2026 Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus

Rhys Warrington has been announced as the second Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus.  Jerwood Foundation’s support of this programme, through the award of a grant of £40,000 over two years, underlines Jerwood’s continued commitment to supporting emerging talent and creative excellence in the UK.

 

From March 2026 Rhys will take up his year-long residency.  He will spend time with the company at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, teach on the Young Writers’ programme, and be supported to deepen his practice and develop a brand-new play. 

 

Rhys Warrington Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus said:

I am absolutely thrilled, and incredibly honoured, to be the Jerwood Writer in Residence 2026. To get the opportunity to spend a year embedding myself in this extraordinary company whose work, focusing on rural communities, is something not only very close to my heart but feels more pressing than ever in these isolating polarising times. I’m incredibly excited to work alongside Elle, Verity and the whole team - I can’t wait to get started. 

Rhys has a strong connection with Pentabus, having been part of the company’s National Young Writers’ Programme (2022–23). He has since gone on to build a rapidly rising profile as a playwright.

 

Pentabus Artistic Director and 2025 BAFTA winner, Elle While said:

Rhys is an exceptional playwright. We have seen him grow from our Young Writers’ course in 2023, and we are delighted to welcome him back as the next Jerwood Writer in Residence at Pentabus. We can’t wait to have him as part of the team and to read the undoubtably brilliant play he will write in his year with us.

For further information please visit Pentabus

March 31, 2026