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.
Wuthering Heights (stage version)
A ferocious, wild and utterly exhilarating adaptation of Emily Brontë's indelible masterpiece.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Red Shoes (stage version)
By Nancy Harris Original author Hans Christian AndersenA contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's extraordinary fairytale of dance, desire and destruction.
The Railway Children (stage version)
By E. Nesbit Adapted by Mike KennyAn imaginative stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's much-loved children's classic.
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.
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.
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.
Mr Foote's Other Leg
By Ian KellyIan 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.
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.
Lionboy (stage version)
By Zizou Corder Adapted by Marcelo Dos SantosAn adaptation of Zizou Corder's Lionboy novels for award-winning theatre company Complicite.
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.
The Last King of Scotland (stage version)
By Giles Foden Adapted by Steve WatersAn electrifying thriller about corruption and complicity, adapted from Giles Foden's multi-award-winning novel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great Expectations (RSC stage version)
A gritty adaptation of Dickens' least sentimental love story with a cast of some of his most unforgettable characters.
The Fishermen (stage version)
By Chigozie Obioma Adapted by Gbolahan ObisesanA powerful allegory of brotherhood, vengeance and fate set in a small Nigerian town. Adapted from the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted novel.
Fanny & Alexander (stage version)
By Ingmar Bergman Adapted by Stephen BeresfordIngmar Bergman’s magical study of childhood, family and love.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (stage version)
By Louis de Bernières Adapted by Rona MunroRona Munro's adaptation of Louis de Bernières' much-loved epic novel, set on an idyllic Greek island in 1941.
Newsletter Sign UpSign up to our newsletter for the latest titles, competitions and special offers...
