Peter Rumney's play Jumping On My Shadow has won the John Whiting Award, the first time since 1967 that the winner has been a children's play.
The John Whiting Award is administered by the Arts Council and commemorates the playwright, John Whiting, and his contribution to post war British theatre.
The award is given annually, to a writer of a new play, which shows a new and distinctive development in dramatic writing relevant to contemporary society.
Peter Rumney's Jumping On My Shadow was inspired by the diverse communities of London's East End, and explores the experiences of the exile and refugee, describing family ties, personal growth and finding a place in the world. It was aimed at audiences of children between eight and twelve years old.
Previous winners have included Tom Stoppard, Howard Brenton, David Edgar and Jonathan Harvey.
The award — a check for the sum of £6000 — was presented to him by the award panel at a ceremony at the Royal Court Theatre.
—By Theatrenow
