Plays to perform

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 37-48 of 188 items.
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story (stage version)

By Charles Dickens Adapted by Mark Gatiss

A spine-tingling stage adaptation that is faithful to the heart and spirit of Charles Dickens' much-loved festive ghost story – with an emphasis on the ghostly.

Metamorphoses

Metamorphoses

By Sami Ibrahim, Laura Lomas and Sabrina Mahfouz Original author Ovid

An entertaining and provocative new play inspired by Ovid's powerful collection of myths.

Emilia

Emilia

By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm

A riotous, witty reclaiming of the life of Emilia Bassano, poet, mistress, mother, and exceptional woman – widely considered the 'Dark Lady' of Shakespeare's sonnets.

Glee & Me

Glee & Me

By Stuart Slade

A touching drama about a teenage girl diagnosed with a brain tumour, an unexpectedly optimistic portrayal of love and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.

My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

By Rob Madge

A joyous, chaotic, autobiographical play telling the story of actor, writer and social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate a Disney parade they performed as a twelve-year-old for their Grandma.

Two Billion Beats (short play version)

Two Billion Beats (short play version)

By Sonali Bhattacharyya

A short play about the unfairness of growing up in a world where you don't make the rules. First performed as part of Inside/Outside, a season of short plays staged at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond.

Published in volume Inside/Outside
    Chaos

    Chaos

    By Laura Lomas

    A symphony of characters searching for meaning in a complicated and unstable world. Part of the 2019 National Theatre Connections Festival.

    Stuff

    Stuff

    By Tom Wells

    A play about friendship and loss – and the way people try to do the right thing for their mates when there isn't really a right thing to do. Written specifically for young people as part of the 2019 National Theatre Connections Festival.

    Treasure Island

    Treasure Island (Le Navet Bete stage version)

    By Le Navet Bete and John Nicholson Original author Robert Louis Stevenson

    A rip-roaring, swashbuckling, family-friendly retelling of a classic story.

    Noughts & Crosses

    Noughts & Crosses (Pilot Theatre stage version)

    By Sabrina Mahfouz Original author Malorie Blackman

    An award-winning stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman's acclaimed novel, a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

    Bright. Young. Things.

    Bright. Young. Things.

    By Georgia Christou

    A funny, fast-paced play about identity, truth and the challenge of finding out who you really are. Part of Platform, an initiative from Tonic Theatre in partnership with Nick Hern Books, aimed at achieving greater gender equality in theatre.

    Heavy Weather

    Heavy Weather

    By Lizzie Nunnery

    A powerful, timely play featuring songs, about one girl taking control of her destiny in a world teetering on the brink. Part of Platform, an initiative aimed at achieving greater gender equality in theatre.

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