Alexi Kaye Campbell

'As long as you only have one sort of person telling the stories, well then our world will end up looking very like that one sort of person. It makes sense, doesn't it?' 1841. Mary Ann Evans is of marriageable age - just. Her father, Robert, has recently moved with her to Bird Grove House, with the sole purpose of finding her a suitable husband through the local church. But Mary Ann's remarkable intellect and growing self-confidence are forming progressive new ideas in her mind; ideas that challenge her father's most strongly held beliefs. Fuelled by every new book she reads and a burgeoning friendship with local radicals, Mary Ann finds it increasingly difficult to accept the rules of the world around her - bringing her into direct and bitter conflict with the father she adores. But perhaps that is the only way forward: to break every societal convention expected of her, find her voice, and become the writer she has always dreamt of being. After all, who can suppress the astounding gifts of future literary titan, George Eliot? Alexi Kaye Campbell's witty and topical new play, Bird Grove, questions how we can live alongside those we disagree with, and places centre stage the untold story of one of England's greatest writers, in a poignant exploration of family ties and self-determination. It is premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2026.

A collection of five plays by Alexi Kaye Campbell. The premiere of The Pride at the Royal Court Theatre in 2008 marked the emergence of Alexi Kaye Campbell as a distinctive new talent. With its bold and ingenious structure and its daring take on sexual politics in the 1950s and today, the play combined thrilling dramaturgy with profound insight into the affairs of the human heart. It went on to win an Olivier Award, the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, and the John Whiting Award for Best New Play, and was revived in the West End in 2013. Published here alongside that remarkable debut are Alexi’s four subsequent plays, which together demonstrate his rare ability to harness theatricality in pursuit of emotional truth. Apologia (Bush Theatre, London, 2009; revived in the West End in 2017), a perceptive look at what has happened to 1960s idealists and their children. ‘Sharp, funny, wise and humane, Alexi Kaye Campbell is a writer to cherish’ Telegraph The Faith Machine (Royal Court, 2011), an exploration of the relationship between faith and capitalism that asks fundamental questions about the true meaning of love. ‘An urgent play of expansive ambition and largeness of spirit’ Guardian Bracken Moor (Tricycle Theatre and Shared Experience, 2013), a haunting tale of grief and denial, set against the economic crisis of the 1930s. ‘A superior kind of ghost story… intellectually as well as emotionally haunting’ The Stage Sunset at the Villa Thalia (National Theatre, 2016), a passionate and deeply personal play about the impact of foreign influence, planned and unintentional, on a nation and its people. ‘This play is a winner, a thought-provoking slow-burn story that works on many levels’ The Times Also included is an introduction by the author.

A funny and passionate play from the author of The Pride and The Faith Machine. April 1967. Greece is in political turmoil. Charlotte and Theo have retreated to a small island in search of peace and inspiration. But when they meet a charismatic American couple at the port they are seduced into making choices with devastating consequences. Alexi Kaye Campbell's play Sunset at the Villa Thalia spans a decade as it explores the impact of foreign influence, planned and unintentional, on a nation and its people. It premiered at the National Theatre, London, in 2016, in a production directed by Simon Godwin.

The powerful debut play from Alexi Kaye Campbell, winner of an Olivier Award, the Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, and the John Whiting Award for Best New Play. Alternating between 1958 and 2008, The Pride examines changing attitudes to sexuality, looking at intimacy, identity and the courage it takes to be who you really are. The 1958 Philip is in love with Oliver, but married to Sylvia. The 2008 Oliver is addicted to sex with strangers. Sylvia loves them both. The Pride was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs in November 2008. This edition of the play was published alongside its revival at the Trafalgar Studios in the West End in 2013.

A boldly theatrical tale of grief and denial, set against the economic crisis of the 1930s. After years apart, two families come together to rediscover their lost friendship. Instead, they conjure up the spirit of a buried tragedy. Alexi Kaye Campbell's play Bracken Moor was first performed at the Tricycle Theatre, London, in June 2013, in a co-production with Shared Experience.

Travelling from America to Britain to a remote Greek island, The Faith Machine explores the relationship between faith and capitalism and asks fundamental questions about the true meaning of love. On a beautiful September morning in New York, Sophie forces Tom into a decision. The choice he makes, and the events of that day, will change their lives for ever. Alexi Kaye Campbell's play The Faith Machine premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 2011.