Winsome Pinnock

Winsome Pinnock is a pioneering British playwright and dramaturg whose work often centres on the experiences of Black Britons, examining race, identity, and generational divides. Born in London to parents of the Windrush Generation, Pinnock’s work reflects her own background and the challenges faced by immigrants and their descendants. Her breakthrough play, Leave Taking (1987), staged at the Royal Court Theatre, captures themes of cultural displacement and the search for identity. Pinnock’s empathetic approach to storytelling has earned her widespread acclaim, and she is recognised as one of the first Black British women playwrights to gain national recognition. She was the first black British female writer to have a play produced by the Royal National Theatre.

Pinnock served as an Associate Professor in Drama at Kingston University from 2005 to 2019, later holding the position of Senior Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University. She has also contributed as a dramaturg, working with the National Theatre’s New Views programme, and collaborating with the Royal Court Theatre’s International Department, furthering her engagement with new writing and supporting diverse voices in theatre. Her work has earned several awards, including the prestigious Alfred Fagon Award and the George Devine Award. Pinnock has also served as a professor and mentor to emerging playwrights.

Winsome Pinnock spoke to Simon Stephens in S3 Ep5 of Playwright’s Podcast.