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Lee Hall

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BIO

Lee Hall was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1966 and studied English Literature at Cambridge University. He has worked as a writer in theatre, TV, radio and film. He has been writer in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne.Theatre: Wittgenstein on Tyne, Live Theatre 1996; Bollocks, RSC Fringe, 1998; Genie, Paines Plough, 1998; Cooking With Elvis, Live Theatre/West End 1999 – nominated for an Oliver Award for Best Comedy; Spoonface Steinberg, Ambassadors Theatre, London 2000; Two’s Company, Live Theatre/Bristol Old Vic, 2001; Billy Elliot the Musical, 2004 – Oliver Award Best Musical; Pitmen Painters, Live Theatre, Newcastle/Royal National Theatre/ National tour/Broadway, 2007–2010.



Theatre adaptations: Leonce and Lena (Buchner), The Gate Theatre, 1997; Mr Puntila and his man Matti (Brecht) Almedia Theatre, 1998, A Servant to Two Masters (Goldoni) RSC/ Young Vic 1999; The Adventures of Pinocchio (Collodi), Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, 2000; Mother Courage (Brecht), Shared Experience/Ambassadors Theatre; The Good Hope (Heijermans) Royal National Theatre, 2001; The Barber of Seville (Beaumarchais), Bristol Old Vic, 2003.

Opera: Adaptation of Il Pagliacci/The Comedians for the English National Opera, 2008.

TV : Spoonface Steinberg 1997, BBC; A Prince of Hearts 1998, BBC; Wind in the Willows 2007 BBC.

Radio: (all BBC): I Luv You Jimmy Spud 1996 – Writers Guild Award Best New Play/Gold Sony Award Best new play/Alfred Bradley Award/Society of Authors Award; Spoonface Steinberg 1997; I Love You, Ragie Patel 1997; The Sorrows of Sandra Saint 1997; Blood Sugar 1997; Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter (from Vargas Llosa) 1998; Gristle 1999; Child of the Snow 2000; Child of the Rain 2000.

Film: Billy Elliot, Working Title Films, 2000. His screen play for War Horse directed by Stephen Speilberg is due out in 2011.

Currently working with Roger Waters on a theatrical adaptation of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

Photos

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Best Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best New Play

Lee Hall, The Pitmen Painters


winner
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2008 - Best Play

Lee HallThe Pitmen Painters

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best New Comedy

Lee HallCooking With Elvis

Videos

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News


Review: NETWORK at Group Rep Photo
Review: NETWORK at Group Rep
by Evan Henerson - Jun 20, 2025

The knives are lethal and the cuts are man...With Bert Emmett fronting an equally enthusiastic and bloodthirsty cast, the Group Rep’s NETWORK is equal parts rollicking, disturbing and thought-provoking.
Preview FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Kent State University/Porthouse Theatre Photo
Preview FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Kent State University/Porthouse Theatre
by Roy Berko - Jun 16, 2025

At the age of fifteen Solomon Rabinovich adopted the pseudonym  “Sholem Aleichem,” a Yiddish variant of the Hebrew expression meaning 'peace be with you' and used as a greeting.
NETWORK Begins Performances At The Group Rep On May 23 Photo
NETWORK Begins Performances At The Group Rep On May 23
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2025

The Group Rep will present NETWORK written by Lee Hall, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film, directed by Tom Lazarus, and produced by Stevie Stern. Adapted from the 1976 film which had an Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
Photos: First look at Dublin Jerome High School Drama Club presents SHAKESPEARE IN LO Photo
Photos: First look at Dublin Jerome High School Drama Club presents SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
by Jerri Shafer - May 1, 2025

Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece.
Review: BILLY ELLIOT at Shedley Theatre Photo
Review: BILLY ELLIOT at Shedley Theatre
by Barry Lenny - Apr 2, 2025

It has heart, it has soul.
Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and More to Lead NETWORK Reading Photo
Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and More to Lead NETWORK Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025

Scarlett Johansson, Julianna Margulies, Mark Ruffalo, Fisher Stevens, and special guests will lead a benefit staged reading of Network, Paddy Chayefsky’s Academy Award winning screenplay at The Center at West Park. Learn how to attend.
Finnish National Opera And Ballet Announces 2025/2026 Season Photo
Finnish National Opera And Ballet Announces 2025/2026 Season
by Joshua Wright - Mar 26, 2025

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet has announced its 2025–2026 season which features new contemporary operas, romantic ballet gems, and pulsating street dance The Opera and Ballet season 2025–2026 is a celebration of emotions. We move from one extreme to another, from dark tones towards light and vice versa.
Lee Hall Adapts MOTHER COURAGE For New Theatre Company Photo
Lee Hall Adapts MOTHER COURAGE For New Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Ensemble ‘84 has announced the dates for its debut production, Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht and adapted by award-winning writer Lee Hall.
Review: FESTEN, Royal Ballet And Opera Photo
Review: FESTEN, Royal Ballet And Opera
by Alexander Cohen - Feb 12, 2025

Mark-Anthony Turnage has a provocative habit of turning unconventional narratives into opera
New Season of NAKED AND AFRAID Premiering in March Photo
New Season of NAKED AND AFRAID Premiering in March
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2025

From the sweltering jungles in the Philippines to the rugged bluffs of the American Midwest a new season of Discovery Channel’s NAKED AND AFRAID is premiering Sunday, March 9.
NETWORK Comes to PCS Theater Photo
NETWORK Comes to PCS Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

PCS Theater has announced the regional premiere of Network, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall from the Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
LES MISERABLES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and More Will Come to UK Cinemas This Spring Photo
LES MISERABLES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and More Will Come to UK Cinemas This Spring
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2025

The World's Greatest Stage Musicals will return this Spring, arriving in over 500 cinemas nationwide—a must-see for theatre lovers of all kinds. Learn more about the lineup here!
7 Underrated Christmas Songs From Broadway Shows Photo
7 Underrated Christmas Songs From Broadway Shows
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 25, 2024

Tired of the same old tried and true holiday songs? Check out a few underrated faves from Anastasia, Elf the Musical, Rent and more!
PINOCCHIO is Now Playing at Det KGL. Teater Photo
PINOCCHIO is Now Playing at Det KGL. Teater
by Stephi Wild - Dec 20, 2024

Pinocchio recounts the tale of Geppetto's little puppet, who, through magic, gains life and sets off on incredible and perilous escapades in his quest to become human.
Video: First Look at Non-Replica BILLY ELLIOT at the Royal Danish Theatre Photo
Video: First Look at Non-Replica BILLY ELLIOT at the Royal Danish Theatre
by Michael Major - Dec 16, 2024

Watch a first look video at the Royal Danish Theatre's new non-replica production of Billy Elliot in Copenhagen. Elton John and Lee Hall's award-winning musical adaptation of the famous film has been a global success.
World Premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's FESTEN Comes to The Royal Opera Photo
World Premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's FESTEN Comes to The Royal Opera
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2024

Acclaimed contemporary composer Mark-Anthony Turnage will join forces with Olivier Award-winning director Richard Jones in the world premiere of Festen.
BILLY ELLIOT is Now Playing at the Royal Danish Theatre Photo
BILLY ELLIOT is Now Playing at the Royal Danish Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2024

This year's musical highlight at the Royal Danish Theatre is Billy Elliot, the story of a boy named Billy growing up in a harsh mining community, who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Makes Sydney Premiere Next Month Photo
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Makes Sydney Premiere Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2024

Shakespeare In Love will make its Sydney premiere this November. Performances run 12 November - 14 December 2024.
Royal Academy Of Dance Reveals Winners Of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Com Photo
Royal Academy Of Dance Reveals Winners Of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2024

The Royal Academy of Dance has announced the medallists of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024 final which took place at His Majesty's Theatre in London this evening.
Samara Joy Releases New Single Ahead of Forthcoming Album Photo
Samara Joy Releases New Single Ahead of Forthcoming Album
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 28, 2024

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy has announced a new studio album Portrait, set for release on October 11th. Ahead of the release, she has dropped her lead single 'You Stepped Out of a Dream,' available everywhere now.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Lee Hall written?

Lee Hall has written 4 shows including Billy Elliot (Bookwriter), The Pitmen Painters (Playwright), Shakespeare in Love (Adapted for the Stage), Cats (Screenwriter).

What awards has Lee Hall been nominated for?

Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for The Pitmen Painters, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Pitmen Painters and Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Cooking With Elvis.

What awards has Lee Hall won?

Lee Hall has won several prestigious awards, including Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot The Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot, and Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Pitmen Painters.

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