Rona Munro’s vividly imagined trilogy The James Plays has won Best New Play at the 60th Evening Standard Theatre Awards, which were held last night (30 November).

The James Plays bring to life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century. Each play stands alone as a unique vision of a country tussling with its past and future; viewed together the trilogy creates an intricate and compelling narrative on Scottish culture and nationhood, full of playful wit and boisterous theatricality.

Produced by the National Theatre of Scotland, The James Plays were first performed at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, in August 2014 as part of Edinburgh International Festiva, before later transferring to the National Theatre, London. They received widespread critical acclaim, being called 'a modern classic' (Evening Standard) and 'an astonishing dramatic achievement' (Telegraph).

Two other NHB plays were nominated for the Best New Play award: Mike Bartlett's bold 'future history' play King Charles III, and Lynn Nottage's warm, tender drama about the empowerment of a black seamstress in New York City in 1905, Intimate Apparel.

Another NHB winner on the night was Wolf Hall & Bring Up the Bodies, with Jeremy Herrin scooping the Award for Best Director. Adapted by Mike Poulton, the two-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning novels, produced by the RSC, is a thrilling and utterly convincing portrait the story of Thomas Cromwell, a brilliant man embroiled in the lethal, high-stakes politics of the Court of Henry VIII. Wolf Hall & Bring Up the Bodies opens on Broadway next year, following hit runs at Stratford-upon-Avon and in London's West End.

As the UK's leading theatre publisher, Nick Hern Books is proud to be involved with the 60th Evening Standard Theatre Awards. As well as their trophy, the winner in each category also took home a NOOK Glowlight, preloaded with plays and books donated by Nick Hern Books, including The James Plays, King Charles III, and My Night with Reg.

Evening Standard Theatre Awards winners - Special Offer

To celebrate their success, we're offering a special deal on The James Plays, winner of the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Play, and Wolf Hall & Bring Up the Bodies, winner of the Best Director Award. Get the scripts at 30% off plus free UK p&p when you use the code STANDARD14 at checkout. This offer is valid until Thursday 18 December.