Modern and contemporary plays / drama

Book SynopsisI got my first pair of glasses when I was seven.A nurse came to the school and tested everyone's eyes. And so it was discovered why I'd thrown bread to the floating crisp packets in our local pond and walked into lamp posts and said, 'excuse me'. Until that day the world was a swirl of moving coloured blobs. I thought it was the same for everyone.How wrong I was.'Winner: Scotsman Fringe First Award 2012Critic's Pick, New York TimesPart memoir, part theatre and part standup comedy this delightful story of a myopic seven year old is brought to you by actor, comedian and playwright Sonya Kelly. Sonya tells her story about growing up with poor vision that went undiagnosed until she was seven years old. Combining several forms of theatre, this delightful story shows us how we can better the world even if we cannot see the world.Trade Review‘Hilarious, poignant... it will please viewers of all lens prescriptions and none.’ * Irish Theatre Magazine *Delightfully whacky... hilarious... tight script and engaging performance... terrific.’ * The Irish Times *‘Wonderfully fresh script... highly endearing.’ * The Sunday Business Post *

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Book SynopsisI am getting nearer to something. The answer to the question. Who am I? A woman who leaves her husband very suddenly for an old lover and heads to a cottage in Kerry?I needed someone strong. Someone who would sweep me along. Keep me here. In this world. Not allow me to wander down below, and I wanted a child. I dearly wanted a child.Mairead and Mal are struggling to keep their marriage together. Perhaps attending a wedding will help, or it might raise questions that are difficult to answer.Poignant, funny, and beautiful, Heaven is a new play that is full of humanity. It is presented by the Olivier Award-winning Fishamble, and written by Eugene O'Brien (winner of the Rooney Prize for Literature).This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the Dublin Theatre Festival, followed by an Irish tour, in Autumn 2022.

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Book SynopsisAva Wong Davies is a playwright and theatre critic based in London. She is a regular contributor to The Stage and Exeunt Magazine, is a monthly theatre columnist for gal-dem, and in 2018 won the Sunday Times Harold Hobson award for criticism. As a playwright, her work has been showcased at The Yard, The Bunker, Theatre Deli, VAULT Festival, and The North Wall. Her debut play i will still be whole (when you rip me in half) was programmed as part of Chris Sonnex's second season at The Bunker Theatre in November 2019. She is an alumna of the Soho Theatre Writers Lab 18/19 and one of the Bush Theatre's Emerging Writers.

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Book SynopsisLucy Prebble is a writer for film, television, games and theatre. Lucy is Executive Producer and writer on the BAFTA, GOLDEN GLOBE and EMMY award-winning HBO drama SUCCESSION, for which she has also won a WGA and a PGA Award. She is the writer and co-creator of I HATE SUZIE and I HATE SUZIE TOO which was nominated for five BAFTAs including Best Drama, Best Writer and Best Actress and won her the Royal Television Society Award for Best Writer. It was a huge hit for Sky, topping many major publications' lists for best shows of 2020 in both the UK and the US where it is available on HBOMax. She is also the creator and writer of the TV series SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL(ITV/Showtime), and made a pilot for HBO starring Sarah Silverman. For theatre, Lucy has written the political and emotional meta-thriller A VERY EXPENSIVE POISON which was a sell-out, five star hit for the Old Vic in 2019 and was Olivier nominated for Best New Play, It won the Critics Circle Award for Best New Play

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Book SynopsisThere''s a legend about the Watch House... Scrape beneath the whitewash and you''ll find terror. You''ll find him.Tynemouth, late 1970s. Christmas is coming and Front Street''s swinging. But Anne, dumped here while her parents sort their divorce, isn''t in the mood. She escapes to the castle, the Priory, and the beaches. Best of all, the Watch House. The old coastguard''s place is packed with weird treasures and no one bothers her. Until lights start to flicker and something stirs in the dark nights...Buried deep in the past is a secret which now threatens everything. Only Anne can stop it. The Watch House is an epic new adaptation of Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall''s original novel, from Olivier Award-winning theatre-maker Chris Foxon. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay, in December 2023.

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Book SynopsisThere are ghosts everywhere. There are ghosts here right now.Plagued by the ugly truth of her late husband's legacy, Helene vows to erase the past and start again.Ignorant to the reality of his father's character, Osvald, her son, returns home to face an uncertain future. But when the ember of an illicit romance stands to ruin Helene's plans to play happy family, she is forced to make a decision that threatens to engulf what's left of her and her son's life completely.Experience the work of Henrik Ibsen, one of the most influential dramatists of all time, in a scandalous and searing exploration of family secrets and forbidden desire. Nearly 150 years after causing a furore when it premiered with its depiction of incest, infection and euthanasia, adaptor and director Joe Hill-Gibbins (The Marriage of Figaro, ENO; The Tragedy of King Richard The Second, Almeida), in his Globe debut, brings a new version of Ghosts, the fi

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Book SynopsisCall my narcissism whatever you want. And while you''re at it; like, comment, subscribe, worship - fucking bow down.Meet Carleen and Crystal. The influencers with cultural commentary that will have you in stitches. Love them or hate them, there's no stopping their fast-growing online following. Offline, Carleen has her reservations about their cyber personas, but she idolises Crystal and would follow her anywhere even to FLIP!, the new social media giant that has everyone hooked and Carleen and Crystal are no exception; especially when it seems that their videos could make them famous.Superstardom, followers, fame, influence, money: it''s all just one click away. FLIP! is the answer to everything they''ve ever dreamed of. But is it too good to be true?FLIP! is a powerful new satire from critically-acclaimed writer Racheal Ofori that probes what it means to live freely under the shadow of social media, encroaching on every aspect of our lives. How can we be our authentic

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Book SynopsisAre those little voices in our heads our friends, or our enemies? What if they're neither, what if they're both?In this captivating and comic one-person play written by Gary McNair, the classic story of Jekyll and Hyde is turned on its head to reveal the depths of one man's psyche and the lengths we will go to hide our deepest secrets. What will happen to a curious mind as it's left to its own devices?Originally presented at Reading Rep, this edition was published to coincide with the opening of Jekyll and Hyde at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh in January 2024.

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Book SynopsisI remember thinking, what difference is there between donating my body to science and donating it to someone who might find pleasure in it when I'm dead.Sergio Blanco and Daniel Goldman collaborate again, after the success of their critically acclaimed Offie award-winning productions of Thebes Land and The Rage of Narcissus, to tell a mesmerising story of love and lust beyond the grave.Desire, friendship and eroticism intertwine in When You Pass Over My Tomb, a dazzling play by Latin America's leading living playwright that asks, how far would you go for love? And will the world allow it?This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London''s Arcola Theatre in February 2024.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Tinniswood Award at the 2024 BBC Audio AwardsAs I walk past the funeral parlour, I see a poster next to their two-for-one offer. It''s a wanted poster with my name on it.A completely made-up true story. When the world goes mad, do we inevitably go mad too?When Shôn playfully cracks an egg on his mother's head, he has no idea real-life internet trolls will appear on his doorstep. Cracking takes on the battle between love and hate, asking what's funny and where we draw the line. Part stand-up, part theatre, Cracking is a funny, touching and thought-provoking solo performance that sews together fact and fiction into one seamless whole making us wonder what's real, what's not and what's gone wrong. This story about love and hatred celebrates how searching for connection beats disconnecting. This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour starting in February 2024.

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Book SynopsisThree distinctive adaptations from a master of total theatre, Steven Berkoff fuses all the elements of drama together in a whole theatrical experience. Combining movement and mime with text to achieve a heightened dramatic intensity, Berkoff takes Kafka's stories and transforms them into a powerful dramatic expression of the inhumanity which plagued the twentieth century and continues unchecked today.Trade Review"Berkoff has a master's ear for vocabulary and rhythm. Everything is heightened - physically, emotionally, intellectually... There's so much to work with and draw from." - Theatre Weekly; "Throughout the play, you find yourself relating to both Gregor, as the one being isolated, but also to his family members who are the cause of that. That makes the show eerily relatable, and it's this quality that allows you to ponder the topic on a deeper level." - everything-theatre.co.uk; "The totality of alienation was stressed through the theatre of shadows. [The family's] greed and stupidity were the forces that concealed, distorted and destroyed what was essential in human nature." - Theatre JournalTable of ContentsSteven Berkoff Author biography Bibliography of Steven Berkoff Foreword by Cheryl Robson preface to The Trial by Steven Berkoff The Trial by Franz Kafka adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff preface to Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff preface to In the Penal Colony by Steven Berkoff In the Penal Colony by Franz Kafka adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff Steven Berkoff Awards

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Book SynopsisViolet is starting to forget, but she's got a long life to remember before she does. There are rights to wrong and ends to tie up; a life well lived is never neat. Generations younger, Bertie is at the beginning with no idea what lies ahead. She's looking for something to point her in the right direction. A new play about human connection and inter-generational friendships, Violet quietly explores themes of mental health, dementia, and loneliness without forgetting the often funny and absurd moments of ordinary life.

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Book SynopsisFrom the makers of 2018 hit Queens of Sheba comes this powerful new play by Ryan Calais Cameron, following the events over one typical night out that is turned upside down by racism and police brutality. Typical uncovers the man and the humanity behind a real-life story: a Black ex-serviceman who spent his life fighting for his country and ends up fighting for his life in police custody.

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Book SynopsisAnyone can learn maps and battles. Geezer, I feel it! I live it! I’m giving everything to this beautiful, wild, absolutely pure British thing. Like, do you know what it took to get here, man? Stevie is a disillusioned academic who once wrote an unfashionable book on youth movements in Britain, now struggling to cope after a painful break-up. His misery is interrupted by Jimmy who lands unexpectedly on his doorstep beaming with excitement. Jimmy is 100% Mod: oversized military parka, fitted Italian suit, dessy boots, pork pie hat. The full package. Jimmy is seeking asylum in the UK. With just a few days before the substantive interview that’s going to decide his fate, the stakes are high. So he came up with a brilliant plan. A plan that’s going to work against all odds. It has to work. He can’t go back. And Stevie has an important part to play.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating twenty years of productions, acclaimed playwright Cathy Crabb has selected eleven of her works for staging. Filled with humour and emotional resonance, these texts explore themes of family, trauma, neurodivergence, class and locality, and their experiential effect on the ordinariness of life and repercussions. Includes the productions Beckett for Children, The Bubbler, Moving Pictures, Twirlies and Girlies, Paperboys, The Magi, Beautiful House, The Roots of Love, The Demon Dog of Waterhead, Breastfeeding, and Five Women: Rambling. Selected Plays also includes character and background notes by the author and a Foreword by Producer & Writer Lindsay Williams.Trade Review"I recommend any aspiring writers to read this." John Henshaw, Actor; "With an unfailing ear and eye, she brings real lives to the stage, in all their depth, delight, danger and daftness." John McGrath, Factory International Artistic Director & Chief Executive; "One of my favourite places to be is in Cathy Crabb's awesome imagination." Sally Carman, Actor; "A play by Cathy Crabb is always a treat. An unflinching and bittersweet look at life, encompassing empathy, humour and truth." Helen Nugent, Northern Soul Editor; "She writes with such skill and honesty about people and situations. The world needs to be full of Cathy Crabbs ... her philosophy, her kindness and her love of life." Noreen Kershaw, Director & Actor

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Book Synopsis'This story showed me who I am and what I must do.' Over two hundred years ago, Olaudah Equiano changed the world. After reading reports of the British ship Zong, where 132 enslaved Africans were thrown overboard, he joins forces with anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp and together they set in motion events which will go on to galvanise the abolition movement. But Olaudah's impassioned fight for justice goes beyond the courtroom. Having bought his own freedom, he now faces a personal battle to rediscover his past and accept his true self. Weaving together the many lives affected by these events across the globe, The Meaning of Zong is both a depiction of a shameful true story from British history, and a timely response to the social upheaval the world has witnessed in recent years – celebrating the power of individual action to drive huge societal change. Giles Terera's debut play was commissioned by Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre, and first performed on stage at Bristol Old Vic in April 2022, co-directed by Tom Morris and Terera, after an acclaimed production on BBC Radio 3.Trade Review'Giles Terera's lyrical and inventive drama about a brutal episode in British history brims with urgency, pain and ultimately pride... triumphant... profoundly moving' * Guardian *'Brilliant... sparkles with ingenuity' * The Stage *'Throbs with passion and urgency... an important night of theatre' * WhatsOnStage *'Dense, affecting and powerful' * The Times *'Superbly moving and hugely ambitious... gifted storytelling... a tremendous accomplishment' * British Theatre Guide *'Shatters the frosted perceptions audiences have surrounding slavery... masterfully adept stagecraft and storytelling... A resonating achievement, poignant and glistening with brilliance' * Reviews Hub *

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Book Synopsis'I can't undo what's been said. My world changed this morning. I hope for the better, but we'll see in the future.' Sisters Dolly and Esther grow up in ultra-conservative Harrogate in the 1960s. Fifty years later, following the death of their mother, Dolly comes to stay with Esther – now a successful novelist and living in Little Venice with her younger, inscrutable lodger, Jude. The three go to Norway to meet the rock-star grandfather Jude has only ever heard about. Instead, he meets Anila who changes his world. To make a new future, these four people will have to be honest, heal old wounds – and two sisters learn to laugh together again. The Lodger by Robert Holman is an enlightening, cathartic and acerbic play about identity, maturity and reconciliation. It premiered at The Coronet Theatre, London, in September 2021.Trade Review'Great riches... A story of sisters and midlife reckonings, [Robert Holman's play] puts two older women centre stage and comes with a seismic sibling betrayal... stuffed full of wise statements about life, love and death' * Guardian *'Robert Holman [is] the most instinctive and humane of British playwrights' * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis'We are all slaves to our genes. Worse than that; we are all slaves to our parents' genes.' Dr Richard Myers, the great IVF innovator, is virtually a secular saint because of the thousands of babies he has created throughout his career. Now, his family have gathered at his home on Manhattan's Upper West Side to see him receive a lifetime achievement award. It's not long before this fractious group, more accustomed to debate than empathy, fall into dispute once again: over conflicting Thanksgiving memories, polarised opinions on investment banking, and how best to care for their ailing father. And crucially, who will inherit Richard's wealth and his prestigious science institution? A vivid and thrilling portrait of a brilliantly dysfunctional family, Alexis Zegerman's The Fever Syndrome was first produced at Hampstead Theatre, London, in March 2022, directed by Roxana Silbert.Trade Review'Finely crafted... a rollercoaster of issue-driven emotion' * Evening Standard *'Captivating... echoes Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and HBO's Succession... as a portrait of blended family dysfunction it is highly enjoyable, while also raising provocative questions about the limits of science' * WhatsOnStage *'A big, psychologically chaotic, Miller-esque American family drama' * Broadway World *

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Book Synopsis'I'm going to answer all your wishes, bubba! Big or small, it'll be me who makes them come true, no one else.' Leila is happy living at home with Noor, her loving but traditional grandmother. But when Aleena, her fiercely independent mother, returns home from prison determined to deliver a new world of fun and excitement, their calm lives are upended in a blur of nail varnish and sweet treats. Family secrets come tumbling into the light, and Leila finds the task of deciding on her future more difficult than she first thought. Ambreen Razia's play Favour is a touching and hopeful family drama about a working-class Muslim family, tackling duty, addiction and the challenge of pulling yourself back together after it all falls apart. It was a Bush Theatre and Clean Break co-production and premiered at the Bush, London, in 2022, directed by Róisín McBrinn and Sophie Dillon Moniram.Trade Review'A lean multi-generational family drama with an emotional punch... its tender dissection of motherhood intersects with class, immigrant life, addiction and faith, alongside the emotional effects of incarceration... Razia's script does a fine job of establishing the complicated layers in the relationships between mothers, daughters and grandmothers... masterful characterisations... incredibly moving' * Guardian *'A searing portrait of a polarised family... Favour has the ambition and emotional yearning of a Greek tragedy yet remains firmly planted in humanity and the lived experience of its characters' * Broadway World *'Funny, pithy and plausible... Razia's characters burst into life with all too human flaws and characteristics... very powerful, with a lot of heart and humour' * WhatsOnStage *'A brilliant balance of raucous comedy and immense pathos... masterly' * Arts Desk *'A revolutionary new play... Razia's script is a lesson in showing rather than telling, at once sharply refined and stuffed to the brim with pop culture references... There are belly laughs and devastating, earth-shattering lows... stories like this are so rarely told' * Independent *'A raw, affecting drama... wit, humanity and unflinching honesty... absorbing and psychologically astute' * iNews *

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Book Synopsis'They're always trying to do that. Make us run off in different directions to try to catch a single hare. Because they know. If we work together we might bring down the stag.' By day, machine operator Prab struggles to survive the precarity and brutality of his factory job in West Bengal. By night, he writes stories for his baby daughter Amba. When a popular actress recruits him to write a play for her, Prab seizes the opportunity to expose the injustice of factory conditions and the rumours of child exploitation. But in his fight for change, is he ready to risk his future, his family and even his own life? Winner of Theatre Uncut's Political Playwriting Award, Sonali Bhattacharyya's Chasing Hares is a tale of resistance and dignity in the face of global exploitation. It was premiered at the Young Vic Theatre, London, in July 2022, directed by Milli Bhatia.Trade Review'[A] drama about the gig economy and the workers trapped inside it [that] plays out like a thriller. Sonali Bhattacharyya's fast, witty script finds an original way to tell the global backstory of the zero-hours workforce, joining up the dots from child labour in West Bengal to unethical working conditions in Britain... [It has] emotional power and intelligence' * Guardian *'Impassioned and moving... stirring stuff' * WhatsOnStage *'Forceful storytelling... heartbreaking... this is no simplistic diatribe about inequality... The story seamlessly yokes the personal to the political in sparkling dialogue' * Telegraph *'Powerful... delivers a persuasive final call-to-arms to its audience' * Time Out *'A story of political hope... Bhattacharyya takes us on a journey that encompasses the idealism of stories, and what happens when that collides with the ugly truth of life' * Reviews Hub *'Ambitious and essential... [it doesn't] shy away from moral complexity and complicity' * The Stage *'Pulls no punches... the play is as entertaining as it is meaningful. An important piece to watch' * Broadway World *'With its energetic arguments, moments of great charm, gritty humour, and mix of filth and idealism, this story of resistance and dignity in the face of dreadful global exploitation is both relevant and contemporary' * Arts Desk *'An exuberant, warm-hearted, socially motivated new play... Bhattacharyya's writing is driven by the uncynical hope that we can put ourselves in each other's shoes and make the world a fairer place' * Observer *'Fascinating... smouldering with anger... its arguments are potently compelling, and it achieves ignition through topicality and sheer political passion' * iNews *

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Book SynopsisPearl, Jan and Linda are enjoying a long-awaited break on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, when a surprise visitor turns up. They haven't seen Shelley for years, and their retreat becomes a reunion – and pretty soon, a riot. But a lot has changed since they were last together and, cut off from the mainland, tensions rise with the tide. As the sky darkens, the island grows restless with echoes of the past. Will the four still be friends when dawn breaks? Following the smash hits Ladies' Day and Ladies Down Under, Amanda Whittington's Ladies Unleashed is the third play in her Ladies Trilogy. A moving comedy about friendship, growing older and living for today, it was first performed at Hull Truck Theatre in September 2022, directed by Mark Babych. The Ladies are back, and amateur theatre companies – as well as their audiences – are sure to delight in their riotous exploits.Trade Review'A joyous comedy... a story that serves every character with humanity... Whittington has created people who are rich with history and bursting with humour and passion. They're complex, multi-layered, and recognisable... glorious' * The Stage *'A comedy-drama tinged with poignancy... Amanda Whittington's perceptive writing makes it easy for the audience to relate to and grow fond of the characters' * Yorkshire Times *'A strong voice, deeply rooted in the community... a fab sense of humour... clever and funny dialogue, paired with some heart-wrenching scenes exploring womanhood and friendship... Ladies Unleashed has something for everyone' * Hull Is This *

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Book Synopsis'We should've seen this coming. We did. We did see this coming. The world will not be kind to us because we haven't given it a reason to be.' On his fifteenth birthday, Noble transforms into a bird. Thousands of miles away, his sister Cleo is stationed on a remote island with the British Antarctic Survey. But the birds have disappeared and Noble needs to reach her. Lying low until it's safe to take flight, he finds solace in misfit Ellis, while his mum desperately tries to stop their home from falling apart. The world turns. Dark clouds gather. Chaos is on the horizon... Billie Collins's play Too Much World at Once is an urgent coming-of-age story for our times – and a lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives. It was premiered at HOME, Manchester, in March 2023 by Box of Tricks Theatre before a UK tour.Trade Review'A timely, richly theatrical piece that straddles the intimate and the epic with ease... an impressive debut... heartbreakingly believable, with a welcome mix of light and shade to the story' * The Stage *'Challenging but rewarding... A coming-of-age play with a difference... a full-on environmental call to arms... a remarkable achievement' * Reviews Hub *'Quirky yet beautiful... an unusual take on a coming-of-age story that is wonderfully told with a beautiful simplicity' * West End Best Friend *

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Book Synopsis'No one. No dark knight in shinin armour. Not even someone I'd let fiddle with me on a regular basis. Went through all my twenties thinkin don't worry he'll come. Well, I'm almost forty now, and he still hasn't, has he?' David is in love with King. But King is a superhero. After an unexpected encounter, David plunges himself into a world of sex, drugs and hero worship in the hope of being rescued, until fantasy and reality merge with devastating consequences. Danny Lee Wynter's play BLACK SUPERHERO is a brutal, unflinching, funny portrait of one man's life spiralling out of control, in an age where our idols are Kings and our superheroes Gods. It was premiered at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, London, in March 2023, directed by Daniel Evans and with a cast including Dyllón Burnside and the playwright Danny Lee Wynter.Trade Review'Audacious and inventive... full of punchy dialogue and quippy one-liners... Wynter's voice is an exciting one, and BLACK SUPERHERO a unique exploration of blackness, queerness, and mental health' * Evening Standard *'Wickedly funny and provocatively entertaining... some genuinely outrageous one-liners that bring the house down' * Time Out *'Alive and edgy, with plenty of kapow... slowly reveals its emotional powers... a seductive debut' * Guardian *'An incredibly witty play packed full of popular culture references and some crowd-pleasing theatrical sideswipes' * Reviews Hub *'Superb... wildly funny but also dark and deeply thought provoking... playfully and innovatively explores themes that other playwrights shy away from... a funny, sexy, and vital piece of theatre. A powerful debut from a very talented writer' * Theatre Weekly *'A witty debut... a talent to watch' * Telegraph *'Gripping and very funny... a first play that comes from the heart' * British Theatre Guide *'A funny and unflinching exploration of Black masculinity... radical and exciting... Danny Lee Wynter's ambitious play is witty and biting, with intense stand-out moments that force its audience to pay attention' * Independent *'A sexy show… Danny Lee Wynter proves himself a natural-born playwright' * Metro *'Sharp, witty and unflinching... A funny, sexy, and ultimately poignant portrait of fragility in love' * West End Best Friend *'Sexy, brimming with talent... It bristles with ideas and emotion' * Observer *

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Book SynopsisDavid is gay, disabled and profoundly horny. He can't eat, drink or shower by himself – or wank. Totally inexperienced, he embarks on a sexual and romantic odyssey, armed with a fierce brain, and dick pics that he has to get someone to take. Can he keep it casual whilst also relying on round-the-clock care? And will he manage the thrill and uncertainty of random hook-ups after a lifetime of knockbacks? Animal is a hilarious, challenging and heartbreaking play by Jon Bradfield, from a story by Bradfield and Josh Hepple. It won the inaugural Through the Mill Playwriting Prize, was shortlisted for the Papatango Prize, and was first performed at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, and Park Theatre, London, in 2023.Trade Review'What a joy to discover a play that is so bold, so outspoken and so thoroughly unpredictable... Angry and mischievous, droll and unforgettably poignant. Deserves to be seen on a bigger stage as soon as possible' * The Times *'Hard-hitting but wildly entertaining comedy. It's marvellous to find something that deals with so many Big and Important themes in such a breezy, confident way' * Time Out *'A bold and brilliant new queer comedy. Absolutely hilarious. Will resonate with anyone who's experienced the world of modern dating' * Gay Times *'An exceptional piece of theatre... uniquely brilliant in its sensitive foregrounding of a disabled protagonist... searingly insightful, soulfully intimate and utterly hilarious' * The Upcoming *'Hilarious and extremely entertaining... David is a complex and flawed character, and his sarcastic quips and rude sense of humour are always a hit... a gem' * Reviews Hub *'An excellent piece of socially engaged theatre that educates and entertains in equal measure... brutal honesty delivered with raw empathy... Animal is, simply put, a great play' * Broadway World *'Unmissable... a whirlwind of an adventure, combining both intense emotional heartache and literal laugh out loud moments... an exceptional piece of work that hits all the right spots' * Everything Theatre *'Insightful, funny and quietly heartbreaking' * WhatsOnStage *'A wonderful experience... a barrier breaking, provocative exposé on sexual equality, full of humour, grit and filth... refreshing, necessary and compelling' * The Theatre Talk *'A hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedy, which at the same time punches you straight in the gut... eye opening, heart-warming and deliciously funny... a wonderfully written, clever, witty stage play' * North West End *'Bold, brave and brilliant... a truly vital piece of theatre that everyone should see' * Frankly My Dear *'Hilarious and heart-breaking... It is truly refreshing to see a fleshed-out disabled main character who is allowed to be complex and flawed and human... captivating' * I Love Manchester *

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Book SynopsisSophie is about to become a single mum – a third-generation one – and she's terrified. How will she afford to feed her baby? Or a Deluxe Snuggle Pod? Can she hold on to her job? What if she's crap at parenthood? Surely she can count on her own mum and nan to help... Except her mum's got used to having a life of her own, and doesn't fancy giving up pole-dancing class and Tinder to go back to changing nappies and no sleep. Meanwhile, fresh out of hospital with a broken leg, her nan's having a three-quarter-life crisis of her own. From slammed doors to living-room karaoke, Lydia Marchant's play Mumsy is a sparky, soulful comedy drama about the highs and lows of motherhood. It premiered at Hull Truck Theatre in March 2023. Trade Review'A brilliant bittersweet comedy with plenty of ribald humour... Without sermonising, Marchant demonstrates the impact of a decade of Tory austerity amid a cost of living crisis... It's a skill to write across generations like this... Marchant's play is a bundle of joy' * Guardian *'A striking debut... beautifully balanced between comedy and tragedy... a tender exploration of the power of connection and perseverance' * The Stage *'Raw, real and utterly Northern... as homely and refreshing as a mug of Yorkshire Tea' * Reviews Hub *'Masterful... whip-crack funny... a play with a huge heart... a brilliant piece of theatre' * Hull Is This *

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Book Synopsis'Maybe it's in the air. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the pace of life. Maybe it's breathing in that black soot everyday on the tube. Maybe it's commuting. Maybe it's the cultural consciousness. Maybe it's being a millennial. Maybe it's the climate crisis. Maybe it's the patriarchy.' When 'intimidating' Rachel and eternal 'nice guy' Nick meet at an awkward work Christmas party, what was meant to be a one-night-stand becomes a sexual odyssey of self-discovery… and mutual destruction. Adrift, isolated and insecure, they scramble for new ways to connect. Can some playful, passionate pegging provide a pathway through the pitfalls of modern relationships and present the possibility of a deeper bond? A penetrating comedy about the search for sexual knowledge, true love and top-notch Tupperware, Lisa Carroll's play The Misandrist was first produced by Metal Rabbit Productions at the Arcola Theatre, London, in May 2023. Trade Review'A witty dramedy that explores the contemporary search for intimacy... portrays male vulnerability exceptionally well... The writing is delightfully caustic and acerbic... precise, political, unforgiving... unceasingly entertaining' * Broadway World *'Funny and frank... revelling in its exuberance and the celebration of sexuality... there's a great energy to the show and it offers plenty of saucy humour' * Reviews Hub *'A no-holds-barred insight into contemporary relationships, laced with sharp lines and dark humour... a zeitgeisty play that shows great promise, and confirms Carroll as a writer to watch' * WhatsOnStage *'Powerful with some very funny lines... has attitude to spare' * Time Out *'A smart, passionate and deeply knotty relationship dramedy... alive with warmth and wit... refreshingly transgressive... the writing has a real jagged edge... lays bare the many complications of modern life' * Lost in Theatreland *

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Book Synopsis'A woman. On the line in Gallery Two of all places. I never thought I'd see the day. This is progress, my dear.' It's 1874, and Elizabeth Thompson stuns the artistic establishment with her painting The Roll Call. Five years later, she falls two votes short of becoming the first woman elected to the Royal Academy. In between, she shoulders the hopes and dreams of female artists across the country, while fighting for her place at a table full of top hats, neckties and mutton chop beards. A thrilling collision of music hall, cabaret and drag king swagger, Modest tells the true story of a pioneering megastar of the Victorian art scene. Written by Ellen Brammar and with music by Rachel Barnes, it was first produced in 2023 by Middle Child in collaboration with Milk Presents at Hull Truck Theatre before touring.Trade Review'A rollicking piece of gig theatre... a show that bubbles over with charisma... it has a fabulous drag king aesthetic and fringe energy, throwing in plenty of raunchiness, satire and poppy interludes... Brammar's script shines in its humour... it never fails to amuse' * Guardian *'Exceptional... a potent mix of drag, searing comedy, indignant fury and tenderness... a raucous cabaret [that] is a forensic evisceration of staid "respectability"' * The Stage *'A quick-witted, bawdy, diamond in the rough' * Time Out *'Fast-paced and funny... a story that deserves to be told' * British Theatre Guide *'A play that delivers punch after punch... hugely pleasurable watch' * WhatsOnStage *'Energetic and empowering' * Theatre Weekly *'A remarkable true story that is just as relevant today... there are brilliant quips relating to women's rights, which make for an entertaining performance' * Drama & Theatre Magazine *

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Book Synopsis'Hope? Hope, is that you?' Years and years ago, Hope disappeared. Now, she's back. To find something she left behind. But in the People's Republic of Koka Kola – a world of dwindling resources, corruption and corporate giants – what happens to Hope? A surreal and frenetic quest through a hyper-capitalist country, Tom Fowler's play Hope has a Happy Meal premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in June 2023, directed by Lucy Morrison, in a co-production with SISTER.Trade Review'A theatrical spectacle... Fowler's writing zips off the page' * WhatsOnStage *'A poignant, offbeat satire that unfolds with the daft, disjointed logic of a dream, full of sudden, unlikely plot twists and surreal asides' * The Stage *'Tom Fowler is a writer with a knack for comedy... Hope Has a Happy Meal is part Thelma and Louise, part reverse-Wizard of Oz, balancing wit and nightmares' * Guardian *'A surreal pleasure... Fowler's writing has an instantly appealing brightness and energy... a humorously lurid vision, with powerfully articulated emotions' * Arts Desk *'A surreal, engrossing satire on a world where big brands own everything... Fowler's playfully dark humour hits the spot' * Time Out *'Funny, exciting and well-written' * Reviews Hub *'Sparks with peppery wit, with an unapologetically sui generis sense of surreal black humour and plenty of humanity' * Broadway World *

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Book Synopsis'What if I look down at my baby and I don't know who they are? Just some… entity. Alien to me. Staring back. A nothing. Or worse, look down and all I see is Ed Sheeran.' Two couples each invite a stranger into their homes in the hope of sparking new life. Instead, they find themselves threatened by invasion, alienation and abduction… Louis Emmitt-Stern's uncanny and razor-sharp sci-fi comedy-drama I Fucked You in My Spaceship received a sold-out premiere at VAULT Festival 2023, winning the Origins Award for Outstanding New Work. It subsequently transferred to Soho Theatre, London.Trade Review'Louis Emmitt-Stern is a rising star playwright' * Time Out *'Humour and heartbreak in a play about relationships that cleverly riffs on themes of invasion and abduction... commendably fresh and candid' * Lost in Theatreland *'Wickedly funny... an initially far-fetched premise that becomes less ridiculous as it progresses... an absolute triumph' * All That Dazzles *

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Book Synopsis'We can be strong. We can be loud. We can be brutal. And if it makes people uncomfortable? Good.' Five wildly different women gather in the muddy fields of the Highland Games circuit to compete in the obscure art of Backhold Wrestling. Can bold beginners Imogen, Chantelle, Jo, Pamela and Helen transform themselves into a team and win the championship? Or will their differences sabotage them, and send them face-planting into the mud? The pearls are off, influencer videos posted and 'Gucci' bags from the Barras Market set aside. This is it. Hold on tight. A poignant, dynamic exploration of belonging and identity, Nat McCleary's play Thrown opened in 2023 at Victoria Hall, Dunblane, directed by Johnny McKnight, before embarking on a Scottish tour which culminated in a run at the Traverse Theatre, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.Trade Review'A brave and vivid Scottish play that tackles the fraught politics of identity through the prism of wrestling... the powerful story of five women struggling to understand and support one another in a divisive world... fast, smart and funny' * Scotsman *'A heart and soul depiction of five women of today holding on for dear life' * The Herald *'A stunning, gripping play about the complexities of identity and place – has the audience hooked from the start' * Time Out *'Punchy and perceptive... McCleary's play has a huge heart' * The Stage *'Funny and touching... Each character is well-fleshed out and complex... It's surprisingly emotional and manages to cover a lot of story in a short space of time' * Broadway World *'Enormous fun... full of lively, energetic dialogue ... grappling with the complications of race, nationality, and identity in a modern Scotland... McCleary is good at humour, and she also has a sharp ability to tackle issues head on... effortlessly telling' * WhatsOnStage *'A funny and engaging play that grips you in a wrestler’s hold and never lets go' * Broadway Baby *'Wonderful... marvellously spirited... a nuanced picture of contemporary Scottish society... a must-see' * The Skinny *'Funny and scary and provocative, with an elegant and thoughtful script' * British Theatre Guide *

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Book Synopsis'If you not give elephant proper burial he'll haunt you forever.' They call him Mlima, the mountain – a magnificent elephant slaughtered by poachers for his tusks. Beginning in a game park in Kenya, we follow the trajectory of the tusks through the international ivory-trade market, while Mlima's spirit is close behind, marking all those complicit in his barbaric death. Lynn Nottage's play Mlima's Tale is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, rage-inducing portrait of humankind's capacity for corruption and greed, and our continued destruction of the natural world. It was first produced at The Public Theater, New York City, in 2018, and received its British premiere at Kiln Theatre, London, in 2023, directed by Miranda Cromwell.Trade Review'A beautiful, endlessly echoing portrait of a murder and its afterlife. Ms. Nottage shaped this story with such theatrical inventiveness and discipline that it never feels sensational… A finely wrought fusion of elements' -- Ben Brantley * New York Times *'Mlima's Tale, a haunting drama about avarice and ivory, offers a dramatic reminder that the majestic beasts endure things no living creature would want to recall… This lacerating and lyrical play leaves a mark' * New York Daily News *'Tightly crafted… Mlima's Tale is dedicated to excavating the gnarly human details behind the assault on one of the planet's most endangered animals' * Vulture *'An enthralling piece of theater that tells a fascinating story in a daringly original way… Riveting' * Wall Street Journal *'Clear, uncluttered, and hard-hitting… A play of rare beauty, rare understanding, and great moral power' * Hartford Courant *'Haunting and powerful... a play that jolts us awake' * The Times *'A wide-reaching and damning indictment of the ivory trade... Nottage's story encapsulates the complex struggles of conservation and the deep-rooted tentacles of corruption' * Guardian *'A brutal, beautiful experience... magical and deeply moving' * Evening Standard *'A brutal, devastating drama... simple but remarkable' * Telegraph *'A simple, powerful tale about the rape of Africa...exquisite and moving' * Arts Desk *'Punchy... a simple story... one of grace, care and properly deep sadness... Nottage's strength as a writer is that Mlima's silent presence is enough to make you enraged. No words are wasted here – she doesn't need them to be' * Time Out *'Thought-provoking and haunting... the genius of Nottage's script is that it compactly illustrates – without polemical oversimplification nor overcomplication – how competing urges for status, art, power, love, family and survival interconnect to form haunting tragedy again and again across ancient trade routes and alliances... an emotionally and sensorially immersive experience' * LondonTheatre1 *'Hypnotic... mesmerises from beginning to end' * Theatre Weekly *'Powerful and urgent, with a brutal, poetic and eye-opening script' * Broadway World *

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Book SynopsisIt used to be a magnificent opera house, its stage graced by the leading sopranos and tenors of the age. Now the only divas at the Grand Old Opera House Hotel are the ones checking-in, there are fist fights in the lobby, and there's scarcely a romantic hero to be found. When shy Aaron joins the hotel's inharmonious team, he's faced with emotionally volatile guests, apathetic staff and management that doesn't have a clue. Not to mention the rumour of singing ghosts haunting the corridors. But through all the madness, one voice stands out, capturing his ears and his heart – and Aaron must go into battle with the hotel's magical chaos to find out the truth. An uplifting ensemble comedy, Isobel McArthur's The Grand Old Opera House Hotel is a story of art bringing us together in hopeless circumstances, to the tune of some of the most popular opera songs ever written. It premiered at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, during the Festival in August 2023, with Dundee Rep Theatre, directed by Gareth Nicholls. It was the recipient of an Edinburgh Fringe First Award.Trade Review'A gloriously funny one-off... a remarkably inventive, uproariously witty comedy that springs one audacious surprise after another' * The Times *'Brilliant... nothing less than a pure and heartfelt boy-meets-girl romantic comedy, inspired by the rapturous power of great music... the sharpest kind of social criticism and wisecracking satire... a wild and sometimes beautiful farce... an absolute joy' * Scotsman *'Glorious... a gag-filled, head-spinning operatic comedy... an idiosyncratic romp as formally adventurous as it is extravagantly funny' * Guardian *'Exceptional... wildly original... richly comic and clever... an uproarious show with a vein of melancholy... I really loved it' * WhatsOnStage *'Completely unpredictable and wonderfully farcical' * Broadway World *'An ambitious and buoyant love story... a genuine delight' * Fest Mag *'Joyously theatrical, utterly surreal... There are few people in theatre today who are kookier — or more touched by genius — than Isobel McArthur, the hottest thing in Scottish theatre, and possibly the UK' * Daily Mail *'Bravo... a barn-storming production... There are twists and turns, serial misunderstandings, comic interludes (one scene has the woman in front of me howling with laughter) and pauses for McArthur to take potshots at everything from management speak to the prevalence of social media... one of the hits of the Fringe' * The Herald *'Clever and hysterically funny, with McArthur’s signature anarchy and inventiveness' * Reviews Hub *'The funniest show I’ve seen for years... a hit, a palpable hit!' * Edinburgh Music Review *

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Book Synopsis'We'll start with the flea, because that's as good a place as any...' July 1889, London. A flea bites a rat. A rat spooks a horse. A horse kicks a man. As the chain reaction continues, a boy and his mother find themselves swept up in a national scandal that will reshape both their lives – and the country. James Fritz's play The Flea is a retelling of the Cleveland Street Scandal that shook England – from the streets of Bermondsey to the halls of Buckingham Palace – and features a flea, a horse, a detective, a queen, a pimp, a god, and Charlie, the telegraph boy who knelt before the Crown. This anarchic and affecting play was first performed at The Yard Theatre, London, in October 2023, directed by Artistic Director Jay Miller. 'There are few playwrights working in Britain today whose work is as slick and unsettling as James Fritz's' Exeunt 'Fritz's work pairs structural playfulness with emotional intelligence and inky wit... his plays are contained and compassionate, and frequently find reservoirs of humour in places you wouldn't expect' The Stage Trade Review'Gloriously anarchic... a coked-up joyride of a satire which not so much pokes fun at, but hacks and slashes hierarchical English society to shreds... a bona fide blast' * Broadway World *'Exuberant in its ambition... The story provides rich pickings for James Fritz, one the UK's most interesting playwrights' * Guardian *'Wildly imaginative... a gleeful, dressing-up box takedown of the hypocrisies and privileges of the wealthy... a wildly entertaining tale that also lands some serious points about institutional corruption, abuse and impossible choices' * The Stage *'Absurdly funny... a unique piece of satirical Queer Victoriana' * Theatre Weekly *'A rollicking script... rambunctiously good... has an originality and rawness that compels... ambitious, imaginative, and unashamedly unfettered by convention' * WhatsOnStage *'Mischievous, searching, gloriously surreal... Fritz [is] certainly one the most boundary-pushing playwrights of today... a riotous, quirky ride' * Time Out *'A triumph... delivers everything you would expect from a period drama, and a lot of absurd and stylish things that you wouldn't... Sensitively conceived but hilarious, The Flea offers its audience a good laugh and a punch to the stomach' * Reviews Hub *

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Book SynopsisMALAPROP Theatre is an award-winning collective of Irish theatremakers, who seek to challenge, delight and speak to the world we live in (even when imagining different ones). This volume brings together four of their bold, playful and genre-spanning plays, all premiered at the Dublin Fringe Festival between 2017 and 2023. In Everything Not Saved, ex-lovers argue about when they were happiest, police officers rewrite history, and Rasputin dances like no one’s watching. Oh, and also the Queen is there. Before You Say Anything questions how everyone can be safe at the same time. A time-travelling set of interweaving stories exploring injustice, freedom and bravery. Where Sat the Lovers is about codes, hallucinations, Isaac Newton, war crimes, seeing meaning where there's none and vice versa. In an age of misinformation, how do you know if you know the right things? HOTHOUSE tackles climate breakdown with big ideas, a lot of laughs, and some truly grotesque cabaret numbers. Cruise ships, horny/murderous songbirds, fecund/fatalistic rabbits, loving/bruising parents and Minnie Riperton all make an appearance in this play with songs, which asks if things can ever get better. MALAPROP Theatre are Carys D. Coburn, John Gunning, Breffni Holahan, Molly O'Cathain, Maeve O'Mahony, Claire O'Reilly and Carla Rogers. 'MALAPROP have quickly distinguished themselves as one of Ireland's most exciting emerging companies' Ruth McGowan, Director, Dublin Fringe Festival (2018-23) 'A company of real ambition. One which is using theatrical form to grapple with the complexities of a world where the ground is constantly shifting beneath our feet and where what we believe can be recalibrated not just on a daily basis but minute by minute' Lyn Gardner, Stage Door 'Reminiscent of early Caryl Churchill... this is thinking theatre at its best' Irish IndependentTrade Review'[HOTHOUSE is] deadly serious and wildly funny... a sharp, nuanced script that rips along... Malaprop pulls it off with skill, style and substance' * Irish Times *'[Before You Say Anything is] subtle, timely and beautifully paced… riveting' * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis1917: World War One is raging in Europe. In Britain, Sterling Ladies – known as the Dagenham Invincibles – are playing to win. For two whirlwind seasons, they never lose a game. Yet once peace is restored, the factory girls must hang up their boots and see triumph fade into obscurity. 2023: Injured footballer Maya follows England's progress through the Women's World Cup. The world has changed, yet the roar of the Lionesses echoes the Invincibles' war-cry. Watching at home, Maya fears she'll never play again – but as she loses herself in the present, she hears the call of the past and finds fresh hope for the future. Amanda Whittington's play The Invincibles celebrates two generations of inspirational women, and their adventures on the football pitch a century apart. It was premiered at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch in 2023, and offers rich opportunities for other theatre companies looking to score a hit with their audiences.Trade Review'A feisty football drama that lends perspective to the rise of women's football... packed with light and shade... The beauty of Whittington's play is that it allows the human stories to flourish behind the football history lesson' * The Stage *'Heartwarming and skilful... a touching story of sporting brilliance against the odds... eye opening and exciting' * Everything Theatre *'Entertaining and informative, with lots of heart' * British Theatre Guide *

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Book Synopsis'The supernatural is possible and the impossible is natural and life teeters on the edge of the unreal’ Malachi's been looking forward to a fresh start at uni for months. He's settling in, he's got a stack of books to read and he's met someone new – Kojo, a musician with a megawatt smile, who's basically perfect. But something doesn't feel right. He keeps having the same nightmare – sinking, crushed by the weight of the ocean – and it's getting worse… A beast grows in the water, hungry, relentless, hunting him but always just out of sight. As the boundaries between nightmare and reality fracture, Malachi must fight harder than ever to stay afloat. Kwame Owusu's play Dreaming and Drowning is an intimate and visceral deep-dive into the boundless mind of a young Black queer man wrestling with anxiety. It won the Mustapha Matura Award, was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award, and was one of the winning plays in the RSC's 37 Plays competition. It was first performed at the Bush Theatre, London, in November 2023, directed by the playwright, performed by Tienne Simon, and produced by WoLab.Trade Review'Phenomenal... an arresting and songlike monologue... Owusu [is one] of the best, freshest and most agile talents of the year' * Time Out *'Wonderfully life-enhancing... punchy and richly imaginative... delivers a double hit of theatrical dopamine... witty, contemporary and at times compellingly poetic... a fleet, gripping piece of storytelling... a little gem... a must-see for anybody interested in fine new writing' * WhatsOnStage *'A visceral but lyrical look at anxiety and acceptance' * Guardian *'A joyful play that will leave you hopeful... funny, well-paced, and engaging' * LondonTheatre1 *'Pithy, poetic, and viscerally evocative' * Reviews Hub *'One part truthful queer coming-of-age story, one part psychological horror, this engaging monologue takes an appealingly offbeat approach to themes of racism, anxiety and self-discovery... tautly paced and tightly written... laced with warm humour' * The Stage *'A gem... an intense experience... terrific' * Arts Desk *'An exceptionally fine play... a startling portrait of human frailty that radiates authenticity and compassion' * Everything Theatre *'Beautifully crafted... powerfully reinstates the urgency of storytelling in the formation of identity. Poetry, campus life and comedy blend into an emotionally moving concoction, exploring a black, queer student’s experience with great skill' * Theatre Weekly *'Engrossing... a relatable drama with copious laughs along the way... Owusu has a gift for effortlessly blending colloquial and accessible dialogue with the more poetic... This is a multi-layered piece with a great deal condensed into just an hour' * The Upcoming *

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Book SynopsisPoland, 1949. Zula is bold and brilliant, a singer who ignites the stage. Wiktor is withdrawn and damaged, a composer longing to write. Irresistibly drawn to each other, they dream of escape. But in Communist-controlled Poland, the desire for freedom can be a dangerous thing. Based on the film by Academy Award winner Paweł Pawlikowski, Cold War is an epic love story spanning the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided, and a compelling story of passion, redemption, and the journey to be free. This stage adaptation by Conor McPherson was first performed at the Almeida Theatre, London, in November 2023, directed by Rupert Goold, and featuring traditional Polish songs alongside music by Elvis Costello.Trade Review'One of the best plays of 2023... superlatively resonant... a small but mighty piece... simply exquisite' * iNews *'Bewitching... a lush tender play with joy as well as trauma... The script by Conor McPherson stays close to Paweł Pawlikowski's original and finds a truly theatrical, darkly witty character of its own' * The Times *'A triumph' * Telegraph *'An exquisitely sad love story, brilliantly translated to the stage' * Evening Standard *'Beautiful... a swooning adaptation... like a sad, smokey late-night cabaret performance in a faded old bar: there's a glamour to it but it's intimate, warm and nocturnal... it really is a lovely show' * Time Out *'Gloriously melancholic... an almost tangible sense of pain and half-concealed emotion... an unusual and original show, one that haunts you long after you leave the theatre, its essential sadness sweetened by tinges of hope and a deep humanity' * WhatsOnStage *'Compelling and bittersweet... a fine adaptation... a gift of no ordinary kind' * Arts Desk *'Brilliant. I need to see it again' * British Theatre Guide *

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Book Synopsis'Feel the rhythms Of your own heartbeat As I tell you a story My story' A woman, shaken by a broken relationship, finds herself discovering love in the last place – and with the last person – she ever expected. Based on Jade Anouka's own experience, and told through poetry, HEART is a raw and honest exploration of love, loss and self-discovery, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of human connection. It was first performed by Anouka herself, as an Audible Original audio play, before being presented on stage at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and Brixton House in London. This edition of the play also includes a selection of the author's poems.Trade Review'A clear-sighted show delivered in the flush of love' * Guardian *'Extra special... There's something for everyone in this hour-long play, and it's well worth taking the time out to make this connection' * Broadway World *'A refreshingly bouncy show that brims with swagger… a dynamic debut' * The Stage *'Poignant... braided with sincerity and heartache... electrifyingly raw' * Time Out *'Powerful, beautiful and full of hope' * Theatre Mania *'I couldn't help feeling envious of her way with words – it has to be seen and heard to be believed' * LondonTheatre1 *'Heart-wrenching... striking and richly felt... Bold, insightful, and unafraid to be afraid, Jade Anouka and HEART are the real deal' * All That Dazzles *'Generous and hopeful... Falling in love is the oldest story in the book, although it feels new and alive when Anouka tells it' * Reviews Hub *'Lyrical, punchy and powerful storytelling masterpiece' * Creative Reviews UK *'[Anouka's] narrative resonates like a modern fairy tale' * North West End *'The real joy of HEART is the words, and these – part iambic pentameter, part rap – have been masterfully crafted and presented by Anouka' * INTO More (New York) *

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Book SynopsisA chillingly Kafkaesque world where nothing is quite as it seems, and where office politics can lead to unlawful questioning, torture and even murder… Afra has decided to make a complaint. She is certain that her grievance is legitimate: she is perfectly clear about her rights. And she has no intention of giving up until she has some satisfaction. Nick Whitby's play The Complaint was first performed at Hampstead Theatre, London, in May 2012.Trade Review'Some great lines, surprising twists and turns... packs a punch' * The Guardian blog (reader reviews) *'Scarily plausible… a thought-provoking ninety minutes of witty drama' * Monkey Matters Theatre Reviews *

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Book SynopsisThe mayfly hatches in the morning, mates in the afternoon, dies at night: a lot can happen in a day. A family searches for new beginnings: Ben thinks they might be better off without him, but his wife Cat has read her stars: `Today a very special person will appear from out the blue’. Their daughter Loops is getting ready for a date. It’s her first one, and she has everything crossed. People think that cos you’re from a small village, everyone will know you. But we can still go missing. Even out here. An ethereal family drama, Joe White’s debut play Mayfly explores rebirth in the aftermath of tragedyTrade Review'This debut play crackles with unforced humour… White has the assurance of an Ayckbourn in saddling apparently 'ordinary' people with big problems and emotions, thus proving how far from ordinary they are, and he juggles tone and pacing like a veteran… a seriously promising start' * The Times *'A triumph… a delicate and tender examination of rural isolation and familial grief' * Evening Standard *'A show tinged with loss and a longing for past glories… for all the simmering emotion, however, it's not a maudlin piece; there's a surprising amount of laughs and Joe White's script delicately moves conversation from touching moment to humorous awkward exchange, each scene crafted to move the action of the day forward in a quirky but believable way' * British Theatre Guide *'A heartbreakingly funny debut… this is a tender and wise play suffused with grief and absence that scratches at the fragility of our existence and asks how we keep alive our memories of those we have lost. It's a play about people consumed by misery yet it is unexpectedly funny and – like its dented, broken characters – always likable' * Guardian *'Illuminates the darkness and longing of the loss of a loved one... it's also brilliantly funny. Even in the play's darkest moments, there are laugh-out-loud lines' * WhatsOnStage *'White has an ability to switch between sharp wit and pathos in a heartbeat... an impressive debut from a very promising writer' * Broadway World *'An affecting debut play... White has a great ear for the sharp and sometimes spiteful edges of grief' * Time Out *'A special play... there is an honesty to White's writing, and a willingness to put his heart on the line' * Exeunt Magazine *

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Book SynopsisSimone and Sam will do anything to get their daughter into the local Church of England school. Juliet and Nick agree to show them the ropes. The bonds of family, faith and friendship are stretched to breaking-point as four forty-somethings wrestle for school places. Alexis Zegerman's acerbic new comedy Holy Sh!t is the opening production at London's newly refurbished Kiln Theatre (formerly the Tricycle Theatre).Trade Review'Has bags of energy and attack… Zegerman has a sharp eye for middle-class hypocrisy' * Guardian *'Well-crafted… an angry play for an angry age' * The Times *'This astringent comedy is provocatively topical' * Independent *'The jokes exude a powerful tang of truth, and there are moments of deep emotion that bring tears to your eyes… what turns this light comedy of manners into something darker, more emotive and more interesting, is Zegerman’s willingness to explore not only belief, but also prejudice' * The Arts Desk *'Extremely funny' * Time Out *

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Book Synopsis‘I’ll tell you what I really want. I want to jump clean out of my brain.’ Essie's lost her job. Her girlfriend's left. But she's alright. Except lately she feels more like a chair than a person. One of those folding chairs. Solid one minute. And then. Margaret Perry's play Collapsible is a funny, furious monologue about holding on in this collapsing world. It was premiered at the 2019 VAULT Festival, London, where it won the Origins Award for Outstanding New Work. It transferred to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2019 (winning the Fishamble New Writing Award), and the Bush Theatre, London, in 2020, in a co-production between Ellie Keel Productions and HighTide.Trade Review'Unequivocally an outstanding piece of theatre. It cuts through stereotypical representations of those suffering with poor mental health, hitting on the raw, painful truth' * A Younger Theatre *'Perry's writing is sharp... a modern Beckettian cry for help' * Guardian *'Luminescent and often startling... Perry writes with clarity and insight about mental unravelling and she achieves a wonderful balancing act' * The Stage *

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Book Synopsis‘Iago only suspected it. I know.’ Celebrated actor, singer and political campaigner Paul Robeson is touring the United States of America as Othello. His Desdemona is the brilliant young actress Uta Hagen. Her husband, the Broadway star José Ferrer, plays Iago. The actors are all friends, but they are not all equals. As the tour progresses, onstage passions and offstage lives begin to blur. Revenge takes many forms and in post-war America it isn't always purely personal – it can be disturbingly political too. Based on true events, Nicholas Wright's play 8 Hotels was first staged at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, in 2019, in a production directed by Richard Eyre.Trade Review'Packed with intense passions... intelligent entertainment' * Broadway World *'Elegantly provocative, alive with wiry delicacy' * Independent *'Compelling' * WhatsOnStage *'A fascinating slice of American theatrical and political history, which Wright has richly mined for its interconnections... ingenious' * Exeunt Magazine *'Explores with great subtlety the complexities of an infernal triangle' * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThis anthology, the fifth from Nick Hern Books, comprises five of the best plays from VAULT Festival 2020, London's biggest and most exciting arts festival. Something Awful by Tatty Hennessy is a thrilling play inspired by the true-crime story of the Slenderman. Soph and her best friend Jel love scary stories and hunt for the best online. But then new girl Ellie turns up at school with one of her own. Second Home by Charlotte Chimuanya explores the experiences of growing up mixed-race in twenty-first century Ireland. Naomi is trying to mend her broken heart. But will tackling grief and racism in a place she calls home prove to be the final betrayal? Madame Ovary by Rosa Hesmondhalgh tells the heartbreaking and hilarious true story of Rosa's own ovarian cancer. This five-star sell-out Edinburgh hit is a life-affirming monologue exploring the typical struggles of staying relevant, with the less typical struggles of staying alive. Take Care by Zoë Templeman-Young and Sam McLaughlin follows the real-life story of Pam, a woman struggling to move her mother into a care home that's closer to her. An award-winning Edinburgh smash, it is an astonishing, tragic and uplifting verbatim play about the care system in the UK today. Heroes by Isabel Dixon is a poignant exploration of fallen idols, family secrets and the human price of forgiveness. Set across two timelines, it is the tense and sensitive story of a family torn apart by an unforgiveable act.

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Book SynopsisThe astonishing women involved in the Actresses Franchise League set up their own theatre companies and engaged with the battle for the vote by writing and performing campaigning plays all over the country. They launched themselves onto the political stage with their satirical plays, sketches and monologues whilst at the same time challenging the staid conventions of the Edwardian Theatre of the day. The legacy of their inspiring work to change both theatre and society has survived in the political theatre, agitprop and verbatim theatre we know today. Introduced and set in an historical context by Dr Susan Croft together with a chronology of suffrage drama.Trade Review"This book is brilliant - it has some better known Suffrage Plays and some lesser known gems as well as a list of all the Suffrage plays performed and lots of extra info. It's an extraordinary resource. Total gem. The author wears her scholarship lightly and it is easy to read - however the amount of information is fantastic and very detailed. There is so much to this book and it is an essential and much needed addition to the books available on Suffrage theatre. "- NP Amazon ***** 5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to the collections of Suffragette plays 2 Sept. 2016 By Angus Hepburn - Published on Amazon.com Format: Paperback Verified Purchase "An excellent collection with lots of background information and references. Some duplications with other collections, but the pieces exclusive to this collection and the extremely informative author and historical background pieces make this well worth while."Table of ContentsIntroduction 7 Votes for Women (1907) 21 A Change of Tenant (1908) 107 At the Gates (1909) 121 How the Vote was Won (1909) 141 The Apple (1911) 167 In the Workhouse (1911) 193 Jim’s Leg (1913) 209 Chronology 216 Bibliography 239 Universal Suffrage dates 245 Useful links 255

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Book SynopsisOriginal by Arthur Ransome Adapted by Nick Wood Father is away and mother brings Roger, John, Susan and Titty to stay at Pin Mill where they can spend the summer messing about in boats. Their adventure begins when they go out with Jim on his boat Goblin. But disaster strikes when the boat is becalmed and Jim goes ashore to fetch petrol. Fog descends over the Harwich estuary and, as the tide turns, the boat begins to drift away ...Trade Review“There is a nice sense of period about these kids coping on their own under extraordinary, but quite believable circumstances, lisle pullovers and plimsolls at the ready but the human anguish between them is universal and timeless, although there are lots of laughs on the way, too. Highly recommended.” The Stage

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