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Simon Stephens

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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.

Photos

Productions

An Ark
 
[Off-Broadway, 2026]
Writer
VanyaVanya
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Adaptor
VanyaVanya
 
[West End, 2023]
Adaptation
Song From Far AwaySong From Far Away
 
[West End, 2023]
Writer
Morning SunMorning Sun
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021] [Replacement]
Playwright[Replacement]
The SeagullThe Seagull
 
[West End, 2017]
Adaptor
Punk RockPunk Rock
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014] [Replacement]
Playwright[Replacement]

Writing

Playwright
Harper Regan
Playwright
Fatherland
Co-Author & Writer
Sea Wall
Author

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

Videos

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News


Photos: Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover in HEISENBERG at The Skylight Theatre Photo
Photos: Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover in HEISENBERG at The Skylight Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 24, 2025

All new photos have been released of Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover HEISENBERG, written by Simon Stephens and directed by Cameron Watson. Check out photos here!
UK Tour of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Announces 2027 Dates Photo
UK Tour of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Announces 2027 Dates
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2025

2027 dates have been revealed for the newly announced production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, inspired by the novel and the National Theatre's stage adaptation.
Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover to Star in HEISENBERG by Simon Stephens at the SKYLIGHT T Photo
Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover to Star in HEISENBERG by Simon Stephens at the SKYLIGHT THEATRE in Los Feliz
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover will star in Brave Space Productions' HEISENBERG, written by Simon Stephens. Through observing and sharing space and time, two people alter each other's trajectories and evolve away from the safety of stasis.
Ian McKellen and More Will Lead Mixed Reality Play AN ARK at The Shed Photo
Ian McKellen and More Will Lead Mixed Reality Play AN ARK at The Shed
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2025

An Ark, the first play created for and in mixed reality, will make its world premiere next year at The Shed, starring Ian McKellen and more. Learn more about the production here!
New UK Tour of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Will Open in Birming Photo
New UK Tour of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Will Open in Birmingham
by Stephi Wild - Oct 14, 2025

Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep will co-produce a brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, opening in Birmingham next September before embarking on a major UK tour
HEISENBERG By Simon Stephens Opens In November At Skylight Theatre Photo
HEISENBERG By Simon Stephens Opens In November At Skylight Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 11, 2025

Heisenberg by Simon Stephens opens November 20 at Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz, directed by Cameron Watson and starring Paul Eiding and Juls Hoover.
Nine Playwrights Selected For Hampstead Theatre's Inspire Programme Photo
Nine Playwrights Selected For Hampstead Theatre's Inspire Programme
by Stephi Wild - Oct 1, 2025

Hampstead Theatre has announced the nine playwrights who will join its acclaimed INSPIRE programme for 2025/6 now led by Tony and Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens.
Manhattan Theater Club Names Nicki Hunter as New Artistic Director Photo
Manhattan Theater Club Names Nicki Hunter as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025

Manhattan Theater Club has named Nicki Hunter as its next artistic director. Learn more about Hunter and about the changes being made to the organization here!
Focus presenta su temporada 2025-2026 Photo
Focus presenta su temporada 2025-2026
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Sep 5, 2025

La Cubana y Germans de sang encabezan la programación musical del grupo teatral catalán.
Simon Stephens Joins Sounds From A Safe Harbour Festival Photo
Simon Stephens Joins Sounds From A Safe Harbour Festival
by Stephi Wild - Sep 5, 2025

Celebrating its landmark 10th anniversary edition this year, Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) will return to Cork City next week. Learn more about the event here!
Peter Quilter’s STEP BY STEP to Receive Industry Presentation Starring Gaynor Faye, Photo
Peter Quilter’s STEP BY STEP to Receive Industry Presentation Starring Gaynor Faye, Lorraine Bruce, and Denise Welch
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 1, 2025

Thomas Hopkins Productions has announced an exclusive industry presentation of Step By Step, a heartwarming new comedy by two-time Olivier nominee and Tony Award nominee Peter Quilter (End of the Rainbow, Glorious!).
THE CAKE & More Lead San Francisco / Bay Area's June 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
THE CAKE & More Lead San Francisco / Bay Area's June 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - May 30, 2025

San Francisco / Bay Area is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for June 2025 include THE CAKE and more.
Simon Stephens Appointed Director Of Hampstead Theatre's Inspire Playwriting Programm Photo
Simon Stephens Appointed Director Of Hampstead Theatre's Inspire Playwriting Programme
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2025

Acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens has been appointed Programme Director of Hampstead Theatre's Inspire playwriting programme taking over from Roy Williams who has led the initiative since its inception in 2017.
2025 Lucille Lortel Awards- Full Winners List Photo
2025 Lucille Lortel Awards- Full Winners List
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2025

The 40th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were presented on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at NYU Skirball. Check out updates from the ceremony here!
Review: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Stagecraft Photo
Review: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Stagecraft
by Neil Brewer - May 3, 2025

A beautifully thoughtful play that will stay with you long after the curtain call
Interview: Brendan Looney of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at San Photo
Interview: Brendan Looney of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at San Francisco Playhouse
by Jim Munson - May 1, 2025

BroadwayWorld chats with actor Brendan Looney about starring role in San Francisco Playhouse's production of Simon Stephens 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' running May 1 to June 21.
VANYA Starring Andrew Scott Recoups Investment Photo
VANYA Starring Andrew Scott Recoups Investment
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

The current Off-Broadway run of the Olivier Award-winning smash-hit, Vanya, starring Olivier Award winner Andrew Scott has recouped its initial investment. Learn more here!
Jake Gyllenhaal Will Be Honored at Manhattan Theatre Club's Spring Gala Photo
Jake Gyllenhaal Will Be Honored at Manhattan Theatre Club's Spring Gala
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced that their 2025 annual Spring Gala will honor Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal. Learn more about the event here!
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is Coming to Belfast Maskers Photo
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is Coming to Belfast Maskers
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025

Belfast Maskers will bring to the stage 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time', Simon Stephens' powerful adaptation of the beloved novel by Mark Haddon. Learn more!
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List Photo
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!
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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?

Best Play (Tony Awards) for Sea Wall/A Life, 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, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for Punk Rock, 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 and Most Promising Playwright (Olivier Awards) for Herons .

What awards has Simon Stephens won?

Simon Stephens has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He also received Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards for the same show. Additionally, he won Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, as well as Best New Play at the Olivier Awards for On The Shore Of The Wide World.

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