Alexi Kaye Campbell Wins U.K.'s Whiting Award for 'The Pride,' Opens at MCC in 2010

Alexi Kaye Campbell is the 2009 recipient of the U.K.'s national playwriting prize, the Whiting Award, for "The Pride."  Campbell was bestowed the honor, that recognizes excellence in original playwriting, in a ceremony at The REP Theatre yesterday evening. The 2009 Whiting Award, supported by the Peter Wolff Trust, took place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. In addition to the honor, Campbell was awarded a prize of £6000.

The play explores the changing attitudes toward sexuality over 50. The SRO production premiered at the Royal Court last November, and had already won Campbell the Critics Circle's most promising playwright award and the Olivier for outstanding achievement.  The production was directed by Jamie Lloyd. 

Campbell second play, "Apologia," was also shortlisted.  The playwright was not at The REP to receive the honor, as he is currently in New York preparing for the U.S. premiere of "The Pride" Off-Broadway, directed by Joe Mantello for MCC, starring Hugh Dancy, Andrea Riseborough and Ben Whishaw.  Previews for this production begin at the Lucille Lortel on January 27. For more information, visit www.mcctheater.org.

The Peter Wolff Theatre Trust has funded the Whiting Award since 2008. The award was established in 1965.