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Features an investigation - with exercises and techniques - into the wellsprings of improvisation in theatre, dance and music by the author of "House of Games". This book also looks at many famous shows, events and performers with improvisation at their core, ranging from "Commedia dell' Arte" to "The Living Theatre", John Cage, and Lenny Bruce.

In BEDBOUND a father and daughter share a small bed. He talks frantically about his past in furniture sales; she talks no less compulsively about anything at all. In "misterman" we enter the head of Thomas Magill, an unstable man whose mission is to bring God to his fellow townsfolk.

An electrifying, bittersweet love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, set in a society divided by racial bigotry and a world rocked by terrorism. Adapted from Malorie Blackman's best-selling novels.

Maureen is a pensioner in search of passion. Since her heart was broken by David from Aberdeen - who happened to be a millionaire as well as the world's best lover - she is finding it difficult to meet anyone who can satisfy her. This book was developed using the author's verbatim theatre technique.

In a trendy wine bar - Bella, 29, is celebrating her birthday with her best friend, Emily, two of her exes, and another, rather loud friend, Sandy. Intercut with their bantering conversation are edgy scenes between Bella and her father, with whom she has a classically difficult relationship, not helped by his having an inoperable brain tumour.

A powerful and straightforward dramatisation of Orwell's enduring parable on the perils of totalitarianism.

An almost unbearably moving story of veiled emotions running deep, based on the true life situation of Rex Harrison's wife, Kay Kendall, and her early death from cancer.

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding. In The Alchemist Face, Subtle and Dol Common are three rogues intent on conning the gullible out of their money. Setting up a quack-doctor's practice in Lovewit's house they promise miraculous services that cost their customers dear. Everything goes swimmingly, until Lovewit returns and the three turn against each other. Edited by Simon Trussler, with an introduction by Colin Counsell.

Plays only release their true meaning on stage. After an introduction to the historical background of Ibsen's play, the reader is conducted scene by scene through the Action of the play, followed by a discussion of the Characters, the Setting, Staging, Lighting, Costumes Props and Furniture.

A biting, heart-warming comedy of love and fate in contemporary Montreal, in a version by Rona Munro.

The best known play by one of the most performed French playwrights - a sparkling 18th-century comedy of manners. In the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series.

An irreverent and provocative drama questioning the basis of Christianity, by the author of The Romans in Britain.

A chillingly grotesque farce set in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.

An enthralling drama about the man who killed Hendrik Verwoerd, the architect of South African apartheid.

Euripides' version of the Ancient Greek myth of revenge on a murdering parent. In the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series.

A gripping play exploring Western guilt towards the Third World, from an author well-known for her award-winning adaptations for Shared Experience and the National Theatre.

A collaboratively written City Comedy which sees true love and virtue triumphing over social-climbing, deception and trickery. In the Nick Hern Books RSC Classics series.

An adaptation for the stage of this modern children's classic by the best-selling author and 2005 Children's Laureate.

An energetic, fast-moving adaptation for the stage of this modern children's classic, by the best-selling author and 2005 Children's Laureate.

An adaptation for the stage of this modern children's classic by the best-selling author and 2005 Children's Laureate.

Tells the story of a peasant bride who elopes on the day of her wedding.

A hands-on guide to directing plays. Stephen Unwin takes a step-by-step approach, covering: choosing the play; casting; design; rehearsal (establishing facts, improvisation, language, character, blocking, using specialists); running the play; putting it on the stage; and finally, opening night!

The book and lyrics of the first musical for which Sondheim composed the score as well. "Forum" opened in 1962 and is Sondheim's longest running play. Other plays for which he has written both the music and lyrics are "A Little Night Music", "Into the Woods" and "Assassins".

Sheridan's most successful play, often considered the apex of English comedy.

A collection of shorter plays from stage and television by one of the UK's foremost political playwrights.

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding. All For Love is John Dryden's version of the Antony and Cleopatra story, told as a heroic tragedy. Antony and Octavius Caesar are struggling for control of what was to become the Roman Empire. Antony and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, are lovers and political allies, but their forces have been defeated at the battle of Actium. The play is set in Alexandria, under siege by Octavius Caesar. Edited and introduced Trevor R. Griffiths.

The successful new comedy by a well-known Scottish playwright.

The best known of all Irish plays.

A dark, shimmering firework of a play.

Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? And how can actors and directors get the most out of his incomparable plays? In Speaking the Speech, Giles Block - 'Master of the Words' at Shakespeare's Globe - sets out to answer these two simple questions. The result is the most authoritative, most comprehensive book yet written on speaking Shakespeare's words. Throughout the book, the author subjects Shakespeare's language to rigorous examination, illuminating his extraordinary ability to bring his characters to life by a simple turn of phrase, a breath or even a pause. Block shows how we can only fully understand these characters, and the meaning of the plays, by speaking the words out loud. Drawing on characters from across all of Shakespeare's plays - and looking in detail at Macbeth, The Winter's Tale, Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing - Block covers everything the actor needs to know, including: the essential distinctions between prose, rhymed verse and unrhymed verse, and the different strategies to be used when speaking them; the difference between 'you' and 'thou'; Shakespeare's use of silence; and the vital importance of paying attention to Shakespeare's 'original' punctuation. Speaking the Speech is a book for actors and directors who want to improve their understanding of Shakespeare's language in order to speak it better. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation of Shakespeare's language and the way it comes to life when spoken aloud. 'We call Giles our 'Text Guru' at the Globe, partly in jest, and partly out of respect for the depth of his knowledge, the gentleness of his teaching, and the sudden illuminations he can throw across a play. If this book can afford even a small part of the pleasure and insight Giles can provide in person, then it will be a great asset.' Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director, Shakespeare's Globe 'Giles deepened my love for Shakespeare and for the way we all speak. I trust you will have a similar experience reading his book.' Mark Rylance, from his Foreword