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.
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.
The Crocodile
By Tom Basden Original author Fyodor DostoyevskyA ferociously funny, eye-poppingly theatrical play about art, animals and what happens when you try to take on the system from within... a crocodile.
The Encounter
By Simon McBurney and CompliciteA 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.
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)
By Philip Pullman Adapted by Nicholas WrightA two-play dramatisation of Philip Pullman's extraordinary award-winning fantasy trilogy, first seen at the National Theatre.
Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales (stage version)
Adapted by Philip Wilson Original author Philip PullmanA deliciously dark version of the Grimm Tales, from master storyteller Philip Pullman.
Thérèse Raquin (Theatre Royal Bath stage version)
By Émile Zola Adapted by Helen EdmundsonA story of lust, madness and destruction set in the backstreets of Paris. Based on Emile Zola's classic novel.
Arabian Nights (RSC stage version)
A simple and delightfully inventive re-telling of the stories from the Arabian Nights.
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)
By Lucy Kirkwood and Katie MitchellLucy 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.
Jeeves & Wooster in 'Perfect Nonsense'
By The Goodale Brothers Original author P.G. WodehouseAn inventive, fast-paced comedy based featuring P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic double act.
Lionboy (stage version)
By Zizou Corder Adapted by Marcelo Dos SantosAn adaptation of Zizou Corder's Lionboy novels for award-winning theatre company Complicite.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (stage version)
By Mary Shelley and Rona MunroA 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.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (stage version)
By Joan Lindsay Adapted by Tom WrightA chilling adaptation of Joan Lindsay's classic novel about the disappearance of three Australian schoolgirls in the summer of 1900.
Animal Farm (stage version)
By George Orwell Adapted by Ian WooldridgeA powerful and straightforward dramatisation of Orwell's enduring parable on the perils of totalitarianism.
Around the World in 80 Days (stage version)
By Laura Eason Original author Jules VerneLaura Eason's celebrated adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel, a dazzling escapade that packs in more than fifty unforgettable characters.
A Christmas Carol (RSC stage version)
By Charles Dickens Adapted by David EdgarAn adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic – one of the best-loved stories ever written – that rediscovers the social conscience of the timeless tale.
Coram Boy (stage version)
By Jamila Gavin Adapted by Helen EdmundsonA heartbreaking tale of orphans, angels, murder and music - dramatised from the Whitbread award-winning novel set in 18th-century England.
Fanny & Alexander (stage version)
By Ingmar Bergman Adapted by Stephen BeresfordIngmar Bergman’s magical study of childhood, family and love.
Jekyll & Hyde (National Youth Theatre version)
By Evan Placey Original author Robert Louis StevensonA radical re-imagining by playwright Evan Placey of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, written for the National Youth Theatre.
Kes (stage version)
By Barry Hines Adapted by Lawrence TillA 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.
Let the Right One In (stage version)
By John Ajvide Lindqvist Adapted by Jack ThorneA dark and visceral coming-of-age vampire love story, based on the acclaimed novel and film.
Noughts & Crosses (RSC stage version)
By Malorie Blackman Adapted by Dominic CookeAn electrifying, bittersweet love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, set in a society divided by racial bigotry and a world rocked by terrorism.
The Railway Children (stage version)
By E. Nesbit Adapted by Mike KennyAn imaginative stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's much-loved children's classic.
The Secret River (stage version)
By Kate Grenville Adapted by Andrew BovellA deeply moving and unflinching journey into Australia's dark history, adapted from Kate Grenville's acclaimed novel.
Small Island (English Mastery Secondary set text)
By Andrea Levy Adapted by Helen EdmundsonA stage version of Andrea Levy's epic novel tracing the tangled history of Jamaica and Britain - set text edition for the English Mastery Secondary programme.
Wolf Hall & Bring Up the Bodies (stage version)
By Hilary Mantel Adapted by Mike PoultonMike Poulton's two-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel's acclaimed novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. A thrilling and utterly convincing portrait of a brilliant man embroiled in the lethal, high-stakes politics of the Court of Henry VIII.
Alys, Always (stage version)
By Harriet Lane Adapted by Lucinda CoxonA psychological thriller, adapted for the stage from Harriet Lane's gripping novel.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (stage version)
By John Boyne Adapted by Angus JacksonA deeply moving and thought-provoking stage play based on the best-selling novel by John Boyne.
Christmas Carol: A Fairy Tale (stage play)
By Piers Torday Original author Charles DickensA 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.
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