Drama Classics series
The world's great plays at a great little price
Each pocket-sized volume contains:
- a full introduction
- an author biography
- notes on historical and theatrical context
- a plot synopsis
- key dates
- a further reading list
- a glossary of unusual words and phrases (English-language texts)
The texts are presented uncut (with the exception of Faust, which is adapted for staging in a single evening) and uncluttered with footnotes; the translations are accurate and actable.
See also Drama Classic Collections.
The Cherry Orchard
Chekhov's classic tragicomedy, translated and introduced by Stephen Mulrine.
Children of the Sun
By Maxim Gorky Translated by Stephen Mulrine6f 8mA Chekhovian family drama, first staged in Russia in 1905.
The Country Wife
7f 7mA classically bawdy Restoration Comedy, widely regarded as one of the filthiest and funniest plays ever written.
Cuckold Ubu
By Alfred Jarry1f 9m plus 1f/mA sequel to King Ubu, Alfred Jarry's surreal and hilarious satire of power, greed, and bourgeois pretension. Cuckold Ubu continues the adventures of Pa Ubu.
Published in volume Ubu
The Dance of Death
By August Strindberg Translated by Stephen MulrinePart I 3f 2m; Part II 2f 4mStrindberg's chilling anatomy of a marriage, in which the two partners duel with each other until one is utterly defeated.
The Devil is an Ass
By Ben Jonson5f 15m plus extrasBen Jonson's 1616 comedy about a junior demon who persuades his master Satan to let him spend a day in London.
Doctor Faustus
2f 9-29m plus 7-9m/f, doubling possibleThe classic story of the learned Doctor Faustus who sells his soul to the devil.
A Doll's House
By Henrik Ibsen Translated by Kenneth McLeish3-4f 3-4m, 3 childrenIbsen's revolutionary tale of a woman's awakening to her need for a life of her own.
Don Juan
By Molière Translated by Kenneth McLeish4f 10mMolière's comedy about the notorious womaniser, in a fresh and performable translation by Kenneth McLeish.
The Duchess of Malfi
By John Webster4f 12mThe macabre Jacobean tragedy, in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series.
Edward II
2f 20m, doubling possibleThe political tragedy of a King who indulges his passion and renounces his duties, and ultimately pays the price for forsaking his country.
Electra
2f 7m, plus chorus and extrasEuripides' version of the Ancient Greek myth of revenge on a murdering parent. In the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series.
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Amateur Productions
On Now & Coming SoonBill Bryson, Adapted by Tim WhitnallFin KennedyAmanda WhittingtonAlexandra Wood, Adapted from Kate SummerscaleAmanda WhittingtonHenrik Ibson, Adapted by Richard EyreTom WellsJeremy Sams, Original authors John Esmonde and Bob Larbey
