Books published by Nick Hern Books

An updated edition of Tanya Ronder's darkly riotous, superbly fast-talking adventure, adapted from the Booker Prize-winning novel by DBC Pierre.

A compelling literary detective story about the turbulent lives of the Bronte sisters - dramatised by Polly Teale and Shared Experience.

Chekhov 's ideas and thought's on theatre, in his own words, from his newspaper articles and letters. Brought together here for the first time these precious words provide an invaluable guide to the work of one of the world's greatest dramatists

A darkly comic drama of buried secrets and new beginnings, with three linked scenes all set in the same terraced house.

A tense and gripping drama, loaded with dark humour, about the price we pay for material possessions and the effect it has on those we love.

An engaging, upbeat guide for any student thinking of applying to drama school. If you're thinking of applying to drama school, The Excellent Audition Guide will give you everything you need to prepare well and perform your audition to the best of your ability. Experienced actor, director and drama teacher Andy Johnson leads you through every step of the application process: Researching drama schools Writing personal statements and CVs Choosing and working on your speeches and songs Brushing up technical and vocal skills And, of course: How to tackle the auditions themselves by being true to yourself and making fear your friend A reassuring, encouraging 'how to' book that demystifies an often scary-looking process, The Excellent Audition Guide is ideal not just for applicants themselves, but also for parents, teachers and careers advisors looking to help them fulfill their acting ambitions. 'Smart, dynamic and inspiring, this is an invaluable book for anyone thinking of trying for drama school' Michael Simkins 'There's only one book in the world I would read about getting into drama school and doing good auditions. It's this one.' Vanessa Kirby (Great Expectations, Labyrinth, Three Sisters, Jupiter Ascending) 'This book is accurate and beautifully concise. I wish Andy's written wisdom had been with me when I was applying to drama school.' Freddie Fox (Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Judas Kiss, Hay Fever, The Mystery of Edwin Drood) 'Brilliant... really practical... It's like being led through the process by a trusted and knowledgeable friend... a most useful book which anyone about to start on the application process should read' The Stage 'A very thorough self-help guide... Johnson begins with clear strategies to help uncover meaning within the text, moving to more complex rehearsal techniques to help release the words and make them your own.... Terrific.' Teaching Drama Magazine

A gripping new version of Strindberg's masterly, darkly hilarious depiction of the struggles and strains of marriage.

A timely play based on the true story of an imprisoned Nobel Laureate. On 3 April 2011, as he was boarding a flight to Taipei, the Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Airport. Advised merely that his travel "e;could damage state security"e;, he was escorted to a van by officials after which he disappeared for 81 days. On his release, the government claimed that his imprisonment related to tax evasion. Howard Brenton's new play is based on Ai Weiwei's account in Barnaby Martin's book Hanging Man, in which he told the story of that imprisonment - by turns surreal, hilarious, and terrifying. A portrait of the artist in extreme conditions, it is also an affirmation of the centrality of art and freedom of speech in civilised society. The play premiered at Hampstead Theatre in April 2013, in a production directed by James Macdonald. 'Moving, scary, gripping, inventive and at times laugh-out-loud funny' Telegraph 'Excellent... like a mix of Kafka and Bennett' Guardian 'Tremendously powerful' Financial Times

Six generations, twenty-three characters one very special piece of furniture. Tanya Ronder's thrilling play is an epic tale of belonging, identity and the things we pass on. Table was the first play to be staged in The Shed, a temporary venue at the National Theatre, London, to celebrate original, ambitious and unexpected theatre. It premiered in April 2013 in a production directed by Rufus Norris. 'Highly inventive and often touching' Telegraph 'Tremendous... richly textured' Guardian

Filled with Tom Wells' trademark witty and wonderful dialogue, Jumpers for Goalposts is a big-hearted romcom for the stage; a life-affirming testament to friendship and love that overflows with kindness, some sadness and a rich vein of humour and truth.

Six plays by some of the most exciting and distinctive female voices in British theatre, exploring the heartbreaking truth about the lives of women in the criminal justice system.

The true-life drama of the extraordinary bond between two identical twin girls and their struggle to find a voice.

Tender, uncompromising, haunting and lyrical, these four plays together comprise a contemporary chronicle of the lives of East London's young women.

A collection of cutting-edge plays from award-winning Irish playwright Enda Walsh, author of Penelope, The New Electric Ballroom and The Walworth Farce.

A darkly funny comedy about modern freak shows, love and cream buns. Loads of cream buns.

Laura has a secret. Joe's has been revealed. Peg's been keeping hers for years. A tender and funny tale about our secret selves, Nancy Harris's No Romance is a compelling drama about our search for connection in a fractured world.

A hospital play that follows a tangle of doctors and nurses in a busy London hospital - from the award-winning author of Tribes.

A practical guide for actors who want to work in the corporate sector, by a veteran with over 1400 corporate events to his credit.

Lucy Kirkwood's delightful version of the classic fairytale, first seen in a production devised and directed by Katie Mitchell at the National Theatre for Christmas 2010.

A sharp, hilarious behind-the-scenes glimpse of diplomacy in action, centering on England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

A powerful, provocative play about international relations and the shifting balance of power between East and West.

Peter Nichols's modern classic - a provocative comedy about sex, love and infidelity.

The most famous and successful play by one of the 20th century's greatest writers.

First Person Shooter is a witty and prescient play about what happens when gaming and military technology collide. It follows Jenkins' award-winning play Natural Selection (2008) and will premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, in 2010.

A gripping new play from Rona Munro illuminates the pioneering work and tortured life of Sergei Korolyov, chief designer and unsung hero of the USSR Soviet space programme.

An intimate, tender play about loss, hurt and rediscovery.