Best British & Irish Dramas & Plays Books of 2025

The Folger Shakespeare Library's edition of Romeo and Juliet is a must-read for anyone interested in the world-renowned play. This version includes a freshly edited text, explanatory notes, plot summaries, and an introduction to reading Shakespeare's language. Additionally, readers are treated to an essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar and fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's rare book collection. The authoritative edition is an excellent resource for both students and general readers, and the exquisite language and timeless story make it a classic for all young lovers.

The playscript of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a thrilling continuation of the beloved series. Set nineteen years after the events of Deathly Hallows, the story follows Harry Potter as an overworked Ministry of Magic employee and father of three. His youngest son, Albus, struggles with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present collide, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth that darkness can come from unexpected places. The playscript is a captivating read, filled with nonstop suspense and a reminder of the importance of love and friendship in the face of danger. Fans of the series will be delighted to revisit the magical world of Hogwarts once again.

Fleabag: The Scriptures is a must-have for any fan of the critically acclaimed series. The book includes the full scripts of both seasons, along with Phoebe Waller-Bridge's exclusive commentary on her creative process and the making of the series. Waller-Bridge's insights into the now-iconic protagonist, Fleabag, are powerful and offer a deeper understanding of the character. The book has been praised for its completeness and for being a "completist's dream." Overall, this book is a fantastic companion to a groundbreaking series that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a classic play by William Shakespeare that explores the complexities of love through the story of four young lovers and the king and queen of fairyland. The Folger Shakespeare Library's authoritative edition includes explanatory notes, plot summaries, and an essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar. With fresh images from the library's rare book collection, this edition is perfect for both students and general readers. This play is a must-read for anyone interested in Shakespeare's work or classic literature in general.

The Folger Shakespeare Library's edition of Macbeth is a must-read for students and general readers alike. Shakespeare's play, set in Scotland, tells the story of a man who murders to become king. The play raises questions about fate, ambition, and the consequences of evil deeds. This edition includes a freshly edited text, explanatory notes, scene-by-scene plot summaries, and an introduction to reading Shakespeare's language. The essay by Susan Snyder provides a modern perspective on the play. The Folger Shakespeare Library's vast collection of rare books adds an extra layer of depth to this already outstanding edition.

The Folger Library Shakespeare's updated edition of "Hamlet" is a must-read for Shakespeare fans. This play is a complex revenge tragedy that follows the story of Hamlet who seeks vengeance against his father's murderer, his uncle Claudius, now the king of Denmark. The play is full of uncertainties that keep readers engaged, such as whether Hamlet goes mad or is just pretending. The authoritative edition includes explanatory notes, plot summaries, and a guide to further reading. The Folger Shakespeare Library's vast collection of rare books adds a unique touch to this edition. Overall, this edition is a great resource for students and general readers alike.

The Folger Shakespeare Library presents the authoritative edition of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The play revolves around the assassination of Caesar and the aftermath of the event, with the portrayal of Brutus as both a hero and a villain. This edition includes explanatory notes, scene-by-scene plot summaries, and an introduction to Shakespeare's language. The book also features fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's rare books collection. Overall, this book is a must-read for students and general readers interested in Shakespearean literature.

The Folger Shakespeare Library presents the authoritative edition of Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare's most frequently performed comedies. The play includes two stories of romantic love, where Hero and Claudio's happiness is threatened by an outsider, while Beatrice and Benedick's pride and mutual antagonism keep them apart until others decide to play Cupid. The edition features the side-by-side format favored by both students and teachers, explanatory notes, plot summaries, and guides to famous lines and phrases. The book is a valuable resource for Shakespeare scholarship and teaching, making it a must-have for students and general readers alike.

"If you’re one of the few who haven’t experienced the genius of Agatha Christie, this novel is a stellar starting point." — DAVID BALDACCI, #1 New York Times Bestselling AuthorAn exclusive authorized edition of the most famous and beloved stories from the Queen of Mystery.Ten people, each with something to hide and something to fear, are invited to an isolated mansion on Indian Island by a host who, surprisingly, fails to appear. On the island they are cut off from everything but each other and the inescapable shadows of their own past lives. One by one, the guests share the darkest secrets of their wicked pasts. And one by one, they die…Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?"Agatha Christie is the gateway drug to crime fiction both for readers and for writers. . . .  Just one book is never enough." — VAL MCDERMID, Internationally Bestselling Author

Leopoldstadt, the Olivier Award-winning play by Tom Stoppard, finally makes its Broadway debut in a limited engagement run. The play centers on Hermann Merz, a manufacturer and baptized Jew married to Catholic Gretl, whose extended family convenes on Christmas Day in 1899. Yet, the play closes with Austria passing through war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany, and the Holocaust, which stole the lives of 65,000 Austrian Jews alone. The play is a human and heartbreaking drama of literary brilliance, historical verisimilitude, and powerful emotion, and is a moving and humane tale that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.