10 contemporary plays you should read
modern play writes
People, Places & Things by Duncan Macmillan
A gripping and emotionally intense play that follows Emma, an actress struggling with addiction and her journey through rehabilitation. Set in a rehab facility, the play explores themes of identity, performance, and the difficulty of facing reality. Emma’s wit and defiance create tension as she navigates therapy and confronts her own demons. The production is known for its innovative staging, which vividly captures the chaotic experience of addiction and recovery. A raw, thought-provoking portrayal of the challenges of self-discovery and the courage it takes to change.
Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
A darkly comedic and deeply personal one-woman show that delves into the messy, unapologetic life of its titular character. With sharp wit and biting honesty, Fleabag navigates love, grief, sex, and the complexities of modern life, all while breaking the fourth wall to confide in the audience. Originally performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the play captures the raw vulnerability and humour of a woman trying to make sense of herself and her world. Its bold, unfiltered storytelling laid the foundation for the critically acclaimed television series of the same name.
The History Boys by Alan Bennett
A poignant and witty play that explores education, ambition, and the complexities of growing up. Set in a British grammar school in the 1980s, it follows a group of clever, rambunctious sixth-form boys preparing for university entrance exams under the guidance of two contrasting teachers: the unconventional and charismatic Hector, and the pragmatic and results-driven Irwin. As the boys grapple with their futures, the play examines themes of knowledge, identity, and the purpose of education. With its sharp humour and touching insights, it has become a modern classic of British theatre.
A captivating and innovative play that explores love, choice, and the vast possibilities of the multiverse. The story follows Roland, a beekeeper, and Marianne, a physicist, as they navigate their relationship across multiple timelines, showing how slight variations in their actions and words lead to dramatically different outcomes. Using a non-linear structure and repeated scenes with subtle changes, the play delves into themes of fate, free will, and human connection. Intimate yet expansive, this is a profoundly moving exploration of life's infinite possibilities and the power of love.
A sharp, thought-provoking play that examines the intersection of personal and political turmoil. Set against a backdrop of ecological and societal crises, the story follows a group of young people navigating relationships, ideals, and survival in a fractured world. Kirkwood's writing blends wit, intensity, and poignancy, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, responsibility, and the uncertain future of humanity. The play challenges audiences to consider their role in shaping the world while offering an intimate portrait of human resilience and vulnerability.
A powerful and provocative one-woman play that examines the intersection of law, justice, and personal trauma. It follows Tessa, a brilliant and ambitious criminal defence lawyer who specialises in sexual assault cases. The play is a searing exploration of systemic inequities, gender power dynamics, and the deeply personal struggle for accountability and truth. Raw and unflinching, Prima Facie is both a legal and emotional tour de force.
A dark and compelling play that explores themes of peer pressure, morality, and group dynamics. Centred on a group of teenagers facing the fallout of a significant event, the play delves into how they navigate loyalty, guilt, and their desire for control. With sharp dialogue and a tense atmosphere, DNA examines the complexities of human behaviour and the consequences of choices made under pressure.
Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons by Sam Steiner
A thought-provoking and intimate play set in a world where a government-imposed "Hush Law" limits individuals to speaking only 140 words per day. The story follows a couple, Bernadette and Oliver, as they navigate the challenges of their relationship in this restrictive new reality. Through clever, minimalist dialogue and poignant moments, the play explores themes of communication, connection, and the power of language. It’s a moving and inventive look at how we express ourselves and what remains unsaid.
An unflinching and provocative exploration of a toxic and deeply intimate relationship between a couple, Jo and Harry. Set over the course of one night, the play dissects their volatile dynamic as they engage in sharp, darkly humorous, and emotionally charged conversations. As they push each other's boundaries with manipulation, sarcasm, and moments of tenderness, the play explores themes of love, control, and the complexities of desire. With its intense dialogue and stark honesty, this is a powerful examination of how passion and dysfunction can coexist in relationships.
A sharp, witty, and emotionally charged play that examines identity, relationships, and the fluidity of sexuality. It follows John, a man caught in a love triangle between his long-term male partner and a woman he unexpectedly falls for. As he grapples with his feelings and the pressure to define his identity, the play explores themes of love, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Presented without traditional staging or props, Bartlett relies on razor-sharp dialogue and intense character dynamics to create a raw, intimate, and thought-provoking experience.
thank you for this! i definitely want to read more plays in 2025