STEPHEN JEFFREYS was an acclaimed playwright and a hugely respected mentor to an entire generation of playwrights who emerged through the Royal Court Theatre while he was Literary Associate there. Amongst them SIMON STEPHENS, who spoke at an event at the Royal Court last weekend to celebrate Stephen's life and work. Here, in a longer … Continue reading ‘Generosity of the ferocious kind’: Simon Stephens on the late Stephen Jeffreys and his contribution to playwriting
Plays
Steve Waters on putting Idi Amin on the stage
Playwright Steve Waters has adapted Giles Foden's acclaimed novel about Idi Amin, The Last King of Scotland, for the stage, now premiering at Sheffield Theatres. Here, he reflects on the process of adapting the novel, and reveals that it wasn't until he went to Uganda himself that he realised the true extent of Amin's legacy, … Continue reading Steve Waters on putting Idi Amin on the stage
In Memoriam Peter Nichols
Playwright Peter Nichols, whose plays include A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, The National Health and Privates on Parade, died on 7 September at the age of 92. Here, in an extract from his published Diaries, he describes meeting Laurence Olivier in January 1969 to discuss the National Theatre's forthcoming production of his … Continue reading In Memoriam Peter Nichols
The ordinary made extraordinary: Robert Holman on writing plays
Robert Holman is the playwright most admired by other playwrights. Championed by writers such as Simon Stephens and David Eldridge, his plays – including Making Noise Quietly, Jonah and Otto and A Breakfast of Eels – combine close observation of the way people behave with a thrilling and often fiercely uncompromising mastery of dramatic form. … Continue reading The ordinary made extraordinary: Robert Holman on writing plays
Feeling confused about sex: The Wardrobe Ensemble on their play 1972: The Future of Sex
Bristol-based theatre collective The Wardrobe Ensemble have been winning plaudits and delighting audiences across the UK with their brand of theatrical ingenuity and irreverent humour. As their acclaimed show 1972: The Future of Sex is published alongside its revival at the Bristol Old Vic this month, ensemble member Tom Brennan explains how the show was … Continue reading Feeling confused about sex: The Wardrobe Ensemble on their play 1972: The Future of Sex
‘As a playwright, you must have something that you want to say’: Stephen Jeffreys on the craft of playwriting
In addition to his success as a highly respected writer and teacher, Stephen Jeffreys also spent many years working on a guide to the craft of playwriting, to share his wisdom and experience. That book, Playwriting, is out now, published posthumously following Stephen's sad and untimely death in September 2018. Here, in an extract from Playwriting, … Continue reading ‘As a playwright, you must have something that you want to say’: Stephen Jeffreys on the craft of playwriting
Big new plays for great big casts: the exciting new Multiplay Drama series
As Nick Hern Books launches its new Multiplay Drama series – a great range of plays with large casts that are perfect for older teenagers and young adults to perform – series editor John O’Donovan explains why it's a boon for any group looking for an ambitious play to perform with roles for all the … Continue reading Big new plays for great big casts: the exciting new Multiplay Drama series
‘A burning obsession with horror’: Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson on their play Ghost Stories
As Ghost Stories returns to terrify London audiences, and appears in print for the first time, its creators Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson explain how they came up with idea, and the inspirations they drew on. Ghost Stories is a dream come true. We met in 1981 at a Jewish summer camp called, appropriately enough, … Continue reading ‘A burning obsession with horror’: Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson on their play Ghost Stories
Vaulting ambition: the best new plays from VAULT Festival 2019
VAULT Festival, London's biggest arts and entertainment festival, is now underway in the Vaults in Waterloo, where it runs until 17 March. With over 400 shows from more than 2,000 artists, featuring the best new writing in theatre and comedy, cabaret, immersive experiences, late night parties and more, there's something for everyone. And to celebrate … Continue reading Vaulting ambition: the best new plays from VAULT Festival 2019
Top 10 Most-Performed Plays of 2018
2018 saw the thirtieth anniversary of Nick Hern Books – and it was certainly a year to remember, with more plays published than in any previous year in the company's history, a shelf-load of awards, and the inaugural Amateur Theatre Fest in September. Plus, we licensed many brilliant productions of Nick Hern Books' plays to … Continue reading Top 10 Most-Performed Plays of 2018
The Prompt Book 