The Davidson PlayGC Bursary: Supporting New Writing at the Royal Court

The Royal Court is honoured to receive support from the Davidson PlayGC Bursary, a new UK Theatre Writing bursary, launched in 2024 by PlayGC Theatre Company and the Alan Davidson Foundation, to support theatres and emerging writers to produce innovative new work.

In 2024, the first ever Davidson PlayGC Bursary of £20,000 was awarded to the Royal Court. We are delighted to share that we have been awarded the Bursary for a further two years, enabling us to support two upcoming playwrights with the crucial financial support, time and resources to fully develop their play.

Bursaries like the Davidson PlayGC Bursary enable writers to focus on their craft without financial pressures, receive professional guidance and mentorships from institutions such as the Royal Court, and refine their work in a supportive environment with access to our teams. It can also provide opportunities for workshops, dramaturgy and staged readings, helping writers to bring their vision to life and reach wider audiences.

Playwright Oli Forsyth was selected as the inaugural recipient by our Artistic Director, David Byrne. Oli’s play, BRACE BRACE, premiered last October in our Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, and was directed by Daniel Raggett (Accidental Death of an Anarchist Lyric Hammersmith / West End) and starred Anjana Vasan, Craig Els and Phil Dunster. The production played to sell-out audiences every night, captivating them through its energetic, high-stakes portrayal of the consequences of a plane hijack on its survivors. The bursary provided Oli with the invaluable financial support, space and platform to refine his work and was essential in the creation of BRACE BRACE.

Speaking about the impact of the bursary, Artistic Director David Byrne said:

“The Davidson PlayGC Bursary is a game-changer for emerging playwrights. It provides them with the support and stability needed to take creative risks and develop meaningful work. We were thrilled to see Oli’s play come to life with the help of the Davidson PlayGC Bursary. Knowing that we will continue this legacy for another two years is incredible. It ensures that more playwrights will have the freedom and support to create daring, important work, helping to shape the future of British Theatre. Thank you to PlayGC Theatre Company and the Alan Davidson Foundation for their continued investment in new writing’.

Speaking about the bursary, Oli Forsyth said:

“I was thrilled to be the first playwright to be awarded the Davidson PlayGC bursary. The next recipient will be in the enviable position of having the time and support needed to transform their existing idea into a full blown production, supported and encouraged by an amazing creative team at the Royal Court. I could not have asked for more to bring BRACE BRACE to the stage. I only wish I could be awarded it again!”