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Mr Punch (Modern Plays)
by Steve Byron Joana GeronimoYou have to see things from all angles. May save your life one day.A dark and “Punchy” comedy exploring stubborn tradition and the shining light that acceptance can bring.Steve Byron and Joana Geronimo's Mr Punch follows Norman, a solitary and now lonely figure of fun, with a dependence on drink and a long life of self-destruction and small mindedness. Norman has returned from a funeral carrying his recent departed father's life in a suitcase. A father whom he blames for his actions, situations and what the world might call a 'wasted life'. When a faraway family move in next door, Norman's attitudes, pity-party and beliefs may have to change.But there's no show without Punch. Mr Punch is told against the backdrop of 21st century Britain, with the use of puppetry and extremely dark humour. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, in September 2023.
Mr Punch (Modern Plays)
by Steve Byron Joana GeronimoYou have to see things from all angles. May save your life one day.A dark and “Punchy” comedy exploring stubborn tradition and the shining light that acceptance can bring.Steve Byron and Joana Geronimo's Mr Punch follows Norman, a solitary and now lonely figure of fun, with a dependence for drink and a long life of self-destruction and small mindedness. Norman has returned from a funeral carrying his recent departed father's life in a suitcase. A father whom he blames for his actions, situations and what the world might call a 'wasted life'. When a faraway family move in next door – Norman's attitudes, pity-party and beliefs may have to change.But there's no show without Punch. Told against the backdrop of 21st century Britain, with the use of puppetry and extremely dark humour. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, in September 2023.
Ikaria (Modern Plays)
by Philippa LawfordMaybe we shouldn't always stay here. Maybe we should stay at yours, or you should stay at yours and I should stay here. Sometimes.Simon has returned to uni after taking a year out. He wants to get on with his finals and not slip back into old, destructive habits. Mia, a first-year, is embracing the explosive freedom of life away from home.Simon doesn't want to leave his room. But then he meets Mia.Philippa Lawford's Ikaria is a love story about finding salvation in someone else. Ikaria was awarded as runner-up for the Ambassador Theatre Group Playwrights' Prize, in association with Platform Presents and Time Out, and also received an Offie Short Run Commendation for the world premiere at the Old Red Lion Theatre in November 2022. Ikaria was originally developed by Tightrope Theatre with support from New Diorama Theatre.This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour in September 2023.
Ikaria (Modern Plays)
by Philippa LawfordMaybe we shouldn't always stay here. Maybe we should stay at yours, or you should stay at yours and I should stay here. Sometimes.Simon has returned to uni after taking a year out. He wants to get on with his finals and not slip back into old, destructive habits. Mia, a first-year, is embracing the explosive freedom of life away from home.Simon doesn't want to leave his room. But then he meets Mia.Philippa Lawford's Ikaria is a love story about finding salvation in someone else. Ikaria was awarded as runner-up for the Ambassador Theatre Group Playwrights' Prize, in association with Platform Presents and Time Out, and also received an Offie Short Run Commendation for the world premiere at the Old Red Lion Theatre in November 2022. Ikaria was originally developed by Tightrope Theatre with support from New Diorama Theatre.This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour in September 2023.
Shooting Hedda Gabler (Modern Plays)
by Nina SegalI can do it. I can be her. Hedda Gabler.When offered the lead part in a Norwegian film adaptation of Hedda Gabler, an American actress seizes the opportunity to escape Hollywood - and gain some artistic credibility. She's running away from her past as a child star, from her present as a tabloid punchline, and from an unfortunate collision between a self-driving Tesla and a member of the paparazzi. What awaits her in Norway is a film set where reality and fiction are blurred by Henrik, the brilliant and demanding director. As the atmosphere on set becomes increasingly claustrophobic, she becomes unmoored and paranoid - and Henrik becomes fixated on how to end the movie with a bang.Nina Segal's Shooting Hedda Gabler is a radical and affectionate adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, about doing whatever is necessary to get the shot.This edition was published to coincide with the Rose Original Production in association with The Norwegian Ibsen Company at Rose Theatre, London in September 2023.
Shooting Hedda Gabler (Modern Plays)
by Nina SegalI can do it. I can be her. Hedda Gabler.When offered the lead part in a Norwegian film adaptation of Hedda Gabler, an American actress seizes the opportunity to escape Hollywood - and gain some artistic credibility. She's running away from her past as a child star, from her present as a tabloid punchline, and from an unfortunate collision between a self-driving Tesla and a member of the paparazzi. What awaits her in Norway is a film set where reality and fiction are blurred by Henrik, the brilliant and demanding director. As the atmosphere on set becomes increasingly claustrophobic, she becomes unmoored and paranoid - and Henrik becomes fixated on how to end the movie with a bang.Nina Segal's Shooting Hedda Gabler is a radical and affectionate adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, about doing whatever is necessary to get the shot.This edition was published to coincide with the Rose Original Production in association with The Norwegian Ibsen Company at Rose Theatre, London in September 2023.
The Cold Buffet (Modern Plays)
by Elijah YoungWe're family. We don't have to like each other.Things are never easy for Ellis when the family gets together. A dad who doesn't get him, a cousin who can do no wrong, a (not-so-passive) aggressive grandma, his dad's latest intolerable girlfriend and a grandpa in an urn are just some of the things Ellis has to contend with. When it begins to become tradition at these occasions for true feelings to be unearthed, is it finally time for Ellis to cut ties?Set in the back room of a social club, away from the main action, the play journeys us through a wake, a wedding and a christening, and lifts the lid on the tensions behind every family ritual. Many things change over the years but something that will always remain is the same cold buffet. Elijah Young's epic comedy The Cold Buffet follows the McCarthy family over five years of life, death and love. It's a delicious North East family saga laced with dry humour and a good dose of interpersonal tension.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Newcastle's Live Theatre, in October 2023.
The Cold Buffet (Modern Plays)
by Elijah YoungWe're family. We don't have to like each other.Things are never easy for Ellis when the family gets together. A dad who doesn't get him, a cousin who can do no wrong, a (not-so-passive) aggressive grandma, his dad's latest intolerable girlfriend and a grandpa in an urn are just some of the things Ellis has to contend with. When it begins to become tradition at these occasions for true feelings to be unearthed, is it finally time for Ellis to cut ties?Set in the back room of a social club, away from the main action, the play journeys us through a wake, a wedding and a christening, and lifts the lid on the tensions behind every family ritual. Many things change over the years but something that will always remain is the same cold buffet. Elijah Young's epic comedy The Cold Buffet follows the McCarthy family over five years of life, death and love. It's a delicious North East family saga laced with dry humour and a good dose of interpersonal tension.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Newcastle's Live Theatre, in October 2023.
Three Acts of Love: The Start of Space; fangirl, or the justification of limerence; with the love of neither god nor state (Modern Plays)
by Laura Lindow Naomi Obeng Vici Wreford-SinnottPassion. Obsession. Acceptance. Betrayal. Three ground-breaking female playwrights have cooked up a feast, with a trio of short plays with music that explore love in all its glorious, sticky complexity. From the boozy warmth of the social club to the endless labyrinth of the internet, this is a show about the communities we form, the care that we show each other and the love that we hope never tears us apart.The Start of Space by Laura Lindow: A visiting expert lecturing on the secrets of the heart has a dark and unexpected truth of their own.fangirl, or the justification of limerence by Naomi Obeng: An obsessive fan poses as her musical idol online and becomes lost in a maze of love and revenge.with the love of neither god nor state by Vici Wreford-Sinnott: A young woman runs away from a world that doesn't understand her and finds shelter in a local social club. But will they have the heart to truly let her in?This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Newcastle's Live Theatre, in November 2023.
Three Acts of Love: The Start of Space; fangirl, or the justification of limerence; with the love of neither god nor state (Modern Plays)
by Laura Lindow Naomi Obeng Vici Wreford-SinnottPassion. Obsession. Acceptance. Betrayal. Three ground-breaking female playwrights have cooked up a feast, with a trio of short plays with music that explore love in all its glorious, sticky complexity. From the boozy warmth of the social club to the endless labyrinth of the internet, this is a show about the communities we form, the care that we show each other and the love that we hope never tears us apart.The Start of Space by Laura Lindow: A visiting expert lecturing on the secrets of the heart has a dark and unexpected truth of their own.fangirl, or the justification of limerence by Naomi Obeng: An obsessive fan poses as her musical idol online and becomes lost in a maze of love and revenge.with the love of neither god nor state by Vici Wreford-Sinnott: A young woman runs away from a world that doesn't understand her and finds shelter in a local social club. But will they have the heart to truly let her in?This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Newcastle's Live Theatre, in November 2023.
The Odyssey: (It's a Really Really Really Long Journey) (Plays for Young People)
by Nina SegalIt starts – like many stories – with a man.A man leaving – heard that before?A man going off to find his fortune.A man going off to start a war.Telemachus was just a baby when his dad Odysseus left to fight in the Trojan War. Now he's almost grown he sets off on a quest to find him, even if his mum is not convinced. Luckily he has the muses - and some great tunes - to guide him on his heroic journey.Join Telemachus on an epic adventure through stormy seas and strange lands, filled with mystical creatures, dangerous monsters and enchanting sirens - plus two talking sheep - and discover what really makes a true hero.This fun, musical re-telling of Homer's classic story The Odyssey is adapted by Nina Segal, with the original production directed by Jennifer Tang.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Unicorn Theatre in London, in March 2024.
The Odyssey: (It's a Really Really Really Long Journey) (Plays for Young People)
by Nina SegalIt starts – like many stories – with a man.A man leaving – heard that before?A man going off to find his fortune.A man going off to start a war.Telemachus was just a baby when his dad Odysseus left to fight in the Trojan War. Now he's almost grown he sets off on a quest to find him, even if his mum is not convinced. Luckily he has the muses - and some great tunes - to guide him on his heroic journey.Join Telemachus on an epic adventure through stormy seas and strange lands, filled with mystical creatures, dangerous monsters and enchanting sirens - plus two talking sheep - and discover what really makes a true hero.This fun, musical re-telling of Homer's classic story The Odyssey is adapted by Nina Segal, with the original production directed by Jennifer Tang.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Unicorn Theatre in London, in March 2024.
Nineteen Gardens (Modern Plays)
by Magdalena MiecznickaWe were bound by the same dreamTo be there and to own itor to destroy itNearly two years after the end of their affair, John and Aga meet once more. Each has filled the void left by the other: he has withdrawn into his world of wealth and privilege; she has found herself working as a chambermaid to support her family. Both recognise that the spark between them is still there. Will they rekindle what they had, or is an altogether darker game about to be played out…?Magdalena Miecznicka's Nineteen Gardens is a lyrical human comedy, by turns seductive, enigmatic and explosive. The author of several novels and plays in Polish, this is Miecznicka's first play in English.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in November 2023.
Nineteen Gardens (Modern Plays)
by Magdalena MiecznickaWe were bound by the same dreamTo be there and to own itor to destroy itNearly two years after the end of their affair, John and Aga meet once more. Each has filled the void left by the other: he has withdrawn into his world of wealth and privilege; she has found herself working as a chambermaid to support her family. Both recognise that the spark between them is still there. Will they rekindle what they had, or is an altogether darker game about to be played out…?Magdalena Miecznicka's Nineteen Gardens is a lyrical human comedy, by turns seductive, enigmatic and explosive. The author of several novels and plays in Polish, this is Miecznicka's first play in English.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in November 2023.
The Watch House (Plays for Young People)
by Robert WestallThere's a legend about the Watch House... Scrape beneath the whitewash and you'll find terror. You'll find him.Tynemouth, late 1970s. Christmas is coming and Front Street's swinging. But Anne, dumped here while her parents sort their divorce, isn't in the mood. She escapes to the castle, the Priory the beaches. Best of all, the Watch House. The old coastguard's place is packed with weird treasures and no one bothers her. Until lights start to flicker and something stirs in the dark nights...Buried deep in the past is a secret which now threatens everything. Only Anne can stop it. The Watch House is an epic new adaptation of Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall's original novel, from Olivier Award-winning theatre-maker Chris Foxon. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay, in December 2023.
The Watch House (Plays for Young People)
by Robert WestallThere's a legend about the Watch House... Scrape beneath the whitewash and you'll find terror. You'll find him.Tynemouth, late 1970s. Christmas is coming and Front Street's swinging. But Anne, dumped here while her parents sort their divorce, isn't in the mood. She escapes to the castle, the Priory the beaches. Best of all, the Watch House. The old coastguard's place is packed with weird treasures and no one bothers her. Until lights start to flicker and something stirs in the dark nights...Buried deep in the past is a secret which now threatens everything. Only Anne can stop it. The Watch House is an epic new adaptation of Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall's original novel, from Olivier Award-winning theatre-maker Chris Foxon. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay, in December 2023.
Hamnet (Modern Plays)
by Maggie O'Farrell'She's like no one I've ever met... She's like fire and water all at once.'Warwickshire, 1582. Agnes Hathaway, a natural healer, meets the Latin tutor, William Shakespeare. Drawn together by powerful but hidden impulses, they create a life together and make a family.As William moves to London to discover his place in the world of theatre, Agnes stays at home to raise their three children but she is the constant presence and purpose of his life.When the plague steals 11-year-old Hamnet from his loving parents, they must each confront their loss alone. And yet, out of the greatest suffering, something of extraordinary wonder is born.This new play based on Maggie O'Farrell's best-selling novel and adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi, Red Velvet, Hymn), pulls back a curtain on the imagined family life of the greatest writer in the English language. Hamnet is a love letter to passion, birth, grief and the magic of nature. This updated and revised edition was published to coincide with the West End transfer of the original RSC production in October 2023.
Hamnet (Modern Plays)
by Maggie O'Farrell'She's like no one I've ever met... She's like fire and water all at once.'Warwickshire, 1582. Agnes Hathaway, a natural healer, meets the Latin tutor, William Shakespeare. Drawn together by powerful but hidden impulses, they create a life together and make a family.As William moves to London to discover his place in the world of theatre, Agnes stays at home to raise their three children but she is the constant presence and purpose of his life.When the plague steals 11-year-old Hamnet from his loving parents, they must each confront their loss alone. And yet, out of the greatest suffering, something of extraordinary wonder is born.This new play based on Maggie O'Farrell's best-selling novel and adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi, Red Velvet, Hymn), pulls back a curtain on the imagined family life of the greatest writer in the English language. Hamnet is a love letter to passion, birth, grief and the magic of nature. This updated and revised edition was published to coincide with the West End transfer of the original RSC production in October 2023.
The Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt: History, Archaeology and Society
by Wolfram GrajetzkiFor the ancient Egyptians, the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000-1700 BC) was a classical period of art, history and literature. The Twelfth Dynasty was one of the strongest ever to rule on the banks of the Nile: some of its kings were later worshipped as local gods, and were made famous by classical Greek authors. Yet Egyptologists tend not to look beyond the extraordinary royal sculpture and literary masterpieces of the time. Although the picture is fragmentary, as with any archaeological record, the last two hundred years of exploration and excavation have revealed much of the splendour of the period. This book examines the evidence for the culture, history and society of both central and provincial Egypt at the time, revealing the wealth of the entire country. In this second edition, Wolfram Grajetzki incorporates recent discoveries, discussions and publications which have emerged over the intervening fifteen years, including new excavation reports for the mastabas at Lisht and excavations at Abydos. Too often overshadowed by the better-preserved architecture of other periods, Middle Kingdom Egypt emerges for the reader as a fascinating age in its own right.
The Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt: History, Archaeology and Society
by Wolfram GrajetzkiFor the ancient Egyptians, the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000-1700 BC) was a classical period of art, history and literature. The Twelfth Dynasty was one of the strongest ever to rule on the banks of the Nile: some of its kings were later worshipped as local gods, and were made famous by classical Greek authors. Yet Egyptologists tend not to look beyond the extraordinary royal sculpture and literary masterpieces of the time. Although the picture is fragmentary, as with any archaeological record, the last two hundred years of exploration and excavation have revealed much of the splendour of the period. This book examines the evidence for the culture, history and society of both central and provincial Egypt at the time, revealing the wealth of the entire country. In this second edition, Wolfram Grajetzki incorporates recent discoveries, discussions and publications which have emerged over the intervening fifteen years, including new excavation reports for the mastabas at Lisht and excavations at Abydos. Too often overshadowed by the better-preserved architecture of other periods, Middle Kingdom Egypt emerges for the reader as a fascinating age in its own right.
£1 Thursdays (Modern Plays)
by Kat Rose-MartinNewcastle, London, America. You can go anywhere, it's still the same old shit. People just getting by, in any way they know how. But I tell you what they don't have, they don't have a £1 Thursday!17-year-old Jen and Stacey are best friends. Since forever.Stacey always dreamed of being a dancer. And she's actually got the talent for it. Only her school career advisor hasn't even been to London, let alone heard of Urdang. Jen is smart. Like Oxbridge smart. But all 'smart' gives her is the ability to see that there's no use trying to change the story prewritten for her, growing up in an underfunded and forgotten Bradford in the 2010s.They only have one place they can escape to… Club Ocean on a Thursday night. Freedom for Jen and Stacey. A beautiful and hilarious coming-of-age story, Kat Rose-Martin's £1 Thursdays captures and celebrates the trials and tribulations of what it means to be young, Northern and working class, when for one Vodka-blurred second, you're allowed to forget everything and just dance.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Finborough Theatre in November 2023.
£1 Thursdays (Modern Plays)
by Kat Rose-MartinNewcastle, London, America. You can go anywhere, it's still the same old shit. People just getting by, in any way they know how. But I tell you what they don't have, they don't have a £1 Thursday!17-year-old Jen and Stacey are best friends. Since forever.Stacey always dreamed of being a dancer. And she's actually got the talent for it. Only her school career advisor hasn't even been to London, let alone heard of Urdang. Jen is smart. Like Oxbridge smart. But all 'smart' gives her is the ability to see that there's no use trying to change the story prewritten for her, growing up in an underfunded and forgotten Bradford in the 2010s.They only have one place they can escape to… Club Ocean on a Thursday night. Freedom for Jen and Stacey. A beautiful and hilarious coming-of-age story, Kat Rose-Martin's £1 Thursdays captures and celebrates the trials and tribulations of what it means to be young, Northern and working class, when for one Vodka-blurred second, you're allowed to forget everything and just dance.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Finborough Theatre in November 2023.
The Confessions (Modern Plays)
by Mr Alexander ZeldinAn intimate portrait of a lifeAustralia 1943 to London 2021, and everything in between.Alice is learning to be herself against the times. But how do the times shape who we are?Playing out over a tumultuous eight decades, Alice's complex relationships become a common thread in her personal journey, in this intimate portrait of a life.Alexander Zeldin (LOVE, Faith, Hope and Charity) returns to the National Theatre with this international collaboration. Following hours of interviews he brings a real life to stage, featuring music composed by Yannis Philippakis. The Confessions premiered in Vienna before touring to Athens, Barcelona and Paris as well as a run at the Avignon Festival 2023. This edition was published to coincide with the run at London's National Theatre in October 2023.
The Confessions (Modern Plays)
by Mr Alexander ZeldinAn intimate portrait of a lifeAustralia 1943 to London 2021, and everything in between.Alice is learning to be herself against the times. But how do the times shape who we are?Playing out over a tumultuous eight decades, Alice's complex relationships become a common thread in her personal journey, in this intimate portrait of a life.Alexander Zeldin (LOVE, Faith, Hope and Charity) returns to the National Theatre with this international collaboration. Following hours of interviews he brings a real life to stage, featuring music composed by Yannis Philippakis. The Confessions premiered in Vienna before touring to Athens, Barcelona and Paris as well as a run at the Avignon Festival 2023. This edition was published to coincide with the run at London's National Theatre in October 2023.
Nae Expectations (Modern Plays)
by Charles DickensHow do I even start? It's a mental story. Ah know, Ah know, everyone says that – 'ma life's pure mental'.But honestly – a guy drowns, a man eats a live pigeon (though Ah might no have time for that), a woman gets set on fire, right before my eyes!But before we get tae aw that, Ah should tell you ma name. Right. So, ma name, is. . . Pip.Pip is just your average wee guy – happy with his lot and not much of a complainer (though you really wouldn't blame him if he was!). Regularly tortured and terrified, in what is, it must be said, a truly hard life, he still finds time to laugh, smile and dream of a brighter future, even though no-one expects anything of him. Or so he thinks. . .Nae Expectations is Gary McNair's fresh look at the Dickens classic, with a Glasgow tongue and a gallus spirit. Follow young Pip as he battles with monstrous adults, the class system and, most of all, his inner demons as he tries to work out who he is, what he wants to be and how to find his own way in the world.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Glasgow's Tron Theatre, in October 2023.