Anthony Neilson is often described as one of the most exciting and
challenging voices in contemporary British theatre. For over two decades
he has acquired a reputation for innovation and experimentation in both
writing and directing having worked with companies such as The Royal
Court, The RSC and the National Theatre. This third play collection of
his most recent major works brings together five plays in publication
for the first time, offering an important documentary of his original
work since 2008.
Relocated (2008) originally premiered at the Royal Court, directed by
the author, where it was described as a "sinister mystery" play and "not
an experience for the faint-hearted...morally challenging and
riveting...leaves an indelible stain on the memory" (The Times).
Get Santa! (2010) is a magical, musical and mischievous Christmas show
with a fresh moral featuring music by Nick Powell. It's Christmas Eve
but Holly isn't happy. All she's ever wanted from Santa is to meet her
real Dad for the first time. And every time, Santa's failed to deliver,
bringing lots of useless presents instead. Well, Holly's had enough.
This year she has a plan. She's going to wait up and trap Santa when he
arrives and get from him the only present she's ever wanted.
Narrative (2013) originally premiered at the Royal Court Theatre
Upstairs. Devised throughout rehearsal with a seven-strong cast it's a
play about storytelling and the narratives of our everyday lives.
Unreachable (2016) was described as an "intoxicatingly chaotic comedy"
(Time Out) which follows a film director on an obsessive quest to
capture the perfect light. Originally running at the Royal Court Theatre
in a production that starred Matt Smith, it broke boundaries by offering
audiences a digital insight into the rehearsal process through online
content which documented and shaped the devising process.
The Prudes (2018) is a comedy about relationships in the current
sexual climate; and a vicious satire on the male response to it. Jess
and Jimmy haven't done it in a year. Fourteen months and four days to be
exact. It's definitely not the seven year itch - they've been together
nine. Now they're coming together in a last-ditch effort to re-boot
their sex life and save their relationship. But a lot has changed in a
year; for them and for the world. Described as a "smart, sketchy,
amusing, awkward, stimulating two-hander" (The Times), it originally
premiered at the Royal Court Upstairs.
Published to coincide with his adaptation of The Tell-Tale Heart at
the National Theatre in December 2018, this play collection is an
important and unique anthology of a major international voice of
contemporary theatre.
