The Naomi Wilkinson Award for Stage Design was established by Told by an Idiot in 2019 to recognise an emerging designer with a unique visual imagination, in memory of the late Naomi Wilkinson; a hugely talented and renowned theatre set and costume designer. 

'Naomi Wilkinson changed the way we looked at design. Over a ten year period she was a close and wonderful collaborator, designing nine utterly unique worlds and helping us define our visual aesthetic. She provoked us, challenged us and inspired us to think differently. She never settled, constantly questioned and was always curious. The award is specifically intended to help overcome the under-representation of those who identify as women in the arts and to honour Naomi Wilkinson's legacy.'  Paul Hunter, Artistic Director of Told by an Idiot

The inaugural Naomi Wilkinson Award was given to Ioana Curelea in 2019, who subsequently designed Told by an Idiot’s show, Charlie and Stan, which since enjoyed three UK tours and international runs to 5-star acclaim. Lulu Tam was the second recipient of the award in 2022, in which she designed The Killing of Sister George, a co-production with the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme. The most recent winner, Sonya Smullen designed How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? Our 2025 co-production with the Unicorn Theatre. 

The Naomi Wilkinson Award for Stage Design is generously supported by the Charles Mason and Naomi Wilkinson Foundation and AHA Talent. Without their support we would be unable to give this opportunity to female designers at such a pivotal stage of their careers.