From the Performing Rights Manager… Finding the right play to perform can be a tricky task, so here are some ways we can help.
First of all, have a flick through this brochure. It’s arranged in sections to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a comedy or a thriller, a play for young people, something with plenty of female roles, or a feel-good show for the festive season. We’ve included some of our most recent titles as well as a selection of our top-performed plays.
Quotes featured in green are from amateur companies who have produced the play – a huge thank-you to all our contributors.
This selection is only the tip of the iceberg, though. We’ve got over 1,000 plays to choose from. Our online Playfinder at www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform will help you discover the perfect play – just enter your cast requirements (if you have any), or search by theme and genre.You’ll quickly find a range of options, and you can order scripts free on approval to help you decide. If you want to talk through your options in person, you can call us on 020 8749 4953 and speak to me or my team.We’re happy to help.You can also email us at rights@nickhernbooks.co.uk.
Happy browsing.We hope you find what you’re looking for! Tamara von Werthern Performing Rights Manager Nick Hern Books
Look out for the following symbols throughout this brochure:
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Plays that can be performed by a small cast (2-4 performers)
Plays that can be performed by a large cast (10+ performers)
Plays with strong roles for women
One of our most-performed plays
Plays for young performers and/or audiences
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COMEDIES
You’ll have them rolling in the aisles!
Jeeves & Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’
by The Goodale Brothers from the works of P.G.Wodehouse Cast: 3m
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A superbly madcap farce featuring P.G.Wodehouse’s immortal characters, this Olivier Award-winner is a sure-fire hit to draw the crowds.Written for a cast of three men to play multiple roles, it calls for some lightning-quick changes and plenty of comic business, all done with tongue firmly in cheek. Hilariously bonkers.
‘Unbelievably rewarding.Will suit those looking to be imaginative and solve creative problems, whilst simultaneously having lots of fun!’ Daniel Branch, Different Animal Theatre
‘Razor-sharp ingenuity… comedy at its purest’ Time Out
Around the World in 80 Days by Laura Eason, based on the novel by Jules Verne Cast: 3f 5m doubling (large cast possible)
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The Hound of Immaculate the Baskervilles by Oliver Lansley by Sir Arthur Conan Cast: 2f 4m Doyle, adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus Cast: 3m
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Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington Cast: 4f 1-6m
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Whipping It Up by Steve Thompson Cast: 2f 4m
HISTORICAL PLAYS
Long live the costume drama! Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale Cast: 5-7f 7m
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A witty and exhilarating take on the life of the seventeenth-century actress who rose from poverty to win the heart of King Charles II.With a wonderful role for a female lead and the flexibility to stage it as simply or as lavishly as you wish, this is sure to follow Swale’s Blue Stockings into the ranks of our top performers.
‘Playing a character as vibrant and crucial as Nell really feels like the peak of my acting so far’ Aliya Gilmour, student at United Word College of South East Asia, Singapore ‘The audience response was fantastic… an excellent ensemble piece’ Belinda Wild, Wild Productions Ireland
‘A love-letter to theatre itself and the cheerful chaos involved in putting on a play’ Guardian
Anne Boleyn Blue Stockings by Howard Brenton by Jessica Swale Cast: 4-5f 11-13m Cast: 8-10f 8-14m + 2 extras +
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Kindertransport by Diane Samuels Cast: 5f 1m
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My Boy Jack by David Haig Cast: 2f 5m
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Scuttlers by Rona Munro Cast: 4-20f 6-25m
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LITERARY ADAPTATIONS Bring a favourite book to the stage
The Railway Children by E. Nesbit adapted by Mike Kenny Cast: 5-6f 6-9m
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This imaginative adaptation of E. Nesbit’s muchloved classic offers three plum roles for young performers and can be staged without need of a real steam train, making it ideal for schools, youth theatres and drama groups.This version has been enthralling audiences at King’s Cross Theatre, London, and is on track to wow your audiences too. ‘A huge success, both artistically and financially, selling to 96% capacity’ Michael Hall, CODA Croydon
‘A cracking evening at the theatre’ Amateur Stage
Dracula by Bram Stoker, adapted by Liz Lochhead Cast: 4-9f 5m
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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, adapted by Nick Ormerod and Declan Donnellan Cast: 7f 16-20m
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The Middlemarch Trilogy by George Eliot, adapted in three parts by Geoffrey Beevers Cast: 5-10f 6-16m
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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken, adapted by Russ Tunney Cast: 2-6f 2-9m + chorus
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, adapted by Lucy Gough Cast: 4-6f 3-4m
DOMESTIC DRAMAS Keep it real!
The Kitchen Sink by Tom Wells Cast: 2f 3m
An irresistibly funny and tender play about a family whose dreams are fast going down the plughole: amid the dreaming, the dramas and the dirty dishes, something has to give.Tom Wells is a writer who creates characters with such warmth and understanding that they’re a delight to perform. Set entirely in a family kitchen, this is kitchen-sink drama at its best. ‘Most successful, both artistically and financially for the society’ Angela Ponsford, Harrogate Dramatic Society ‘One of the best new plays I have seen anywhere this year’ Daily Telegraph
The Distance by Deborah Bruce Cast: 3f 4m
The Gathered Leaves by Andrew Keatley Cast: 5f 6m
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The Last of the Haussmans by Stephen Beresford Cast: 3f 3m
Rules for Living by Sam Holcroft Cast: 4f 3m
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Under the Blue Sky by David Eldridge Cast 3f 3m
GREAT PLAYS FOR WOMEN The Thrill of Love
Put women centre stage!
by Amanda Whittington Cast: 4f 1m
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A gripping drama from the writer of Be My Baby and Ladies’ Day, The Thrill of Love tells the story of Ruth Ellis, the nightclub manager who in 1955 shot and murdered her womanising lover and became the last woman to be hanged in Britain. Exploring the truth behind the headlines, Whittington’s play is a film noir-style thriller about big dreams, fast lives and romantic obsession, with four great parts for women.
‘A challenging play and a delight to be part of ’ Jeremy Walls, Chelsfield Players
‘Tense and engaging throughout... a triumph’ The Stage
Brontë by Polly Teale Cast: 4f 2m
Di and Viv and Rose by Amelia Bullmore Cast: 3f
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Lilies on the Land by the Lions part Cast: 4-25f
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Little Gem by Elaine Murphy Cast: 3f
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We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs Cast: 8f 2m or more
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SMALL CAST / LARGE CAST PLAYS –
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The River by Jez Butterworth Cast: 3f 1m A bewitching story for a cast of four, this brilliant character-led play from the author of global smash hit Jerusalem can be performed with minimal resources, making it a great choice for festivals. ‘Audiences couldn’t stop talking about this intriguing play’ Tony Medawar, Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society
Chancers by Robert Massey Cast: 2f 2m
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Eternal Love by Howard Brenton Cast: 6-15f 11-15m
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Handbagged by Moira Buffini Cast: 2f 2m
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Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth Cast: 5f 8m + 1 boy
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Foxfinder by Dawn King Cast: 2f 2m
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The Low Road by Bruce Norris Cast: 6-12f 12-30m + 1 boy and extras
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Earthquakes in London by Mike Bartlett Cast: 7-11f 10-20m An epic rollercoaster ride that packs in riotous excess, social breakdown, utopian society and global catastrophe, Mike Bartlett’s wildly exciting play presents limitless opportunities for larger groups who like a challenge. ‘A great ensemble piece for a young cast’ Nick Moseley, Central School of Speech and Drama
Holes by Tom Basden Cast: 2f 2m
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Table by Tanya Ronder Cast: 5-14f 4-9m
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Our New Girl by Nancy Harris Cast: 2f 1m + 1 boy
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Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre, adapted by Tanya Ronder Cast: 4-25f 5-18m
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Find the perfect play with our Play Finder – search by exact cast size, gender breakdown, genre, theme, suitability for children and lots more. Visit www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform
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PLAYS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Grimm Tales
by Philip Pullman adapted by Philip Wilson
Cast: 4-42f 4-100m
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Rediscover the magic and wonder of the Grimm Tales, retold by master-storyteller Philip Pullman.This wonderful stage version includes many familiar characters and some unexpected ones too, with the flexibility to select the tales best suited to your needs. It’s the perfect choice for youth theatres, schools and amateur companies looking to delight both children and adults alike. ‘A magic box of glittering surprises’ The Times
Arabian Nights adapted by Dominic Cooke Cast: 4-26f 5-26m
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Burying Your Brother in the Pavement by Jack Thorne Cast: 2-6f 3-22m
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Girls Like That by Evan Placey Cast: 6-24f 0-6m
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His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, adapted by Nicholas Wright Cast: 10-30f 20-53m
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The Wardrobe by Sam Holcroft Cast: 9f 13m + 6f or m
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The Light Burns Blue by Silva Semerciyan Cast: 9-39f 1-31m
This Changes Everything by Joel Horwood Cast: 20-30f
Second Person Narrative by Jemma Kennedy Cast: 7-40f 0-40m
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Launched in partnership with Tonic Theatre, Platform is a project aimed at boosting opportunities for girls and young women by offering brand new, big-cast plays for predominantly or all-female casts. Scripts are available at a special discounted price – visit www.tonictheatre-platform.co.uk for more information.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS SHOWS
The magic of Christmas with something different… Wendy & Peter Pan
by Ella Hickson from the book by J.M. Barrie Cast: 4f 18m + 6 extras
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Wendy takes centre stage in a refreshingly modern version of the classic story that loses none of the charm of the original. Full of action, adventure and great roles for both male and female performers, this adaptation proved a Christmas hit for the RSC, and will work its magic with nothing more elaborate than a little pinch of fairy dust.
‘This is the first Year 8 leavers’ production for which all children have wanted to audition for a lead. Battles, fairies and pirates – we could not be more excited!’ Hollie Rogers, Head of Drama, Pennthorpe School ‘Magical. I laughed, I gasped, I cried. The reworking of the story is masterful’ WhatsOnStage.com
Dublin Carol by Conor McPherson Cast: 1f 2m
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A Christmas Elephants Carol by Rose Heiney by Charles Dickens, Cast: 4f 3m adapted by Karen Louise Hebden Cast: 2-8f 6-29m + 6 children
Fault Lines by Ali Taylor Cast: 2f 2m
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Pine by Jacqui HonessMartin Cast: 2f 3m
GHOST STORIES AND THRILLERS Have them leaping out of their seats
The Haunting
by Charles Dickens adapted by Hugh Janes Cast: 1f 2m
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A genuine spine-chiller in the mould of The Woman in Black, this is the perfect play to spook your audience, if they’re feeling brave.A young man, set to work in an ancient, crumbling mansion on desolate moorland, stumbles across a dark and terrifying secret. Discover another side of Dickens with this truly frightening ghost story!
‘The show was technically challenging to produce, but was greatly appreciated by the audience whose gasps at the many special effects and surprises made it all worthwhile’ Gordon McCombe,The Attfield Theatre Co. Ltd ‘Revels in the old-fashioned power of simple theatrical tricks’ Scotsman
The Birds by Daphne du Maurier, adapted by Conor McPherson Cast: 2f 2m
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Bracken Moor by Alexi Kaye Campbell Cast: 3f 5m
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, adapted by Patrick Sandford Cast: 4f 8m + extras
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The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz Cast: 3f 2m + 1 girl and 1 boy
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The Weir by Conor McPherson Cast: 1f 4m
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MUSICALS AND PLAYS WITH MUSIC Get them singing along… Crush:The Musical
by Maureen Chadwick and Kath Gotts Cast: 11-12f 1-2m
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An outrageously fun musical set in an all-girls school in the 1960s, from the team behind the enormously successful Bad Girls:The Musical. Brimming with catchy tunes and witty lyrics, Crush is a hilarious blend of Malory Towers and St Trinian’s, with plenty of great roles for young female performers. Jolly hockey sticks!
‘We loved doing Bad Girls and hope Crush will be just as much of a hit for us – we love the music and storyline!’ Malcolm Hollow, Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society ‘Lashings of jolly good fun’ Coventry Telegraph
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin, adapted by Helen Edmundson Cast: 10-13f 7-13m + 3 boys
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Kiss Me Quickstep by Amanda Whittington Cast: 4f 4m + optional dance chorus
London Road by Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork Cast: 5-26f 6-26m + 6-7 musicians
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The Shakespeare Revue by Christopher Luscombe and Malcolm McKee Cast: 2f 2m or more + 1 pianist
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Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome, adapted by Helen Edmundson and Neil Hannon Cast: 5f 6-10m
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Make sure you’re the first to hear about our new releases – sign up for our Plays to Perform Newsletter at www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform. Follow us on Twitter @NHBperforming and we’ll give you a shout-out for your show!
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