Simon Stephens

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Simon Stephens BIO

Simon Stephens is a prolific British playwright with an impressive list of credits both on and off Broadway. Born in Stockport, England in 1971, Stephens began his career as a teacher before turning to playwriting in the late 1990s.
Stephens' first major success came with his play "Herons," which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2001. The play, which tells the story of a teenage boy who seeks revenge against a group of bullies, was praised for its raw, uncompromising depiction of youth violence. It won the 2002 Olivier Award for Best New Play and established Stephens as a major new voice in British theatre.
Since then, Stephens has continued to write plays that explore the darker side of human nature. His work often deals with themes of isolation, grief, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Some of his most notable plays include "Pornography," which examines the impact of the 7/7 bombings on the people of London, and "Birdland," which explores the life of a rock star struggling with addiction and fame.
Stephens' work has been produced at some of the most prestigious theatres in the world, including the National Theatre, the Royal Court, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also had several successful productions on Broadway, including "Heisenberg," which premiered in 2016.
In addition to his work in theatre, Stephens has also written for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 2008 film "A Respectable Trade," which was based on the novel by Philippa Gregory. He has also written for popular TV shows such as "Holby City" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," which was adapted from his own novel of the same name.
Stephens' most recent work includes the play "The Funfair," which premiered at the Manchester International Festival in 2017.

Simon Stephens Photos

Simon Stephens Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
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[West End, 2023]
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[Off-Broadway, 2021] [Replacement]
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[West End, 2017]
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[Off-Broadway, 2014] [Replacement]
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Simon Stephens Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Play

Simon Stephens, Sea Wall/A Life


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Play

Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time


winner
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play

Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Drama League Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play

Simon Stephens, Punk Rock


winner
Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Play

Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time


winner
Olivier Awards - 2006 - Best New Play

Simon StephensOn The Shore Of The Wide World

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Most Promising Playwright

Simon StephensHerons

Simon Stephens Videos

Simon Stephens News


The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society Will Perform THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, will present The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Will Make Adelaide Return

The internationally acclaimed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon's best-selling book will make its anticipated return to Adelaide stages in April.

Paines Plough Enters Its 50th Year And Reveals Upcoming Shows

This year Paines Plough celebrates 50 years. The company has commissioned over 500 writers and developed and produced more than 400 plays since its inception in 1974. Learn more about the upcoming shows here!

SUNSET BOULEVARD, PLAZA SUITE, and More Nominated For Olivier Awards; Full List!

The nominations are in for this year's Olivier Awards! Among those nominated are Sunset Boulevard, Plaza Suite, The National Theatre, and many more. Check out the full list of nominations here!

Cast and Creatives Set For THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Skokie Theatre

The cast and creative team has been announced for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, which-runs for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre.

Sandra Oh, Ann Harada & More to Star in THE WELKIN at Atlantic Theater Company

The complete cast has been revealed for the American premiere of The Welkin, written by Lucy Kirkwood and directed by Sarah Benson at Atlantic Theater Company. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Ballet Tech to Present 30th Anniversary Kids Dance at the Joyce

Ballet Tech will return to The Joyce Theater for the 30th anniversary of its Kids Dance student performance troupe, May 30–June 2. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look At CCAE Theatrical's CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

CCAE Theatricals has released production photos for the San Diego premiere of Curious Incident, based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens and directed by J. Scott Lapp (Witnesses, 2022 Craig Noel Award for Outstanding New Musical & Direction). See the photos here!

Cast Set For A TASTE OF HONEY at Royal Exchange

The cast has been set for A TASTE OF HONEY by Shelagh Delaney and directed by Emma Baggott  at Royal Exchange. Performances run 15 March – 13 April.

Complete Cast & Design Team Set for BATHHOUSE.PPTX at The Flea

The Flea has revealed the complete cast and design team for the world premiere production of BATHHOUSE.PPTX, written by Jesús I. Valles.

Symphony Space Announces New Programs For Spring 2024

Symphony Space has announced additional Spring 2024 programming. The coming months abound with bespoke evenings that offer playful and candid experiences of some of today's most beloved voices in music, literature, theater, and more.

Symphony Space Unveils Spring 2024 Programming Featuring George Takei, Judy Collins & More

Symphony Space has revealed additional Spring 2024 programming. See performance dates and learn who is taking part!

Possum Point Players Open 2024 With THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Possum Point Players opens their 2024 season with the award-winning drama, 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.'

Cast Announced For San Diego Premiere of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at CCAE Theatricals

The Tony award-winning play based on the best-selling novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, will play the Center Theatre at The California Center for the Arts, Escondido from February 16 to March 3, 2024. Check out the cast here!

Avon Players Presents THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, January 19- February 3

Avon Players presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - A startling discovery leads to a life-altering exploration in this best-selling novel turned play. Join us for a thought-provoking experience.

Full Cast Set for THE ALLY at The Public Theater Starring Josh Radnor & More

The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of THE ALLY written by Tony Award-winning playwrightItamar Moses (The Band’s Visit) and directed by Drama Desk winner Lila Neugebauer (Appropriate). 

Manhattan Theatre Club Appoints Nicki Hunter as Associate Artistic Director

Learn about the recent appointment of Nicki Hunter as the Associate Artistic Director at Manhattan Theatre Club. Discover how this addition will contribute to the future of the renowned theater company and its upcoming productions.

Steve Carell Will Make His Broadway Debut in UNCLE VANYA; Additional Cast Revealed!

Steve Carell is headed to Broadway! The actor, best known for starring in the television series The Office, will make his Broadway debut in Lincoln Center Theater's upcoming production of Anton Chekhov’s classic UNCLE VANYA. Find out more information about the production here!

Review: TRUEMAN AND THE ARSONISTS, Roundhouse Studio Theatre

Despite it's effervescent cast, this a sparky update of Frisch's classic fails to ignite.

Photos: represent. Presents TRUEMAN AND THE ARSONISTS at The Roundhouse Studio

represent. presents TRUEMAN AND THE ARSONISTS, written by Max Frisch, in a new version by Simon Stephens, with songs by Chris Thorpe, 18 October – 8 November 2023.

Simon Stephens FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Simon Stephens written?

Simon Stephens has written 7 shows including The Shining (Author), Harper Regan (Playwright), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Adaptor), Heisenberg (Author), On the Shore of the Wide World (Playwright), Fatherland (Co-Author & Writer), Sea Wall (Author).

What awards has Simon Stephens been nominated for?

Simon Stephens has been nominated for the following awards: Best Play at the Tony Awards for Sea Wall/A Life, Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Punk Rock, Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Best New Play at the Olivier Awards for On The Shore Of The Wide World, and Most Promising Playwright at the Olivier Awards for Herons.

What awards has Simon Stephens won?

Simon Stephens has won the following awards: - Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for On The Shore Of The Wide World.

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