If your bookshelf is full of novels, it might be time to make room for plays. From sharp critiques of the world we inhabit to intimate explorations of our relationships with one another, the form of the drama has an ability to distill complex ideas into unforgettable dialogue. Explore our edit of must read contemporary plays that might give you new perspectives on reading.
Angry Alan by Penelope Skinner
In this scarily dystopian story, we follow Roger who is disappointed with his job, hates his ex-wife and resents his girlfriend for being a feminist. He finds solace in an online community that feeds him stereotypes and lies about masculinity. We witness the show fall of a man into the hands of incel culture.
Love and Money Dennis Kelly
Jess and David are in love with each other but things are not so simple. In this glaring examination of how love falls apart in the face of materialism, the play is a critique of capitalism and the ways in which we lose ourselves.
The Father and the Assassin by Anupama Chandrasekhar
This gripping play traces Nathuram Godse’s life over 30 years during India’s fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948.
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie is an unforgettable story of what happens when a victim is asked to navigate a system that is not set up to accommodate the lived experience of sexual assault survivors.
People, Places & Things by Duncan Macmillan
Emma is an actress whose dependence on drugs and alcohol leads her to check into rehab. As she struggles with recovery, she is forced to confront not only her addiction but also the uncomfortable truths she's spent years avoiding. Raw and disorienting, the play is an unflinching look at addiction.
Final Solutions by Mahesh Dattani
In this Mahesh Dattani original, a Hindu family grapples with having to shelter two Muslim boys as religious riots ravage the world outside. The boys’ arrival unleashes a flood of bitter memories and deep-seated prejudices. And as the tension builds towards a powerful climax, the play becomes a timely reminder of the need for tolerance.
Cost of Living by Martyna Majok
Cost of Living follows two caregivers and two people living with disabilities as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined. Empathy and emotional precision are at the centre in this story where living with a disabled self can change small aspects of our daily lives.
Primary Trust by Ebony Booth
The play tells the story of an African American bookstore worker whose life is structured and put together. This comes falling down when he gets laid off and has to find another job. The story follows his journey as he is forced to step beyond the routines that have long kept him safe.
Words Platform Desk
Date 6.8.2026