Julie Hesmondhalgh & Audra McDonald Join Blackburn Prize

Stars Align for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize

The prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced a powerhouse judging panel for its upcoming cycle, featuring two of the most respected names in international theater: Julie Hesmondhalgh and Audra McDonald.

As the oldest and largest prize dedicated purely to women and non-binary playwrights, the Blackburn Prize continues its tradition of elevating diverse voices by enlisting jurors who understand the profound impact of a script from the page to the stage.

A Transatlantic Powerhouse Panel

The inclusion of Hesmondhalgh and McDonald brings a unique "bridge" between the UK and US theater scenes, mirroring the prize's own international mission.

• Julie Hesmondhalgh: Best known to UK audiences for her iconic, multi-award-winning role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, Hesmondhalgh is a titan of the British stage. Her commitment to new writing and social activism makes her an ideal voice for evaluating plays that challenge the status quo.

• Audra McDonald: A literal legend of Broadway, McDonald holds a record-breaking six Tony Awards. Her unparalleled experience in interpreting complex characters gives her a sharp eye for the narrative depth and lyrical quality that the Blackburn Prize celebrates.

Empowering New Narratives

Founded in 1978, the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize was established to address the underrepresentation of women in theater. By awarding a significant financial prize—and, perhaps more importantly, global recognition—it has helped launch the careers of playwrights like Caryl Churchill, Lynn Nottage, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The 2026 panel will be tasked with reviewing a shortlist of plays nominated by theaters from across the globe. The jurors look for "excellence" in writing, but also for works that push the boundaries of the theatrical form.

Why This Matters

The presence of high-profile actors on the panel highlights the collaborative nature of theater. When performers of this caliber lend their expertise to a playwriting prize, it signals to the industry that these scripts are not just literary achievements, but vital, "actor-ready" blueprints for performance.

The winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize will be announced at a ceremony later this spring, joining an elite roster of creators who have shaped the landscape of modern drama.

Source - https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/julie-hesmondhalgh-and-audra-mcdonald-join-susan-smith-blackburn-prize-2026-panel

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