Vancouver playwright David Johnston wins David King Prize for Tuxedos

The $3,000 prize, handed out by Touchstone Theatre, will help bring the queer romance-comedy to the stage

By Janet Smith

David Johnston

VANCOUVER WRITER, actor, improviser, and aerial acrobat David Johnston has won Touchstone Theatre’s annual David King Prize.

The $3,000 award will go toward developing his script for Tuxedos.

"I'm thrilled that this funny, weird, queer story of love, comedy, and improper wedding etiquette will now finally see the light of day,” he said in the announcement.

The Studio 58 graduate saw his solo show Let’s Talk About Your Death play to sold-out houses across the Canadian Fringe circuit.

"Tuxedos is moving, playful, and, most importantly, funny,” wrote the jury chair Jimmy King in the decision. “David writes in a rapid-fire pace and demonstrates a clear understanding of his form as well as its subject. We’re so excited about this play.”

The cash prize, named for the late B.C. playwright and screenwriter who died in 2021, is awarded by a jury for the development or production of a new comedic work. Past winners include Melody Anderson and Pippa Mackie.  

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