.Sarah Dickenson, playwright and dramaturg
Nominated by Hannah Mulder for Sarah’s support and skills as a dramaturg and creative collaborator.
Hannah said: “Sarah is an incredibly insightful creative collaborator who also gives care, skilled confidence-boosting and the ability to offer the right support at the right time. She is not just a dramaturg but a magician. She makes you feel you can overcome whatever obstacles are in your way, creatively and practically.
3,4 Diana Isabel Jervis-Read and Sofie Mason, joint directors/founders of Adopt a Playwright Award.
Nominated by Nicola Baldwin for their support and encouragement via this Award.
Nicola Baldwin said: “In 2023 I was nominated for the Adopt A Playwright Award, created by these two wonderful women who previously established Off West End and the Offies. As a ‘fostered’ playwright, I benefited from free/subsidised theatre tickets, writing retreats and a community of writers, while being mentored to finish a new play, but it is their personal encouragement that has revitalised my writing life.
5.Kelly Jones, writer and mentor
Nominated by Wendy Fisher for Kelly’s mentorship and support of Wendy as a writer.
Wendy Fisher said: As my mentor over the past two years, Kelly has supported me to be more confident, to take chances and explore my truths. Kelly has guided my writing technically and been the most positive person I could have wished to work with. Her criticism is always considered and constructive and encouraging.
6.Karis Kelly, playwright and screenwriter
Nominated by Carley Magee for Karis’ mentoring and support, and for platforming her play Stuff & Things & Junk & Belonging at the Front & Centre Playwriting Symposium in Northern Ireland.
Carley said: “For the past two years Karis has mentored, supported and encouraged me in my pursuit of a career in playwriting. They have given me much of their time, offering insights and guidance on how to manage a career in the arts. They have taught me how to set professional boundaries and how to safeguard myself...
7.Davina Moss, Literary Manager, Sherman Theatre
Nominated by Rebecca Jade Hammond for Davina’s constant support of Rebecca’s work as a playwright, more recently with Rebecca’s play Hot Chicks.
Rebecca said: “My professional relationship with Davina began in 2019 and since then she has been an important person in my life and a constant support. More recently for my current play Hot Chicks, but with others of my plays too, including Welcome To Bettyland and Mad Margot. She has provided me with support when I felt I wasn’t good enough and in difficult situations. I have also watched her nurture many Welsh writers.
8.Sasha Smith, Assistant Curator, Classical Museum, University College Dublin.
Nominated by Zsuzsanna Ardo for Sasha’s support and creative inspiration while working on the Spinaria exhibition at the museum, which ran in early 2025.
Zsuzsanna said: "I am a writer and a visual artist and curator. These different aspects of my work are fluid. And cross-pollinate. This was also the case for the Spinaria exhibition. Together, Sasha and I derived ways of creating drama in the museum, and my contemporary artwork came alive with dialogue and objects."
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