Nick Hern Books

NHB Modern Plays

The NHB Modern Plays series features the pick of modern and contemporary plays from leading UK and international playwrights. Championing quality, accessibility and diversity, it takes the best writing for the stage and gives it enduring life on the page.

Showing 37-54 of 1,565 items.
Nine Lessons and Carols

Nine Lessons and Carols

Stories for a Long Winter

By Chris Bush and Maimuna Memon

A play about connection and isolation, forged during the Covid pandemic, exploring what we hold on to in troubled times.

(Not) the End of the World

(Not) the End of the World

By Chris Bush

A daringly theatrical investigation of the climate crisis through the perspectives of class, patriarchy and colonialism.

The Hills of California

The Hills of California

By Jez Butterworth

The Webb Sisters are returning to their mother's run-down guest house in Blackpool, in a play by the author of Jerusalem and The Ferryman, premiered in the West End in 2024.

Samuel Takes a Break

Samuel Takes a Break

in Male Dungeon No. 5 After a Long but Generally Successful Day of Tours

By Rhianna Ilube

An extraordinary, genre-blending play about colonialism, identity and the attempt to preserve the past, premiered at The Yard Theatre London in 2024.

This Might Not Be It

This Might Not Be It

By Sophia Chetin-Leuner

A candid portrayal of mental health services in the NHS, premiered at the Bush Theatre, London, in 2024.

Peak Stuff

Peak Stuff

By Billie Collins

A fast-paced, funny play offering a deep-dive into consumer culture: in an age of retail therapy, climate crisis and click and collect - how does our 'stuff' define us?

A Song for Ella Grey

A Song for Ella Grey (stage version)

By David Almond Adapted by Zoe Cooper

A magical retelling of the Orpheus myth, full of music, sound and storytelling, adapted from the novel by David Almond. Premiered by Pilot Theatre on UK tour in 2024.

HEART

HEART

By Jade Anouka

A raw and honest exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. The debut play by acclaimed actor Jade Anouka.

Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey (stage version)

By Zoe Cooper Original author Jane Austen

A playful and surprising reimagining of Jane Austen's novel, infused with the spirit of the original, and fizzing with imagination and humour.

Red Pitch

Red Pitch

By Tyrell Williams

A fast-paced and sharp-edged play telling a coming-of-age story about three young footballers, exploring the impact of gentrification and regeneration on London's communities. Winner of the 2022 George Devine Award.

The Motive and the Cue

The Motive and the Cue

By Jack Thorne

The West End edition of the fierce, funny play about a clash of theatrical titans, Richard Burton and John Gielgud, winner of the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and the Critics' Circle Award for Best New Play.

Dreaming and Drowning

Dreaming and Drowning

By Kwame Owusu

An intimate and visceral play that dives into the mind of a young Black queer man wrestling with anxiety. Premiered at the Bush Theatre, London, in 2023.

It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life (stage version)

Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson

A joyful stage adaptation of Frank Capra's movie about a down-on-his-luck banker who feels like he's at the end of his rope, until his guardian angel pays him a visit.

The Time Machine: A Comedy

The Time Machine: A Comedy

By Steven Canny and John Nicholson

A fast-paced, wise-cracking, riotous play, loosely based on H.G. Wells's masterpiece, that zips from the nineteenth century to the end of the world, and (with any luck) back again.

Cold War

Cold War (stage version)

Adapted by Conor McPherson Original author Paweł Pawlikowski

An epic love story spanning the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided, adapted from the Academy Award-nominated film. Premiered at the Almeida Theatre, London, in 2023.

Infinite Life

Infinite Life

By Annie Baker

A surprisingly funny inquiry into the complexity of suffering, and what it means to desire in a body that's failing you. UK premiere at the National Theatre, London.

Peter Pan

Peter Pan (stage version)

By J.M. Barrie Adapted by Evan Placey and Vikki Stone

An enchanting adaptation of J.M. Barrie's children's classic, with songs by Vikki Stone. Premiered at Rose Theatre, Kingston.

Backstairs Billy

Backstairs Billy

By Marcelo Dos Santos

An irreverent comedy about the fifty-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her most loyal, most outrageous servant, William 'Billy' Tallon, who joined her household at the age of fifteen. Premiered in the West End with Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans.

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