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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

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


Arcola Theatre Reveals Spring/Summer Season of Their 25th Anniversary Year Photo
Arcola Theatre Reveals Spring/Summer Season of Their 25th Anniversary Year

Arcola Theatre has released its Spring/Summer 2025 season, with nine productions announced and tickets on sale now. Learn more about the upcoming performances here!
A SLOW AIR Comes to Steep Theatre Next Year Photo
A SLOW AIR Comes to Steep Theatre Next Year

Steep Theatre will kick off the new year with the Chicago Premiere of David Harrower’s A Slow Air, directed by Steep Ensemble Member Robin Witt. Learn more about the show ehre!
St. Ann’s Warehouse Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Five Premieres Photo
St. Ann’s Warehouse Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Five Premieres

St. Ann’s Warehouse has revealed programming for its 2024-25 season, a robust lineup of five new shows that mirror its vital presence in the international performing arts firmament. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
UCSB Department of Theater/Dance Will Perform THE THREEPENNY OPERA Photo
UCSB Department of Theater/Dance Will Perform THE THREEPENNY OPERA

 The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.
University of California, Santa Barbara To Present THE THREEPENNY OPERA Photo
University of California, Santa Barbara To Present THE THREEPENNY OPERA

The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 30, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 30, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is  September 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Andrew Scott Will Reprise Role in VANYA Off-Broadway Photo
Andrew Scott Will Reprise Role in VANYA Off-Broadway

Olivier Award®-winning actor Andrew Scott will reprise his wildly acclaimed performance in Vanya, a radical new adaptation of Chekhov’s masterwork, Uncle Vanya, which Mr. Scott co-created with adaptor Simon Stephens, designer Rosanna Vize and director Sam Yates, in its American Premiere.
Lortel Theatre Unveils Fall 2024 Lineup Featuring FEAST! & More Photo
Lortel Theatre Unveils Fall 2024 Lineup Featuring FEAST! & More

Lortel Theatre announced its Fall 2024 lineup featuring Michael Emerson, Jennifer Van Dyck, and more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Rob Madge in Rehearsal For BUYER & CELLAR Photo
Photos: Rob Madge in Rehearsal For BUYER & CELLAR

Rehearsal photos have been released of award-winning actor and writer Rob Madge as Alex in Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar. Check out the photos here!
PEOPLE, PLACES, & THINGS and VANYA To Launch on NT at Home With Streaming Premiere Photo
PEOPLE, PLACES, & THINGS and VANYA To Launch on NT at Home With Streaming Premiere

On 19 September, audiences worldwide can stream the critically acclaimed productions People, Places & Things with Denise Gough (Angels in America), and VANYA with Andrew Scott (All of us Strangers, Fleabag) on National Theatre at Home.
Dame Judi Dench & More to be Featured in Theatre by the Lake's Portrait Photography E Photo
Dame Judi Dench & More to be Featured in Theatre by the Lake's Portrait Photography Exhibition

Celebrate Theatre by the Lake's 25th anniversary with Dame Judi Dench and Lord Melvyn Bragg in WE ARE 25. Learn more and see how to attend!
Steep Theatre Extends A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD  Photo
Steep Theatre Extends A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD 

Steep Theatre has added a two-week extension of its sold-out, Chicago premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's A Case for the Existence of God, directed by  ensemble member Robin Witt.
Burbage Theatre Co Sets Five Plays for 13th Season Photo
Burbage Theatre Co Sets Five Plays for 13th Season

Burbage Theatre Co's 13th Season, themed Confronting Chaos, will feature five plays. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD at Steep Theatre Photo
Photos: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD at Steep Theatre

Check out production photos for Steep Theatre's production of Samuel D. Hunter's A Case for the Existence of God here!
Photos/Video: Rob Madge in BUYER & CELLAR Photo
Photos/Video: Rob Madge in BUYER & CELLAR

New photos and video footage have been released of award-winning actor and writer Rob Madge as Alex in Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar opening at London’s King’s Head Theatre for five weeks only from 18 September – 19 October. 
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Comes to the 2024 Little Shakespeare Festival Next Month

Much Ado About Nothing written by William Shakespeare and directed by Megan Lummus will be presented as part of the 2024 Little Shakespeare Festival with FRIGID New York at UNDER St. Marks.
Steep Theatre Presents The Chicago Premiere Of A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD Photo
Steep Theatre Presents The Chicago Premiere Of A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Steep Theatre brings the Chicago premiere of A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, a compelling drama exploring deep human connections and existential questions. Don't miss this thought-provoking production.
Signature Theatre's 2024 Gala to Honor Lila Neugebauer Photo
Signature Theatre's 2024 Gala to Honor Lila Neugebauer

Signature Theatre's 2024 Gala will honor acclaimed director Lila Neugebauer, celebrating her contributions to the theater community. Learn more about Neugebauer.
David Greenspan Joins MIDNIGHT COLESLAW'S TALES FROM BEYOND THE CLOSET at The Tank Photo
David Greenspan Joins MIDNIGHT COLESLAW'S TALES FROM BEYOND THE CLOSET at The Tank

David Greenspan joins the cast of Joey Merlo's MIDNIGHT COLESLAW’S TALES FROM BEYOND THE CLOSET at The Tank. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Rob Madge Will Lead BUYER & CELLAR at the King's Head Theatre Photo
Rob Madge Will Lead BUYER & CELLAR at the King's Head Theatre

Award-winning actor and writer Rob Madge will star in Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar at London’s King’s Head Theatre for five weeks only from 18 September – 19 October.
More News

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 won Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards, again for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Additionally, he received the Tony Award for Best Play for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the Olivier Award for Best New Play for On The Shore Of The Wide World.

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