About

The UK’s most prestigious theatre directing prize, the JMK Award, is staged annually at the Orange Tree. Following a demanding selection process, a new talent is given the chance to direct a full production of a modern classic. Over 25 years, the JMK has launched some of the brightest directorial stars including Thea Sharrock, Natalie Abrahami, Polly Findlay and Roy Alexander Weise.  

Previous JMK Award-winners at the OT include Little Baby Jesus directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, Statements After an Arrest under the Immorality Act directed by Diane Page, The Solid Life of Sugar Water directed by Indiana Lown-Collins, and Meetings directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke. The winning director and production will be announced in spring 2024.

★★★★★ “Here is a play that will be racing through you, making you laugh and think, long after you’ve left the theatre” Guardian on Little Baby Jesus 

★★★★ “Diane Page’s excellent revival” Financial Times on Statements 

★★★★ “Poetic writing and smashingly good performances” Times on The Solid Life of Sugar Water

The JMK Trust was founded in memory of James Menzies-Kitchin, a theatre director of thrilling promise, to give practical learning opportunities to theatre directors of similar ability and vision.  

www.jmktrust.org