The Greatest British "Plays, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 1. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard

    "Arcadia" is a play that intertwines two timelines, set in the same English country house but centuries apart. In the early 19th century, a gifted young girl and her tutor delve into intellectual pursuits, exploring mathematics, nature, and the early inklings of chaos theory, while around them, the adults engage in witty repartee, romantic entanglements, and poetic rivalries. In the present day, scholars and descendants of the house's historical residents attempt to piece together the past, often misinterpreting the evidence they find. The play explores themes of time, truth, and the impact of the past on the present, all while showcasing the enduring nature of human curiosity and the quest for knowledge.

  2. 2. Copenhagen by Michael Frayn

    "Copenhagen" is a thought-provoking play that delves into the historical meeting between two prominent physicists during World War II. Set as a posthumous reimagining, it explores the complex relationship between the two men, their discussions on nuclear physics, and the moral implications of their work on atomic weapons. The narrative structure blurs the lines between past and present, as the characters attempt to unravel their motivations and the potential consequences of their actions, against the backdrop of a Europe engulfed in conflict. The play raises deep questions about science, ethics, and the elusive nature of memory and human interaction.

  3. 3. Blasted by Sarah Kane

    "Blasted" is a controversial and provocative play that explores themes of violence, war, and human suffering. Set initially in a luxurious hotel room, the narrative follows a middle-aged journalist and a young woman as their seemingly private encounter is violently disrupted by the intrusion of a soldier and the horrors of an unnamed war. The play's graphic depiction of physical and sexual violence, as well as its bleak examination of the darkest aspects of human nature, has made it a seminal work in the in-yer-face theatre genre, challenging audiences with its raw, unflinching portrayal of brutality and despair.

  4. 4. Frozen by Bryony Lavery

    "Frozen" is a gripping play that intertwines the lives of three individuals: a grieving mother whose daughter has been abducted and murdered, the serial killer responsible for the crime, and a psychiatrist researching the nature of such evil. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, justice, and the psychological depths of crime, as it follows the mother's struggle to deal with her loss and the killer's journey through imprisonment and psychological evaluation. The play delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the possibility of redemption, challenging the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, retribution, and the capacity for change.

  5. 5. Far Away by Caryl Churchill

    "Far Away" is a dystopian drama that unfolds through a series of vignettes, revealing a world where everything in nature is at war. It begins with a young girl visiting her aunt, who discovers a disturbing secret that sets the tone for the play. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the conflict is all-encompassing, with humans, animals, and even the elements themselves engaged in a relentless battle. The play examines themes of complicity, the blurring of moral boundaries, and the desensitizing effects of a world engulfed in perpetual conflict, all while questioning the nature of art, justice, and human responsibility in a society where the lines between right and wrong have been irrevocably blurred.

  6. 6. The History Boys by Alan Bennett

    The book is a captivating exploration of a group of bright, yet unruly British schoolboys vying for a place at Oxford or Cambridge under the guidance of three contrasting teachers: the charismatic Hector, the pragmatic Mrs. Lintott, and the ambitious newcomer Irwin. Set in the 1980s, it delves into themes of education, history, and sexuality, as the boys and their educators navigate the complexities of knowledge and morality. Through witty dialogue and poignant moments, the narrative challenges conventional notions of education and success, while examining the impact that teachers have on shaping young minds and the often-unpredictable directions life can take.

  7. 7. An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch

    "An Oak Tree" is a unique and avant-garde play that explores themes of loss, perception, and the power of suggestion through an unconventional narrative structure. The story revolves around two main characters: a hypnotist who is grappling with the guilt of having accidentally killed a girl with his car, and the girl's father, who is seeking closure. In a compelling twist, the father is played by a different actor in each performance, who has not seen the script and is guided through the play by the hypnotist. This innovative approach results in a dynamic and interactive theatrical experience that challenges the audience's understanding of reality and fiction, as the lines between actor and character, and between the play and the play within the play, become intriguingly blurred.

  8. 8. Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth

    "Jerusalem" is a contemporary play set in the English countryside, which vividly captures the spirit of an eccentric local daredevil, Johnny "Rooster" Byron, on St. George's Day. The story delves into the tensions between the modern world and old English folklore, as Rooster, a defiant and charismatic outsider, tells outlandish tales and provides sanctuary to the town's youth against the encroaching forces of authority and gentrification. The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor and tragedy, exploring themes of national identity, social change, and the erosion of rural traditions in the face of progress and conformity.

  9. 9. One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

    Set in 1960s Brighton, the play is a hilarious farce that follows the bumbling and perpetually hungry Francis Henshall, who becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Unbeknownst to Francis, Roscoe is actually Roscoe's sister Rachel in disguise, her twin brother having been killed by her boyfriend, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers. As Francis tries to keep each of his guvnors unaware of the other, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, love triangles, and mistaken identities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick humor as he struggles to satisfy his insatiable appetite and keep his dual employment a secret.

  10. 10. The Effect by Lucy Prebble

    "The Effect" is a thought-provoking play that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the nature of love. Set within the controlled environment of a clinical drug trial, two young volunteers find themselves drawn to each other as they partake in an experiment for a new antidepressant. As their doses increase, so does their connection, leading to passionate romance. However, the play challenges the audience to question whether their feelings are genuine or merely induced by the chemicals they are ingesting. The narrative explores themes of mental health, the ethics of pharmaceutical testing, and the essence of emotional experience, blurring the lines between reality and the side effects of medication.

  11. 11. Racing Demon by David Hare

    "Racing Demon" is a compelling exploration of the personal and professional crises faced by a group of clergymen in the Church of England. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the play delves into the lives of four vicars as they grapple with their faith and the relevance of the church in contemporary London. Confronting issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women, and the clash between progressive and traditionalist views, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of moral dilemmas, ecclesiastical politics, and the struggle to maintain personal integrity amidst institutional decay. Through sharp dialogue and nuanced character development, the play presents a thought-provoking examination of spirituality and the human condition in the modern world.

  12. 12. King Charles Iii by Mike Bartlett

    The play is a speculative work set in the near future, exploring the reign of Charles after he ascends to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It delves into the political and personal turmoil that ensues as Charles grapples with the weight of the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative follows his struggle with his own principles versus the demands of the modern British monarchy, the conflicts within his family, and the broader implications of his actions on the nation's constitutional fabric. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, the play examines themes of power, tradition, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in contemporary society.

Reading Statistics

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Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download