Award launched to honour actress Phoebe Frances Brown

Two theatres are launching a writing award to celebrate the memory of an actress who died at the age of 29.

Phoebe Frances Brown, from Nottingham, who wrote and performed in a play inspired by her incurable brain tumour diagnosis, died in April.

Nottingham Playhouse and London's Hampstead Theatre said they wanted to celebrate her talent.

The award will offer up-and-coming playwrights a paid commission and a £1,000 bursary.

'Mesmerising'

In a joint statement, the venues said: "The award is for writers who identify as female and who are at the start of their career."

They said they would be offered a paid commission from Hampstead Theatre, together with a £1,000 bursary and support for project development from both theatres.

Miss Frances Brown's one-woman show, The Glad Game, was acclaimed as a "mesmerising portrait of hope in the face of horror".

She died at home surrounded by family and her partner Jake.

Tess Walker, associate director at Hampstead Theatre and director of The Glad Game said: "Phoebe had an extraordinary talent both as a performer and writer as well as an incredible passion for theatre.

"I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate her memory than with a new writing award that will support more brilliant women."

Adam Penford, artistic director at Nottingham Playhouse said: "Phoebe... was much loved at the Playhouse and by the artistic community in Nottingham.

"The Glad Game showed off both Phoebe's performing and writing talents, and we're so proud to be supporting this new award in her memory."

Gail Brown, Phoebe's mother, said: "Phoebe was the most inspirational and determined person I know. She never let her illness stop her doing anything.

"Her positivity shone out of her and will continue to do so throughout this award. I am beyond proud."

Phoebe Frances Brown died at home in Nottingham surrounded by family and her partner Jake

When interviewed by the BBC in 2021, Miss Frances Brown said she had started writing the play while in hospital.

"I was writing more for myself because I was just making sense of it all," she said.

She was born in Nottingham and trained at the city's Television Workshop, a charity known for developing stars including Vicky McClure and Jack O'Connell.

She then studied at the University of Birmingham, where she received a first class degree.