Plays to perform

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 13-24 of 1,409 items.
Foam

Foam

By Harry McDonald

A gripping play that examines the nature of identity and the consequences of right-wing extremist ideology against the backdrop of London's skinhead and gay scenes of the 1970s and 1980s.

Red Pitch

Red Pitch (West End edition)

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 Wife of Cyncoed

The Wife of Cyncoed

By Matt Hartley

A charming and open-hearted one-woman play about self-discovery later in life.

Idyll

Idyll

By Matt Hartley

A captivating short play about rural Britain, premiered by Pentabus Theatre in 2021.

The Human Body

The Human Body

By Lucy Kirkwood

A play of political and private passions, set in the 1940s against a backdrop of the foundation of the NHS. Premiered at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2024.

Shifters

Shifters

By Benedict Lombe

A fierce, funny and intoxicating play about the enduring power – and fragility – of memory and love. Premiered at the Bush Theatre, London, in 2024.

Shed: Exploded View

Shed: Exploded View

By Phoebe Eclair-Powell

A devastating play about violence, love and loss. Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.

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.

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