News Cast Associate Artist Nominated for Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards 2026

We are thrilled to announce that our Associate Artist, Danielle (Danni) Phillips, has been shortlisted for Best Writer at the prestigious Stage Debut Awards 2026 for her play Children of the Night.

Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions, the Best Writer category celebrates the most exciting breakthrough playwriting talent in the UK. Danni’s nomination places her alongside major industry figures on this year’s national shortlist - which includes stars such as Ralph Fiennes, Sadie Sink, and Brendan Gleeson - and marks a significant milestone for theatrical work originating right here in Doncaster.

Co-founded by Doncaster-born childhood friends Danielle Phillips and producer Lauren Yvonne Townsend, Mad Friday Productions is a dynamic, women-led theatre company dedicated to championing bold ideas from Northern, working-class, and neurodiverse artists.

Developed using the real-life testimonies of over 30 local people, Children of the Night is a love letter to the cultural pulse of 1990s Doncaster. Set against the backdrop of the town’s infamous club Karisma during the UK’s first heterosexual HIV cluster, the play blends kitchen-sink drama, spoken word, and dance-floor euphoria to tell a powerful coming-of-age story centered on female friendship, working-class resilience, and 90s nightlife.

After premiering at Cast, the production launched a major UK tour earlier this year, taking Doncaster's stories to premier venues including The Lowry, Hull Truck Theatre, Birmingham Rep, and London’s Southwark Playhouse.

Mad Friday Productions joined Cast as Associate Artists under a three-year partnership earlier this year. The programme provides financial and production support, rehearsal space, and strategic development opportunities to help ensure local creatives have the resources needed to build sustainable artistic careers.

Beyond touring Children of the Night, Cast and Mad Friday Productions are working together to deliver grassroots engagement projects, commission new work from Doncaster writers, and explore a local Creative Think-Tank to keep Northern stories at the forefront of UK theatre.

The Stage Debut Awards, held in association with Netflix, are the only national awards dedicated solely to recognizing breakthrough professional theatre talent. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London on Sunday 27 September.

Everyone at Cast sends huge congratulations to Danni, Lauren, and the entire team at Mad Friday Productions. We have all our fingers and toes crossed for a win next month!

Are You a Local Artist or Creative?

Cast is passionate about supporting artists in and around Doncaster. Through our Artist Development programme, we offer a range of opportunities for performing arts creatives to explore, develop, and showcase their work. Whether you’re in the early stages of an idea, looking for new collaborators, needing space to experiment, or seeking advice on funding applications, we’re here to help.

We're always interested in connecting with artists, hearing about your ideas, and helping navigate the challenges of getting work off the ground, including sharing details when extra project funding becomes available.

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