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Nick Hern Books The UK's leading specialist theatre publishers and performing rights agents. In 1990 the NHB imprint was taken on by Random House. www.nickhernbooksblog.com

Nick Hern Books came into being in June 1988, when Mr Nick Hern left Methuen to set up his own imprint under the aegis of Walker Books. It became a fully independent company on 1 January 1993 when Nick Hern acquired the list from Random House, and he subsequently won the Sunday Times 'Small Publisher of the Year Award' in 1994. The first title published by Nick Hern Books was Nicholas Wright’s Mrs

. Klein, which opened at the National Theatre in August 1988 before transferring to the West End and Broadway. There followed plays by Caryl Churchill, Arthur Miller, Mike Leigh and Stephen Sondheim, alongside theatre books by Simon Callow, Michael Coveney and Antony Sher. Follow NHB on Twitter:

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Break a leg to all the nominees of NHB-published plays at tonight’s ! 🏆
17/03/2025

Break a leg to all the nominees of NHB-published plays at tonight’s ! 🏆

Out now – Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy by Joe Dieffenbacher, the latest addition to the bestselling Dram...
12/03/2025

Out now – Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy by Joe Dieffenbacher, the latest addition to the bestselling Drama Games series.

This dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book offers eighty games and exercises to explore the fundamental concepts of clowning and physical comedy, encourage playfulness, curiosity and collaboration, and help develop performance material.

Throughout, the focus is on how to develop a playful mind and body, listen to and observe the world around you, and improve your ability to express yourself physically.

'There are eighty games in this book: eighty opportunities to capture a mood, provoke a response and excite creativity. They are a gift. I wish I'd had this book a couple of decades ago' John Wright, from his Foreword

'The perfect companion for any director, this is the most imaginative and comprehensive book of theatre games I have seen' Cal McCrystal (comedy director for The Mighty Boosh, One Man, Two Guvnors and Paddington)

See more: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/drama-games-for-clowning-and-physical-comedy

We are beyond proud to publish four out of the five BEST NEW PLAY nominees at this year's Olivier Awards! Plus, a huge c...
07/03/2025

We are beyond proud to publish four out of the five BEST NEW PLAY nominees at this year's Olivier Awards! Plus, a huge congratulations to a further five NHB plays which are also up for prizes:

🏆 The Years adapted by Eline Arbo - five nominations inc. Best New Play https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/the-years

🏆 Giant by Mark Rosenblatt - five nominations inc. Best New Play https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/giant

🏆 Shifters by Benedict Lombe - two nominations inc. Best New Play https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/shifters

🏆 The Fear of 13 - two nominations inc. Best New Play https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/the-fear-of-13

🏆 Oedipus adapted by Robert Icke - four nominations inc. Best Revival https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/oedipus-icke

🏆 Machinal by Sophie Treadwell - two nominations inc. Best Revival https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/machinal

🏆 Animal Farm adapted by Tatty Hennessy - nominated for Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/animal-farm

🏆 Now, I See by Lanre Malaolu - nominated for Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/now-i-see

🏆 Oedipus adapted by Ella Hickson - three nominations inc. Best Actress https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/oedipus-hickson

See the full round-up of nominations for NHB plays here: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/olivier-awards-2025-nominations

As February draws to a close, here's to the twelve brilliant plays we've published this month!Learn more about them – al...
28/02/2025

As February draws to a close, here's to the twelve brilliant plays we've published this month!

Learn more about them – along with the rest of our recent publications – on our website: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/new-titles

Out now – Screenwriting: The Craft and the Career by Philip Shelley.The complete guide to everything you need to be a su...
23/01/2025

Out now – Screenwriting: The Craft and the Career by Philip Shelley.

The complete guide to everything you need to be a successful screenwriter for film and television, by one of the UK's leading script editors, consultants and producers with over thirty years' experience – including founding and running Channel 4's acclaimed 4Screenwriting course.

Ideal for all aspiring and emerging screenwriters, this inspiring book will equip you with the tools you need to write the scripts that only you can write, and turn your talent and passion into a professional career.

'Inspiring and insightful. Very few people know as much about screenwriting as Philip Shelley' David Nicholls (One Day, Starter for 10)

'A practical and empowering cut-to-the-chase overview from someone who's given countless British screenwriters (including me!) their break' Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch, Doctor Who)

'For writers and script editors looking for help and guidance, there is no better resource than Philip Shelley and this book!' Nathaniel Price (Mr Loverman, Noughts + Crosses)

'Highly informative… I wish it had been published when I was starting out' Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent, Joan)

'Philip Shelley’s knowledge and guidance is unparalleled: this book is wise, practical, and brilliantly helpful' Charlie Covell (The End of the F***ing World, Kaos)

See more: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/screenwriting

We can't wait to publish Ella Hickson's intimate and revelatory version of Oedipus alongside its run at The Old Vic Thea...
16/01/2025

We can't wait to publish Ella Hickson's intimate and revelatory version of Oedipus alongside its run at The Old Vic Theatre starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma.

Ella Hickson's version of Sophocles' transcendent tragedy opens this month at The Old Vic, London, produced by The Old Vic in association with Hofesh Shechter Company, and co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter.

Ella Hickson is an award-winning writer whose work has been performed throughout the UK and abroad. Her work includes: Swive [Elizabeth], ANNA, The Writer, Oil and Wendy & Peter Pan.

Pre-order at https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/oedipus-hickson
Copies will also be available at the venue throughout the run.

Photo by Nadav Kander

Out 27 Feb – Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy by Joe DieffenbacherThis dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire res...
16/01/2025

Out 27 Feb – Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy by Joe Dieffenbacher

This dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book, part of the bestselling Drama Games series, offers 80 games and exercises to explore the fundamental concepts of clowning and physical comedy, encourage playfulness, curiosity and collaboration, and help develop performance material.

Joe Dieffenbacher is a teacher, director, designer, author and actor known for his theatre, circus and cabaret performances under the name nakupelle. He has worked with companies and venues including Shakespeare's Globe, Disney and the Scottish National Opera, as well as co-creating sequences for the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

'The perfect companion for any director, this is the most imaginative and comprehensive book of theatre games I have seen' Cal McCrystal (comedy director for The Mighty Boosh, One Man, Two Guvnors and Paddington)

‘There are eighty games in this book: eighty opportunities to capture a mood, provoke a response and excite creativity. They are a gift. I wish I’d had this book a couple of decades ago.’ John Wright, from his Foreword

Pre-order now: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/drama-games-for-clowning-and-physical-comedy

We can't wait to publish Mike Bartlett's brilliant new play Unicorn alongside its West End premiere starring Nicola Walk...
13/01/2025

We can't wait to publish Mike Bartlett's brilliant new play Unicorn alongside its West End premiere starring Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan and Erin Doherty at Garrick Theatre.

Polly and Nick have it all. Happily married, two children, successful careers. And yet there's something missing… something rare and unforeseen… waiting to add a much-needed sparkle…

Unicorn by Mike Bartlett is an explicit, funny and provocative play. Mike Bartlett is a multi-award-winning writer for both stage and screen (King Charles III, Love Love, Love, C**k, Doctor Foster).

Pre-order at https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/unicorn

We're excited to announce we'll be publishing Elektra alongside its West End run next year starring Brie Larson.This edi...
19/12/2024

We're excited to announce we'll be publishing Elektra alongside its West End run next year starring Brie Larson.

This edition of Sophokles' timeless play features the magisterial translation by award-winning poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson.

It will be published alongside Daniel Fish's upcoming production starring Brie Larson, Stockard Channing, Greg Hicks and Patrick Vaill, which opens at the Theatre Royal Brighton in January 2025, before transferring at the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End.

Pre-order now: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/elektra

We are delighted to be working with Creative Access to recruit for a publishing intern! This placement provides a hands-...
16/12/2024

We are delighted to be working with Creative Access to recruit for a publishing intern!

This placement provides a hands-on opportunity to explore the connection between theatre and publishing and the diverse roles in a specialist publishing house.

As a Publishing Intern, you will have the opportunity to shadow and learn from members of the team in every department: editorial, production, sales, marketing, rights, finance and customer service.

If you want to join our team, we’d love to hear from you: https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/node/32122

Save 30% on perfect gifts for theatre-lovers!In our Christmas Selection for this year, you'll find dozens of fantastic t...
05/12/2024

Save 30% on perfect gifts for theatre-lovers!

In our Christmas Selection for this year, you'll find dozens of fantastic titles. From our top hits of 2024 to signed copies from famous faces, as well as great gifts for musical theatre-fans and Shakespeare-lovers, there's really something for everyone.

As if that wasn’t enough festive cheer, we’re offering 30% off everything included here from now until Tuesday 10 December 2024, when you use code NHBXMAS30 at checkout.
https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/christmas-gifts

Out 23 Jan - Screenwriting: The Craft and the Career by Philip Shelley.The complete guide to everything you need to be a...
05/12/2024

Out 23 Jan - Screenwriting: The Craft and the Career by Philip Shelley.

The complete guide to everything you need to be a successful screenwriter for film and television, by one of the UK's leading script editors, consultants and producers with over thirty years' experience – including founding and running Channel 4's acclaimed 4Screenwriting course.

Ideal for all aspiring and emerging screenwriters, this inspiring book will equip you with the tools you need to write the scripts that only you can write, and turn your talent and passion into a professional career.

‘Inspiring and insightful. Very few people know as much about screenwriting as Philip Shelley’ David Nicholls (One Day, Starter for 10)

Pre-order now: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/screenwriting

04/12/2024

We're delighted to be the Publishing Partner on The Royal Court Theatre's Young Playwrights Award!

The competition opens in March 2025. We can't wait to see what new voices come out of this initiative.

As November draws to a close, here's to the five fantastic new plays we've published this month. Learn more about them ...
29/11/2024

As November draws to a close, here's to the five fantastic new plays we've published this month.

Learn more about them – along with the rest of our recent publications – on our website: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/new-titles

We're delighted to publish 19 of the 60 plays on this year's (Incomplete) Lit in Colour Play List!Created in collaborati...
26/11/2024

We're delighted to publish 19 of the 60 plays on this year's (Incomplete) Lit in Colour Play List!

Created in collaboration between Nick Hern Books and fellow drama publishers Bloomsbury, Faber and Concord Theatricals, the Play Lists highlight fantastic plays by writers of colour, selected by a panel of expert advisors, which are great for 11-18 year-olds (and beyond) to read, study and perform.

The Play Lists aim to support schools to create more representative and inclusive drama experiences within the English and Drama curricula. They form part of the wider Lit in Colour campaign founded in 2020 by Penguin and The Runnymede Trust.

Learn about all 60 plays here:
https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/lit-in-colour-play-list

We're sorry to hear of the death of wonderful actor and NHB author Timothy West, aged 90.Tim's books for NHB included I'...
14/11/2024

We're sorry to hear of the death of wonderful actor and NHB author Timothy West, aged 90.

Tim's books for NHB included I'm Here, I Think, Where are You?; A Moment Towards the End of the Play; and So You Want To Be An Actor?, co-written with his wife, Prunella Scales.

Our thoughts are with Tim's family and friends. RIP.

We are delighted to partner with Outside Edge Theatre Company to present Script Club, in association with Cardboard Citi...
13/11/2024

We are delighted to partner with Outside Edge Theatre Company to present Script Club, in association with Cardboard Citizens, Clean Break Theatre Company and Synergy Theatre Project.

Script Club is an exciting new initiative bringing together some of the UK’s top playwrights with members and participants of Outside Edge Theatre Company, Cardboard Citizens, Clean Break and Synergy Theatre Project, in partnership with leading theatre publisher Nick Hern Books.

Each Script Club session will focus on a specific play, with participants receiving free, digital access to the playtext provided by Nick Hern Books, followed by an in-person Q&A session with the playwright at London’s Bush Theatre. The scheme offers unique access to writers from underrepresented backgrounds, allowing them to explore each play with its writer, learn about
how it was conceived, written and developed, and get valuable inspiration, insight, advice and support in their own journeys as writers.

The first three Script Club events will feature:
• Winsome Pinnock on Leave Taking
• Conor McPherson on The Weir
• Waleed Akhtar on The P Word

Script Club takes place in early December 2024, with Winsome Pinnock, focusing on her seminal play Leave Taking. Script Clubs in early 2025 will be with Conor McPherson and Waleed Akhtar.

The events are open only to members of these four organisations, who have been contacted with information on how to sign up. With thanks to the Bush Theatre for hosting and supporting Script Club.

Out now, The Drama School Handbook by John Abbott is the essential guide for any aspiring actor who's thinking of applyi...
14/10/2024

Out now, The Drama School Handbook by John Abbott is the essential guide for any aspiring actor who's thinking of applying to drama school.

Written by an acting teacher with decades of experience in top UK drama schools, it breaks down everything you need to know about the whole journey – including researching the right school for you and nailing the audition, what to expect during your time as a student, and navigating your transition into the professional industry.

'Without John Abbott's exceptional advice and guidance, I would never have made it into the career I so wanted. His words come back to me time and time again – trust me, you need him too!' Leo Woodall (One Day, The White Lotus), from his Foreword

See more: https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/drama-school-handbook

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Thanks to everyone who came along to our #BigBargainBookshop over at our friend the Bush Theatre last week! Your incredible support helped us raise over £1000 for award-winning mentoring charity Arts Emergency, to benefit their important work breaking down barriers and creating pathways for under-resourced young people to access education, training and work in the creative industries.

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