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BIO

Lee Hall was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1966 and studied English Literature at Cambridge University. He has worked as a writer in theatre, TV, radio and film. He has been writer in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne.Theatre: Wittgenstein on Tyne, Live Theatre 1996; Bollocks, RSC Fringe, 1998; Genie, Paines Plough, 1998; Cooking With Elvis, Live Theatre/West End 1999 – nominated for an Oliver Award for Best Comedy; Spoonface Steinberg, Ambassadors Theatre, London 2000; Two’s Company, Live Theatre/Bristol Old Vic, 2001; Billy Elliot the Musical, 2004 – Oliver Award Best Musical; Pitmen Painters, Live Theatre, Newcastle/Royal National Theatre/ National tour/Broadway, 2007–2010.


Theatre adaptations: Leonce and Lena (Buchner), The Gate Theatre, 1997; Mr Puntila and his man Matti (Brecht) Almedia Theatre, 1998, A Servant to Two Masters (Goldoni) RSC/ Young Vic 1999; The Adventures of Pinocchio (Collodi), Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, 2000; Mother Courage (Brecht), Shared Experience/Ambassadors Theatre; The Good Hope (Heijermans) Royal National Theatre, 2001; The Barber of Seville (Beaumarchais), Bristol Old Vic, 2003.

Opera: Adaptation of Il Pagliacci/The Comedians for the English National Opera, 2008.

TV : Spoonface Steinberg 1997, BBC; A Prince of Hearts 1998, BBC; Wind in the Willows 2007 BBC.

Radio: (all BBC): I Luv You Jimmy Spud 1996 – Writers Guild Award Best New Play/Gold Sony Award Best new play/Alfred Bradley Award/Society of Authors Award; Spoonface Steinberg 1997; I Love You, Ragie Patel 1997; The Sorrows of Sandra Saint 1997; Blood Sugar 1997; Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter (from Vargas Llosa) 1998; Gristle 1999; Child of the Snow 2000; Child of the Rain 2000.

Film: Billy Elliot, Working Title Films, 2000. His screen play for War Horse directed by Stephen Speilberg is due out in 2011.

Currently working with Roger Waters on a theatrical adaptation of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2027]
Writer

Writing

Adapted for the Stage
Screenwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Source Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Best Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best New Play

Lee Hall, The Pitmen Painters


winner
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Lee Hall, Billy Elliot


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2008 - Best Play

Lee HallThe Pitmen Painters

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best New Comedy

Lee HallCooking With Elvis

Videos

News

Video: Resurfaced Tom Holland Short Film Showcases Dancing Ahead of Fred Astaire Biopic
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2026

A resurfaced video of Tom Holland from 2017 is making waves on social media, showcasing the actor's dancing skills ahead of the forthcoming Fred Astaire biopic in which he is set to star. Check out the video here.
Video: Tom Holland to Do His Own Dancing in Astaire Film
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2026

Tom Holland opens up about training for the Fred Astaire biopic, revealing he's determined to do all the dancing himself, no doubles. Watch the interview.
Birmingham Royal Ballet to Add New Dancers for 2026/27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2026

Birmingham Royal Ballet announced new dancers joining the company for the upcoming season, including promotions from BRB2 and international recruits, while SWAN LAKE is set to play Birmingham Hippodrome and Sadler's Wells.
Review: SIDE SHOW IN CONCERT at Porthouse Theatre
by Roy Berko - Jul 17, 2026

Another exposure as Cleveland Heights’s Cain Park outstanding production directed by Victoria Bussert the present Director of Oberlin College’s Musical Theater program, which featured Gregg Violand, who will be featured, later this season, in Porthouse’s BRIGADOON.
ATG Entertainment prepara el regreso de BILLY ELLIOT a España
by Adela González Pérez - Jun 15, 2026

ATG Entertainment convoca audiciones para encontrar al nuevo elenco juvenil y fija el límite de inscripción para el 2 de julio
The Most Tony-Nominated Broadway Shows
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2026

Awards season has arrived! While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Do any of this season's shows stand a chance at making history? Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.
Vermont Repertory Theatre To Bring SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE To The Isham Barn
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 19, 2026

Vermont Repertory Theatre will present SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at the Isham Family Farm in Williston, VT, with real-life couple Connor Kendall and Merrill Cameron starring in the romantic comedy adapted from the Academy Award-winning film.
FESTEN is Now Playing at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2026

Festen is now playing at the Finland National Opera and Ballet. The show is by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Lee Hall. Learn more about the production here!
Mānoa Valley Theatre Reveals 2026–2027 Season - THE PRODUCERS, PURPOSE and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2026

Mānoa Valley Theatre (MVT) has revealed its 2026–2027 season, a lineup of productions that blends Broadway hits, comedies, drama, and local storytelling. 
FESTEN Comes to Finnish National Opera in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2026

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet will present the acclaimed opera FESTEN in 2026, promising a transformative experience for its audience. This production, known for its powerful narrative and emotional depth, invites attendees to a gathering that will change their perspectives forever. Set against the backdrop of a dramatic family reunion, FESTEN explores themes of truth and reconciliation in a setting that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally charged.
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Will Return For A National Tour and Limited West End Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL will embark on a national tour, opening at Sunderland Empire on 4 November 2026 where it will play until 28 November 2026 before ts first return to the West End in over 10 years.
Photos: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Shea's Smith Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2026

SHREK THE MUSICAL opens on January at the Shea’s Smith Theatre. Based on the DreamWorks animated film, this laugh-out-loud, heartwarming musical brings a fairy tale favorite to vibrant life on stage for audiences of all ages. Check out photos here!
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Will Hold Children's Casting Call For Lead Role
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025

Billy Elliot the Musical will search for US and Canadian boys to play the role of Billy in a forthcoming run of the multi award-winning hit show. Learn more about how to audition here!
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Will Hold Children's Casting Call
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2025

Billy Elliot the Musical will search for children to play the roles of Billy, Michael and Debbie in a forthcoming run of the multi award-winning hit show. Learn more about the casting call here!
ILP Theatrical Partners With the Literary Estate of Paddy Chayefsky
by Stephi Wild - Aug 5, 2025

 The Theatrical division of International Literary Properties (ILP), the global company that invests in, acquires, and manages literary estates, has announced a strategic partnership with Simcha Productions, Inc. and Dan Chayefsky for the literary works of Paddy Chayefsky.
Review: NETWORK at Group Rep
by Evan Henerson - Jun 20, 2025

The knives are lethal and the cuts are man...With Bert Emmett fronting an equally enthusiastic and bloodthirsty cast, the Group Rep’s NETWORK is equal parts rollicking, disturbing and thought-provoking.
Preview FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Kent State University/Porthouse Theatre
by Roy Berko - Jun 16, 2025

At the age of fifteen Solomon Rabinovich adopted the pseudonym  “Sholem Aleichem,” a Yiddish variant of the Hebrew expression meaning 'peace be with you' and used as a greeting.
NETWORK Begins Performances At The Group Rep On May 23
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2025

The Group Rep will present NETWORK written by Lee Hall, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film, directed by Tom Lazarus, and produced by Stevie Stern. Adapted from the 1976 film which had an Academy Award-winning screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
Photos: First look at Dublin Jerome High School Drama Club presents SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
by Jerri Shafer - May 1, 2025

Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece.
Review: BILLY ELLIOT at Shedley Theatre
by Barry Lenny - Apr 2, 2025

It has heart, it has soul.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Lee Hall written?

Lee Hall has written 4 shows including Billy Elliot (Bookwriter), The Pitmen Painters (Playwright), Shakespeare in Love (Adapted for the Stage), Cats (Screenwriter).

What awards has Lee Hall been nominated for?

Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for The Pitmen Painters, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Pitmen Painters and Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Cooking With Elvis.

What awards has Lee Hall won?

Lee Hall has won the following awards: Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot; Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot; Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical; Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot; and Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Pitmen Painters.

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