Drama

A dark comedy that lays bare the rules for living in a traditional family setting. When an extended family gathers for Christmas, their long-held coping strategies come to the fore, leading to a series of confrontations and deconstructions. As the day...

The Beggar's Opera by John Gay is a theatrical sensation that turned conventions upside-down in 18th-century London. By using traditional popular ballads and street tunes, Gay created a riotous and original depiction of thieves, informers, prostitutes,...

Shooting Hedda Gabler by Nina Segal is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, exploring the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the world of film. When an American actress takes on the lead role in a Norwegian production, she seeks to...

This Restless House: A Trilogy of Plays Based Around the Oresteia by Zinnie HarrisA reworking of Aeschylus' ancient drama, this four-hour epic explores ambition and power through the eyes of women. The cycle of revenge and counter-revenge begins with...

The Colour of Justice by Richard Norton-Taylor is a dramatized reconstruction of the events surrounding the murder inquiry into Stephen Lawrence's death. This thought-provoking work examines the complexities and challenges faced during that investigation...

A day of change is upon them. For Ted, Danny and Charlotte, it's time to seize control and make a difference. This is their story, set against the vibrant backdrop of South London's parks, raves and cafes. Kate Tempest's rapid-fire words paint a picture...

A comprehensive collection of eight classical tragedies in authoritative modern translations, accompanied by critical essays. This anthology features works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca, including "The Oresteia", "Prometheus Bound",...

Othello is a tragedy of remarkable psychological power, where innocence is corrupted and goodness and happiness are wantonly destroyed. A soldier of great standing and newly married man, Othello seems to be in an enviable position, but when his supposed...

Class Action is an evening of twenty-five short scenes and monologues, commissioned by the Tony Award-winning American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.This play has won critical acclaim for its entertaining yet relevant portrayal of life at a high...

The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare offers a complex and engaging exploration of human emotions. Edited, introduced and annotated by Cedric Watts, this revised edition presents a richly textured drama that balances tragic and violent events with...

Twelve Night, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest are reimagined in a fresh way. Malvolio, Cinna, Peaseblossom, Banquo, and Caliban tell their stories, each in a solo-show written for younger audiences by acclaimed...

Arnold Ridley's 1925 comedy-thriller, The Ghost Train, has remained a staple in theatre companies for its enduring blend of suspense and dark humour. Stranded passengers at an isolated Cornish railway station are initially dismissive of the ghostly...

Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes by Tony Kushner. In 1980s New York, life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell collide. Against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and a conservative administration, two men navigate their lives with...

Richard II is an accessible edition of Shakespeare's play, designed for students with explanatory illustrations and notes to support understanding.This popular text includes preliminary notes, reading lists, and classroom notes, making it an ideal choice...

Writing for Nothing brings together texts written by Martin Crimp over the last thirty years. This collection includes short plays and operatic works, such as his modern masterpiece Written on Skin, alongside two stories that showcase Crimp's versatility...

Christopher Durang Explains It All for You Six Plays is a collection of dark comedies that cut through prejudice and hypocrisy with lightning bolts of truth and humor. This powerful exploration of everyday life has been making audiences laugh...

Hobson's Choice is a comedy play about the battle of wills between a hard-headed cobbler and his defiant daughter. This durable classroom edition features a large cast with an equal mix of boy and girl parts.Written by Harold Brighouse, this play...

A powerful and poignant story of two families forced together by history. Returning to Haifa is a moving exploration of home, identity, and the complexities of parenthood. In 1948, Palestinian couple Said and Safiyya fled their home during the Nakba, but...

Mudlarks is a powerful and poignant play about three young men trapped at the wrong end of the river. On the muddy banks of the Thames, they hide from the police after a night of recklessness, their fears, secrets, and dreams slowly emerging as the...

The Enron Play by Lucy Prebble A theatrical epic that charts the notorious rise and fall of one of the most infamous scandals in financial history. This play, mixing classical tragedy with savage comedy, explores the tumultuous 1990s and sheds new light...

Set in 2001, Ten Tiny Fingers, Nine Tiny Toes is a thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of class and identity. In this world, the class system is strictly numbered from one to five, with only those of the highest classes allowed to breed...

A Christmas Carol is a holiday comedy that brings Charles Dickens' classic to life in a ridiculous yet surprisingly faithful rendition. Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of his past, present and future, forcing him to confront his own mortality...

The Complete Plays of Anton Chekhov presents the definitive collection of the Russian playwright's repertoire. This comprehensive volume features a stunning new translation of his works, including previously unseen material such as the farce The Power of...

Dario Fo's Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a sharp satire on political corruption that wrings wild laughter from insidious corruption. A witty and timely attack on government cover-up, manipulation, and mendacity, this play concerns the case of an...

Hedda Gabler is a play by Henrik Ibsen, first performed in 1891. It is considered one of the great dramatic roles in theatre and remains a significant work of realism.The story revolves around Hedda, the title character, who is portrayed as a complex and...

Aristophanes' Lysistrata offers a unique reading experience with its dual language format. The Greek text is presented alongside a parallel verse translation by Ian Johnston, allowing readers to easily switch between the two languages. This edition of...

The Wesker Trilogy: A Monument to Its Era This first volume of Arnold Wesker's Collected Plays brings together three plays that premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in the 1960s. Set against the backdrop of three wars - the Spanish Civil, the Second...

Vintage Stoppard shines in this thought-provoking play. A.E. Housman's memories are vividly alive as he confronts his younger self from beyond the grave, reflecting on the Oxford of his youth and the passions that drove him to write. With wit and...

Set during the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men is a powerful novel about friendship and the American Dream. Written by John Steinbeck in 1943, it tells the story of two migrant workers who share a dream of owning their own farm.The novella explores...

The Lost Plays of Greek Tragedy (Volume 2) Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides by Matthew Wright offers an authoritative critical guide to the lost plays of three of Greece's most renowned tragedians. This second volume in a major new survey explores the...

Little Light by Alice Birch explores the complexities of human connection and the weight of memories. A poignant new play that probes the fragility of relationships and the struggle to let go. A house by the sea serves as a backdrop for a series of...

Abigail's Party 40th Anniversary Edition by Mike Leigh Forty years after its first performance, Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party remains a landmark of British theatre. This new edition features the original script, accompanied by a new introduction from the...

Ben Jonson's Five Plays presents a comprehensive collection of his most significant works, showcasing the full range and complexity of his art as a playwright. This edition features the modernized version of Herford and Simpson's 1925-52 edition, with...

The Arden Shakespeare Third Series: King Edward III offers a fresh perspective on one of Shakespeare's most enigmatic plays. This revised edition by Richard Proudfoot, General Editor of the Arden Shakespeare, presents a comprehensive account of the...

Terrence McNally's three plays showcase his unique blend of drama, romance, and comedy. Gathered together for the first time, these off-Broadway productions demonstrate the author's remarkable talent and comedic brilliance.The Lisbon Traviata is a...

Apologia by Alexi Kaye Campbell explores the tensions between fame and family. A disastrous family reunion serves as a catalyst for examining the consequences of '60s idealism on its children. The play offers a sharp and perceptive look at the lives of...

A Very Very Dark Matter by Martin McDonagh is a darkly comedic play that delves into the depths of the imagination. Set in a Copenhagen townhouse, the story revolves around a mysterious presence lurking in the attic, hidden from the outside world. The...

Oxford University Press presents a collection of plays by eighteenth-century women dramatists. This volume features works by Mary Pix, Susanna Centlivre, Elizabeth Griffith and Hannah Cowley, offering a rare glimpse into the theatrical contributions of...

The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan is based on a true story of injustice and perseverance. A young naval cadet is wrongly accused of stealing a postal order, and an eminent lawyer takes on his case to clear his name. As the boy faces the full force of...

William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a witty and engaging comedy that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The central relationship between Benedick and Beatrice is at the heart of this play, with their combative banter giving...

A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams is a powerful drama that explores the complex relationships between two women from different social backgrounds. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, this play delves into themes of...

The 47th by Mike Bartlett As America prepares for its presidential election, democracy itself is under threat. In this biting and humorous play, Mike Bartlett offers a scathing look at the underbelly of the US political system. First performed at The Old...

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov is a darkly comic masterpiece that explores the unfulfilled ambitions of those living in isolation. A successful actress's visit to her brother's estate throws the residents' frustrations into sharp relief, as they struggle...

A small asteroid has hit the capital city, displacing thousands and leaving its mark. In a town far away, a young man struggles to find his voice. Rach is determined to help him, but when her family takes in an articulate survivor of the disaster, Vin's...

A darkly comedic exploration of family dynamics and secrets. When the Weston family reunites in Oklahoma after their father's disappearance, they unleash a torrent of repressed truths and unsettling revelations. Tracy Letts's play is a gripping portrayal...

Lawrence After Arabia explores the complexities of a legendary figure, worn down by fame and disillusioned with his own identity. A brilliant archaeologist, scholar, linguist, writer, diplomat, and desert warrior, he struggles to find normality in a life...

Scorched by Wajdi Mouawad is a poignant and powerful exploration of identity, family secrets, and the complexities of human experience. When Nawal's twin children set out to uncover the truth about their origins, they embark on a journey that delves into...

The Zoo Story: A Play by Edward AlbeeA collection of some of Edward Albee's earliest and most acclaimed works, this play showcases his unique voice and style.First performed in 1959, The Zoo Story is a powerful exploration of human connection and...

Troilus and Cressida is a historical and tragic play that explores themes of love, betrayal, hierarchy, honor, morality, and disillusionment. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, the story revolves around the complex relationships between two...

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is a raucous comedy that thrusts four young lovers into a world of magic and fantasy. In this enchanted forest, Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies, dispense magical love potions and cast...

A collection of five classic revenge plays from the Elizabethan era, exploring themes of death, power and justice. This anthology brings together works by William Shakespeare, Thomas Middleton, John Marston, Thomas Kyd and Henry Chettle, offering a...

Steven Levenson's If I Forget is a family play that explores the complexities of relationships and the power of secrets. In the final months before 9/11, three siblings reunite to celebrate their father's 75th birthday, but their differing perspectives...

The Great White Hope A Drama in Three Acts by Howard Sackler is a powerful tragic drama that tells the story of a figure based on the first Black heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Johnson. Written in 1968, this epic play has an immense scope and...

Devising theatre is a fundamental element of the Drama curriculum, but managing the process can be challenging. This practical handbook provides a framework to help you take the stress out of devising and bring out your students' full potential.Joss...

Federico García Lorca's Blood Wedding is a poignant and powerful play that explores the intense emotions and conflicts within a small village community. Set against the backdrop of an arranged marriage, this tragic tale delves into the complexities of...

The Importance of Being Earnest Revised Edition by Oscar Wilde is a quintessential British comic drama that has stood the test of time. This revised edition features a new introduction by Francesca Coppa, which provides valuable context and insights into...

A Woman Killed with Kindness and Other Domestic Plays by Martin Wiggins is a collection of four plays that explore the complexities of everyday life in 16th-century England. These domestic dramas, written in the late 16th century, focus on themes such as...

Aeschylus' plays bring a new grandeur to the drama of classical Athens, elevating it to high art. In Prometheus Bound, the defiant Titan is punished by Zeus for improving the state of humanity's wretchedness and servitude. The Suppliants tells the story...

The National Theatre Connections 2019 anthology brings together ten new plays by some of the UK's most prolific and current writers and artists. This collection also includes notes on each text, exploring performance for schools and youth groups.These...

In 1887, a chance performance sets Nancy's life on a path she never could have imagined. She finds herself drawn to the thrill of the stage and the excitement of Kitty Butler, a young woman who defies convention with her trousers. As Nancy follows Kitty...

William Wycherley's four comedies are renowned for their sharp wit and social commentary. This collection includes Love in a Wood, a lively comedy of intrigue, as well as The Country Wife, a biting satire that tackles hypocrisy and corruption. The plays...

Lope de Vega's "Fuente Ovejuna" is a masterpiece of Spanish drama that has stood the test of time. Based on real events, this play tells the story of a group of villagers who take revenge on their oppressors in 16th-century Spain. Written by one of the...

William Shakespeare's King Henry V offers a nuanced exploration of leadership and war through the eyes of one of history's most iconic figures. This edition features an independent and balanced examination of the play's textual problems, providing new...

The legend of Pygmalion has captivated audiences for centuries. George Bernard Shaw's celebrated play tells the story of a sculptor who creates a statue of such beauty that he falls in love with his own creation, and is brought to life by Aphrodite. Alan...

Graeae Plays 1: New Plays Redefining Disability brings together six innovative plays that challenge and redefine our understanding of disability. This groundbreaking collection is introduced by Dame Jenny Sealey, who has selected the works of April De...

Good is a thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of human nature during one of history's darkest periods. Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, this story delves into the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary individuals caught up in the...

Exploring attitudes towards end-of-year exams, Michael Gow's All Stops Out offers a nuanced portrayal of different perspectives.The author examines how students and parents approach these challenging assessments, revealing varying levels of confidence...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stephens A young boy's life is turned upside-down when he becomes the prime suspect in a mysterious murder. Christopher, an extraordinary individual with exceptional maths skills, sets out to...

Alice in Wonderland by Andrew Biliter In this unique adaptation of Lewis Carroll's story, Alice's journey takes an unexpected turn. As she falls down an elevator shaft, she enters a world where logic is turned upside down and identity becomes fluid. With...

The 39 Steps Abridged brings the thrilling whodunit to life in a condensed yet action-packed format. Based on John Buchan's gripping novel, this stage adaptation was memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935 and played for nine years at the Criterion...

Bright Notes: A Study Guide to A Midsummer Night's Dream by Eve LeoffThis comprehensive study guide offers in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of his most famous and widely performed plays...

Dark and violent, Macbeth is a restless exploration of the human costs of violence and power. This haunting play has endured as a psychologically and supernaturally sinister work, captivating audiences with its theatrical spectacle. The New Oxford...

The Titfield Thunderbolt by Philip Goulding is a heartwarming story about a group of villagers who band together to save their branch railway line. When faced with the prospect of losing their beloved railway, they decide to take matters into their own...

A new play by David Hare explores the complexities of a long-standing friendship and its public repercussions. Pauline Gibson, a doctor and campaign leader, is faced with an agonising decision when she crosses paths with her old boyfriend, Jack Gould,...

Much Ado About Nothing (annotated) by William Shakespeare is a comedic play that explores themes of honor, shame, and court politics. Written in 1598 and 1599, it was included in the First Folio published in 1623. The play's central plot revolves around...

A powerful and joyous new play tells Joan of Arc's story anew. An unexpected leader emerges from nowhere, sparking a revolution with their message of self-discovery and rebellion against expectations. As they find their power within, their belief spreads...

York Notes Advanced offers a fresh and accessible approach to English Literature. This market-leading series has been updated to meet the needs of today's A-level and undergraduate students, introducing sophisticated analysis, critical perspectives, and...

Set in an old-fashioned hospital on the edge of the Pennines, Allelujah! explores the daily struggle to find beds and care for patients facing closure as part of an NHS efficiency drive.A documentary crew follows the hospital's fight for survival, while...

The Price by Arthur Miller is a poignant drama about two brothers who reunite in a moment of reckoning. In this powerful play, Victor and Walter confront the past and its consequences, as they sort through the remnants of their family's lost fortune. As...

The Government Inspector is a hilarious satire of corruption and petty officialdom. When news spreads that an undercover government inspector has arrived in town, the local officials scramble to cover their tracks, leading to a series of events and...

Alan Ayckbourn's Plays Six is a collection of six plays that showcase his unique ability to craft both humorous and poignant portrayals of modern life.The author's genius lies in his ability to write what you might call 'sad comedies,' uproariously funny...

I Think We Are AloneA delicate and uplifting play about fragility, resilience and our need for love and forgiveness, Sally Abbott's I Think We Are Alone explores the complexities of human connection.Commissioned by Frantic Assembly as part of their 25th...

Smalltown is a dynamic comedy that tells unexpected tales of what happens when ordinary people are affected by an extraordinary event. A polluted water supply causes strange occurrences to happen, leading to bizarre situations such as zombies in the...

The House of Shades by Beth Steel A powerful and poignant play that spans five decades in the lives of one family. Set against the backdrop of working-class Britain, this revelatory work explores the impact of death and trauma on those left behind. From...

A collection of 10-minute plays from award-winning playwright Mark W. Sasse is a versatile and engaging resource for theatre enthusiasts. "Theatrical Duets" features a diverse range of socially-aware dramas, poignant tales, and hilarious comedies, all...

Lizaveta's life is turned upside down by the forces of war and progress. Seeking refuge on an old woman's farm, she tries to rebuild her past but it soon catches up with her. As she flees across continents, familiar places and notions of love, family and...

The Vieux Carré is a poignant drama that explores the complexities of human experience through the shifting scenes of memory. Set in a dilapidated rooming house, the play brings to life a cast of characters struggling with loneliness and despair. A young...

A spine-chilling play by Hugh Janes, based on several original ghost stories by Charles Dickens. In an ancient, crumbling mansion, sheltering from the howling winds that tear across the surrounding desolate moorland, two men stumble upon a dark and...

Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy is a landmark of Elizabethan drama that has captivated audiences for centuries. First performed in 1592, it was a major box office success and its influence can still be seen today. The play tells the story of Hieronimo,...

Bertolt Brecht's 1939-41 parable explores the complex relationship between good and evil in an unjust society. In this thought-provoking drama, the gods arrive on earth in search of individuals with sufficient goodness to justify their existence.A young...

This edition of As You Like It features an exclusive Introduction and Notes by Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English, University of Sussex. A romantic comedy with a bold plot, the play explores love, identity, and relationships through...

A rhyming nativity script that tells the traditional story of Jesus' birth with some funny twists and a heartfelt message. This play is faithful, modern, and moving, reminding us that Jesus is more than just a baby in a manger. It's perfect for community...

This powerful new play tells the true story of Susan Pollack MBE, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who was just 13 years old when she was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944. Commissioned by Europe's only specialist Holocaust theatre in education company,...

This comprehensive guide to Greek and Roman drama provides in-depth analysis and commentary on 40 plays by major dramatists from ancient Greece and Rome.Featuring synopses, detailed commentary, and expert advice on the best translations, this resource is...

Primary Trust is a powerful and inventive play about new beginnings and seeing the world for the first time. When Kenneth's life is turned upside down, he begins to face a world he's long avoided.This touching story explores themes of friendship,...

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar explores the complex web of power and corruption that led to the assassination of one of Rome's most influential leaders. Set against the backdrop of 44 B.C., this drama masterfully illustrates how personal ambitions can taint...

Cloud 9 is a landmark play that challenges our assumptions about sex and gender. Set in both colonial Africa and modern-day Britain, it explores complex relationships between women and men, as well as same-sex relationships. This thought-provoking drama...

Becca and Howie Corbett's lives are forever changed when their young son Danny is killed in an accident. Eight months later, they're struggling to reconnect as their grief takes its toll. Becca wants to start anew, while Howie clings to the memories of...

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a sparkling comedy of manners that turns accepted ideas inside out. With its celebrated characters and much-quoted dialogue, this play is widely regarded as one of Wilde's most brilliant works. This...

The Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker is a 17th-century citizen comedy that explores the intersection of fashion and consumer culture in newly capitalist London. Written around the same time as Hamlet, this play features a leading character who has...