Nick Hern Books

Plays for Young People (12-18 years)

This section lists plays that are especially suited to young people aged 12 and above, for reading, study or performance. Please note that some of the plays included here contain adult language and/or tackle challenging issues. We're always happy to advise on the suitability of any of our plays: send us an email at info@nickhernbooks.co.uk, or call us on 020 8749 4953.

See also Plays for children (under 12 years)

Showing 181-198 of 202 items.
Run, Rebel

Run, Rebel (stage version)

By Manjeet Mann

A fast-paced, mesmerising stage version of the prize-winning YA verse novel about a young woman beginning to take control of her life. Edition includes a range of teaching materials and resources.

Too Much World at Once

Too Much World at Once

By Billie Collins

An urgent coming-of-age story for our times, a lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives.

Bleak Expectations

Bleak Expectations

By Mark Evans

A hilarious, chaotic, Dickensian caper for the stage, based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series.

When This Is Over

When This Is Over

A Blueprint for Creating Your Own Production, and the Original Playscript

By Ned Glasier, Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey and Company Three

A theatrical celebration of hope, possibility and imagination, designed to be created and performed by teenage casts, drawing directly on their own life experiences and the stories they want to tell. Winner, Outstanding Drama Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards.

Is My Microphone On?

Is My Microphone On?

By Jordan Tannahill

An urgent and lyrical play from a leading Canadian playwright, about young people questioning the choices that have been made, and the ones that they will yet be forced to make.

The Invincibles

The Invincibles

By Amanda Whittington

A play about the Dagenham Invincibles, aka Sterling Ladies, the greatest women's football team in Britain during World War One, and their legacy in the present day.

As We Face the Sun

As We Face the Sun

By Kit Withington

A stark and tender story about growing up, the pleasures of friendship, why we hold onto things and how we might start to let go. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series.

A Dream

A Dream

By Chris Bush

A riotous musical play transporting Shakespeare's most beloved characters to the chaos of a busy modern-day hospital. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series.

HORIZON

HORIZON

By Kwame Owusu

A thrilling, witty, superhuman coming-of-age story about the quest to find your place in the world. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series.

The Multiverse is Gay!

The Multiverse is Gay!

By Lewis Hetherington

A wild rollercoaster ride through school, the Multiverse, and finding yourself, over and over and over again… A play in the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series, featuring large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by and appeal to young people.

The Playhouse Apprentice

The Playhouse Apprentice

By Jessica Swale

An exhilarating and hilarious historical drama set in Elizabethan London, about theatre, bravery and how a little voice can make a big difference. Part of the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series featuring large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by young people.

small

small

By Holly Robinson

A compassionate and probing play about youth and aging, nostalgia and regret, and the dangers of refusing to get old. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series featuring large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by and appeal to young people.

The Village

The Village

By Abi Falase and Tatenda Shamiso

A punchy and provocative story about democracy, power, and how we can try to build a better world. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series featuring large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by and appeal to young people.

Wellington 24

Wellington 24

By Rachel Harper

An upbeat and empowering World War II tale about teamwork, collaboration and beating the odds. In the Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series featuring large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by and appeal to young people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Top Titles

See our top titles for actors, teachers, directors and more...