Books by Roy Williams

In his fifth collection of Plays, the work ranges from a spirited, raging drama that investigates police corruption in Jamaica through to two thrilling monologue plays written either side of the Covid-19 pandemic, first presented at London's National Theatre. The political and the personal are drawn together effectively throughout, offering a rich selection of work that showcase Williams's unique talent.Roy Williams has been described as 'one of Britain's most important playwrights' (WhatsOnStage). His career to date has seen him win the Alfred Fagon Award, the George Devine Award, the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright, a BAFTA Award and nominations for the Olivier Award for Best Play. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2008 and was made a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2018. Advice for the Young at Heart (2013) "A robust and poignant piece of theatre." - A Younger TheatreKingston 14 (2014) "Should be lauded in staging a culture not exactly over-represented in British theatre ... convincingly suggests such tensions underpin both the island's chaotic political situation, and the wariness between the Jamaican police and the visiting Brit." - IndependentThe Firm (2018) "Williams reveals himself once more as one of the most compelling chroniclers of the complexities of masculinity in a rapidly changing world." - Arts DeskDeath of England (2020) "The most exhilarating and hair-raising drama...This is truly a play for today." - The GuardianDeath of England: Delroy (2021) " A blistering solo show sure to survive England's second lockdown" - Variety

Almost every day for 35 years, Arthur Stace spent hours writing a single word - Eternity - on and around the streets of Sydney. Sometimes his mission took him much further afield, to country New South Wales and even to Melbourne.Stace's identity was a mystery for more than two decades. Then, after his 'unmasking' in 1956, he became a reluctant folk hero. By the time he died, in 1967, his was a household name and the word Eternity was ingrained in the soul of Sydney. It still is.In this long-awaited biography, the full story of Arthur Stace's life is told for the first time in vivid and often surprising detail. Drawing upon many original sources, some never before made public, this book will engross Christians and non-believers alike - anyone who loves a great Australian story.

Now in paperback, updated with an afterword and new photos.One of the most respected and successful basketball coaches in the nation, Coach Roy Williams has traveled an unlikely path. In Hard Work he tells the story of his life, from his turbulent childhood through a coaching career with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. With his new afterword, Williams takes us past the two NCAA championship titles to the subsequent 2010 season, its shake-up losses, the unexpected departure of key players, and on to a new season of coaching some of the most dazzling young players in the countryand a surprising ACC championship.Williams recounts his rough early years; his long tenure as head coach at the University of Kansas; how he recruits, teaches, and motivates his players; how hes shepherded teams through some of the most nail-biting games at both Kansas and UNC; and how he suffered through one of the roughest seasons of his tenure and came out on the other side to be awarded 2011 ACC Coach of the Year.

A wide-ranging and provocative defence of Christianity based on evidence and reason.

Since their childhood, when Heather left Jamaica for England, her half sister Bernice has claimed to be able to raise the dead. Thirty years later, when Heather returns after the murder of her son, she offers Bernice the deeds to the family house - if she can bring him back.

Don't ever be that way, like your brother. No matter what the excuse or provocation, don't be like that. It's 2011 and 1958 and London is rioting. Candice is ordered by her gang-leading boyfriend to lure Clint into a honeytrap. Haunted by her grandfather's mistakes, she stands at a crossroads. Will she do as she's told, or will she learn to be true to herself before history repeats itself? This modern tale for riotous times spans three generations, exploring race, family and misguided loyalty.The riots of 2011 provoked comment on the morality of youth and the codes by which they live. Advice for the Young at Heart digs into the question of whether this is a new phenomenon or one that young people have struggled with for generations. Using two simultaneous plots taking place during the 1958 Notting Hill race riots and the riots of 2011, Roy Williams asks how a new generation of teenagers can learn from the mistakes made by a previous generation.

This is a second collection of plays by British playwright, Roy Williams.

Joe Guy is a powerful new drama about race and prejudice within the black community that opens at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, in October 2007. This is a programme text edition.

A boy is found dead and DC Joe Stephens must return to his old neighbourhood to investigate. Shanice studiously avoids his enquiries into her boyfriend Emile's gang of friends. But when a reward is offered and Ibiza beckons, the girls and boys face the biggest test of street loyalty.

Right, you know the rules, watch the low blows, if it's a knock-down no messing about, go straight to your corner, and don't come out till called for, are we clear? Touch gloves, let's go.In the red corner: Leon Davidson - Black British champ or Uncle Tom? In the blue corner: Troy Augustus - American powerhouse or naive cash cow? Having spent their youth in the same London boxing gym, vying for the favouritism of inspirational, foul-mouthed trainer Charlie Maggs, the two former friends step into the ring and face up to who they are. Boxing has dominated their lives with an unhoped-for structure and meaning, but it becomes clear that it is no substitute for their health, family, and friends. Roy Williams' Sucker Punch looks back on what it was like to be young and black in the 1980s and asks if the right battles have been fought, let alone won. With an introduction by Harry Derbyshire, Lecturer in English and Drama at the University of Greenwich.

'[Williams's] plays have brought the experience of black urban youth onto the stage' ObserverSucker Punch: 'As usual with Williams, the dialogue is crisp and bespoke: motives are mixed, nobody is a hero, nothing is just black and white.' The TimesJoe Guy: 'Williams's dialogue ricochets around the stage like gunfire . . . energetic, exciting and entertaining.' StageCategory B: 'Category B is a harrowing play, but one shot through with both dark humour and tentative flickers of hope'. Daily TelegraphBaby Girl: 'The shocking thing about Roy Williams's Baby Girl is that it argues that there is a cyclical pattern to teenage pregnancy . . . Williams paints a rivetingly plausible picture of a world in which mothers and daughters are sexual rivals, 'virgin' is the ultimate peer insult and the school gates are a fertile hunting ground for male predators.' GuardianThere's Only One Wayne Matthews: 'Williams's writing is punchy . . . Wayne's gradual understanding of the realities of the world make this a touching coming-of-age drama.' Guardian

Days of Significance is the new work by Roy Williams commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and staged at the Swan Theatre in January 2007.

A third collection of work by this acclaimed playwright 'whose plays, more than anyone else's, have brought the experience of black urban youth onto the stage' Observer

Two plays by a young British playwright who is fast making a name for himself. Williams is winner of the 1998-99 John Whiting Award for Best New Play and 1998 Alfred Fagon Award (both for Starstruck) and 1996 TAPS Writer of the Year Award

Ben is married to Denise but on the pull; Kenny's looking for someone who's "right"; Ade's with Sandra but playing the field; and Nate's a proud new father. This play is an urban drama of sexual politics and race in west London.

Living alone on a drab London council estate, Abi has long since lost sight of the good things in life, until an old friend takes her back to her glorious past in Jamaica as the greatest all-rounder of the No Boys Cricket Club. Also includes "Starstruck" and "Lift Off".