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From the very earliest days of classical theatre, writers have taken stories that originated elsewhere and created thrilling new tellings on stage – and this practice of reinterpretation and reinvention continues to this day. 

In this selection, we've rounded up a range of brilliant plays that adapt beloved stories from other media – including award-winning and famous books, classic myths and fairy tales, films and more – all available at 40% off in our Sale.

Plus, £1 from every book sold in our Sale will go to the Theatre Artists Fund, which continues to provide emergency support for theatre-workers and freelancers across the UK affected by the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the theatre sector.

Remember, everything included in the Sale has been handpicked from the shelves at NHB HQ, and stock is strictly limited. So if you see something you want, move fast to avoid missing out – because once it's gone, it's gone!

Take a look at what's on offer below, and head back to our main Sale page to browse the whole range of playscripts and books currently available at a very special 40% discount, for a limited time only.
Showing 1-30 of 38 items.

Alys, Always (stage version)

A psychological thriller, adapted for the stage from Harriet Lane's gripping novel.

Animal Farm (stage version)

A powerful and straightforward dramatisation of Orwell's enduring parable on the perils of totalitarianism.

Arabian Nights (RSC stage version)

A simple and delightfully inventive re-telling of the stories from the Arabian Nights.

Around the World in 80 Days (stage version)

By Laura Eason Original author Jules Verne

Laura Eason's celebrated adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel, a dazzling escapade that packs in more than fifty unforgettable characters.

Arthur & George (stage version)

The gripping story of the sensational, real-life case in which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found himself playing detective.

Asking for It (stage version)

A powerful adaptation of Louise O'Neill's devastating novel about the experience of a young woman whose life is changed forever by a horrific act of violence.

Beauty and the Beast (National Theatre stage version)

Lucy Kirkwood's delightful version of the classic fairytale, first seen in a production devised and directed by Katie Mitchell at the National Theatre for Christmas 2010.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (stage version)

A deeply moving and thought-provoking stage play based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin (stage version)

Rona Munro's adaptation of Louis de Bernières' much-loved epic novel, set on an idyllic Greek island in 1941.

A Christmas Carol (RSC stage version)

An adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic – one of the best-loved stories ever written – that rediscovers the social conscience of the timeless tale.

Christmas Carol: A Fairy Tale (stage play)

By Piers Torday Original author Charles Dickens

A revitalised stage adaptation of Charles Dickens's Christmas tale, by renowned author Piers Torday, focussing on Ebenezer Scrooge's sister Fan, the most monstrous miser ever known.

Coram Boy (stage version)

A heartbreaking tale of orphans, angels, murder and music - dramatised from the Whitbread award-winning novel set in 18th-century England.

The Crocodile

By Tom Basden Original author Fyodor Dostoyevsky

A ferociously funny, eye-poppingly theatrical play about art, animals and what happens when you try to take on the system from within... a crocodile.

Dear Lupin (stage version)

Michael Simkins' immensely charming stage adaptation of Dear Lupin, the witty and touching collection of letters from a father to his son that became a huge bestseller, winner of The Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year.

The Encounter

A solo show tracing one man's journey into the Amazon rainforest and to the limits of human consciousness, inspired by the book Amazon Beaming by Petru Popescu.

Fanny & Alexander (stage version)

Ingmar Bergman’s magical study of childhood, family and love.

The Fishermen (stage version)

A powerful allegory of brotherhood, vengeance and fate set in a small Nigerian town. Adapted from the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted novel.

Great Expectations (RSC stage version)

A gritty adaptation of Dickens' least sentimental love story with a cast of some of his most unforgettable characters.

His Dark Materials (stage version)

A two-play dramatisation of Philip Pullman's extraordinary award-winning fantasy trilogy, first seen at the National Theatre.

Jeeves & Wooster in 'Perfect Nonsense'

An inventive, fast-paced comedy based featuring P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic double act.

Jekyll & Hyde (National Youth Theatre version)

A radical re-imagining by playwright Evan Placey of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, written for the National Youth Theatre.

The Jungle Book (stage version)

Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale of family, belonging and identity has been reimagined in this acclaimed adaptation by Jessica Swale, with original songs by Joe Stilgoe. 

Kes (stage version)

A tried-and-tested stage adaptation of Barry Hines' novel A Kestrel for a Knave, about a troubled young boy who finds and trains a kestrel.

The Last King of Scotland (stage version)

An electrifying thriller about corruption and complicity, adapted from Giles Foden's multi-award-winning novel.

Let the Right One In (stage version)

A dark and visceral coming-of-age vampire love story, based on the acclaimed novel and film.

Lionboy (stage version)

An adaptation of Zizou Corder's Lionboy novels for award-winning theatre company Complicite.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (stage version)

A brilliant adaptation of Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece that places the writer herself amongst the action as she wrestles with her creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now.

Mr Foote's Other Leg

Ian Kelly’s riotously funny play, based on his award-winning biography of Samuel Foote, explores our obsession with celebrities, through the true story of the Oscar Wilde of the 18th century.

Noughts & Crosses (RSC stage version)

An electrifying, bittersweet love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, set in a society divided by racial bigotry and a world rocked by terrorism. 

Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales (stage version)

Adapted by Philip Wilson Original author Philip Pullman

A deliciously dark version of the Grimm Tales, from master storyteller Philip Pullman.