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.

Showing 181-192 of 193 items.

War and Peace (stage version)

By Leo Tolstoy Adapted by Helen Edmundson

5f 10m doubling

A magnificent two-play epic, adapted from Tolstoy's novel and first staged by Shared Experience.

The Wardrobe

By Sam Holcroft

9f 13m, plus 6 f or m

A gripping journey through British history that shows how our country was shaped and how connected we are with our past. Part of the 2014 National Theatre Connections Festival.

Wellington 24

By Rachel Harper

14-21f 0-6m (all-female cast possible)

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.

Wendy & Peter Pan

By Ella Hickson Original author J.M. Barrie

4f 17m doubling (up to 6f 22m); version for smaller cast also available

A refreshingly modern version of J.M. Barrie's much-loved story that puts the character of Wendy firmly centre stage.

What I (Don't) Know About Autism

By Jody O'Neill

3m 3m doubling (30+ additional roles)

A sometimes comic, sometimes heartbreaking journey into the world of autism, mixing narrative, song, dance and direct address to explore this contentious and often misunderstood subject matter.

When They Go Low

By Natalie Mitchell

6-10f 3-4m (larger cast possible)

A play about everyday feminism, consent and the changing face of teenage sexuality in an online world. Written for the National Theatre Connections Festival.

When This Is Over

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

By Ned Glasier, Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey and Company Three

Flexible cast (see note in description)

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.

The Wider Earth

By David Morton

1f 6m doubling (up to 1f 9m) plus potential for many creatures/puppets

A powerfully dramatic play about Charles Darwin's voyage on board HMS Beagle - an adventure that changed not only his own life, but also the history of the entire world.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (stage version)

By Joan Aiken Adapted by Russ Tunney

2-6f 2-9m plus chorus (minimum cast of 5)

A thrilling, funny and spectacular adaptation of Joan Aiken's classic children's novel, perfectly suited to performance by theatre companies and drama groups of any size.

Wonder Boy

By Ross Willis

3-4f 2m (with additional non-speaking parts that can be doubled)

A play about the power of finding your own voice, revolving around a twelve-year-old boy with a stammer. Winner of the Best Play Award at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards.

Wuthering Heights (stage version)

By Emily Brontë Adapted by Andrew Sheridan

3-5f 4-5m, plus optional ensemble

A ferocious, wild and utterly exhilarating adaptation of Emily Brontë's indelible masterpiece.

Yen

By Anna Jordan

2f (playing ages 16 & 36) 2m (playing ages 13 & 16)

Anna Jordan's Bruntwood Prize-winning play, Yen explores a childhood lived without boundaries and the consequences of being forced to grow up on your own.