Nick Stafford
Latest News on Nick Stafford:
Review: WAR HORSE IN CONCERT at Century II Concert Hall (Nov 3, 2024)
Photos: WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour Holds Press Performance (Sep 23, 2024)
Photos: UK and Ireland Tour of WAR HORSE (Sep 11, 2024)
Review: WAR HORSE IN CONCERT at Century II Concert Hall (Nov 3, 2024)
Photos: WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour Holds Press Performance (Sep 23, 2024)
Photos: UK and Ireland Tour of WAR HORSE (Sep 11, 2024)
BIO
Nick Stafford is a British playwright and screenwriter who is best known for his work in the theater. He was born in 1959 in Staffordshire, England, and grew up in the Midlands. Stafford studied English and Drama at the University of Bristol, where he was awarded the prestigious Gregory Award for his playwriting.
Stafford's early plays were produced in small theaters in London and Bristol, but his breakthrough came in 1998 with his play "War Horse." Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, "War Horse" tells the story of a young boy and his beloved horse who are separated during World War I. The play was a critical and commercial success, and has since been produced in theaters around the world. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2008, and was adapted into a hit film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011.
In addition to his work in the theater, Stafford has also written for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 2005 film "The Interpreter," which starred Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, and was directed by Sydney Pollack. He also wrote the screenplay for the 2017 film "Victoria & Abdul," which starred Judi Dench and was directed by Stephen Frears.
Stafford has continued to write for the theater, with his most recent play "The Snow Queen" premiering at the Bristol Old Vic in 2018. The play is a new adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, and was directed by Tom Morris, who also directed "War Horse." The production received positive reviews, with critics praising Stafford's imaginative script and Morris's inventive staging.
Photos
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Play
Nick Stafford, War Horse
winner
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Play
Nick Stafford, War Horse
Videos
TV: First Look at Andrew Veenstra, Albert Narracott and More in Highlights of WAR HORSE US Tour
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2013-01-08 15:41:35
STAGE TUBE: WAR HORSE's 'Joey' Visits Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
by Stage Tube - 2012-08-07 17:56:11
STAGE TUBE: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Holland Taylor and More at WAR HORSE's LA Opening
by Nicole Rosky - 2012-07-05 17:52:21
STAGE TUBE: Behind-the-Scenes of WAR HORSE Tour in LA; Opens Tonight, 6/29!
by Jessica Lewis - 2012-06-29 17:32:59
TV: 2011 Tony Awards Winners Circle -Nick Stafford on How WAR HORSE was at Once a Challenge and a Privilege
by Jessica Lewis - 2011-06-27 10:15:49
STAGE TUBE: Matt Doyle Takes You Behind the Scenes at WAR HORSE
by Lauren Wolman - 2011-03-19 10:01:31
News
Review: WAR HORSE IN CONCERT at Century II Concert Hall
by Paula Makar - Nov 3, 2024
As I sat in the audience, waiting for the performance of War Horse In Concert, a Pops presentation for the Wichita Symphony, I overhead several audience members discussing their expectations for what they were about to experience. “Is this a play?” “It looks like there are narrators!” “Is this different from a regular concert?” Most “In Concert” performances are based on well known musicals, but War Horse In Concert is based on War Horse Suite 2022, a symphonic work derived from the score of the play with the same name. The play is based on the original story written by Michael Morpurgo. War Horse: The Story in Concert premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2016, with music composed by Adrian Sutton, and the narration was adapted from the play script written in 1982 by Nick Stafford. The performance consisted of a very simple staged version of the piece, with multiple actors playing multiple roles, supplying dialogue at the important points in the story. There was also a main singer and a chorus to help convey the emotions that the spoken word can fail to supply. This allows the orchestra to feature the score so the story to be told by both the music and the word. A concert version is usually a scaled down production, sans sets, props, elaborate costumes, and in the case of War Horse, the puppets used to portray the horses. The audience is asked to use their imaginations, and their mind’s eye, to fill in the remainder of the story.
by Paula Makar - Nov 3, 2024
As I sat in the audience, waiting for the performance of War Horse In Concert, a Pops presentation for the Wichita Symphony, I overhead several audience members discussing their expectations for what they were about to experience. “Is this a play?” “It looks like there are narrators!” “Is this different from a regular concert?” Most “In Concert” performances are based on well known musicals, but War Horse In Concert is based on War Horse Suite 2022, a symphonic work derived from the score of the play with the same name. The play is based on the original story written by Michael Morpurgo. War Horse: The Story in Concert premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2016, with music composed by Adrian Sutton, and the narration was adapted from the play script written in 1982 by Nick Stafford. The performance consisted of a very simple staged version of the piece, with multiple actors playing multiple roles, supplying dialogue at the important points in the story. There was also a main singer and a chorus to help convey the emotions that the spoken word can fail to supply. This allows the orchestra to feature the score so the story to be told by both the music and the word. A concert version is usually a scaled down production, sans sets, props, elaborate costumes, and in the case of War Horse, the puppets used to portray the horses. The audience is asked to use their imaginations, and their mind’s eye, to fill in the remainder of the story.
Photos: WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour Holds Press Performance
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2024
War Horse held its press performances for the UK & Ireland tour at The Lowry, in Salford yesterday. Those in attendance included author Michael Morpurgo, Coronation Street stars Peter Ash, Michael Le Vell, Jane Hazlegrove and more. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2024
War Horse held its press performances for the UK & Ireland tour at The Lowry, in Salford yesterday. Those in attendance included author Michael Morpurgo, Coronation Street stars Peter Ash, Michael Le Vell, Jane Hazlegrove and more. Check out photos here!
Photos: UK and Ireland Tour of WAR HORSE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2024
Brand new production photos have been released for the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel. This all-new production is now touring the UK and Ireland, currently playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre, with a press performance on Sunday 22 September at The Lowry in Salford.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2024
Brand new production photos have been released for the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel. This all-new production is now touring the UK and Ireland, currently playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre, with a press performance on Sunday 22 September at The Lowry in Salford.
Videos: Behind the Scenes of the WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Sep 6, 2024
The all-new UK and Ireland tour of War Horse is officially underway. The acclaimed production returns with life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. Check out all new videos going behind the scenes and inside rehearsal here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 6, 2024
The all-new UK and Ireland tour of War Horse is officially underway. The acclaimed production returns with life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. Check out all new videos going behind the scenes and inside rehearsal here!
Photos: WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Aug 8, 2024
Rehearsal photos have been released for the National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which begins its major UK and Ireland tour on 5 September 2024 at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 8, 2024
Rehearsal photos have been released for the National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which begins its major UK and Ireland tour on 5 September 2024 at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
WAR HORSE is Coming to The Theatre Royal, Glasgow in 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 12, 2024
WAR HORSE will run at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow in Spring 2025. Learn more about the tour and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 12, 2024
WAR HORSE will run at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow in Spring 2025. Learn more about the tour and see how to purchase tickets.
National Theatre's Touring Production of WAR HORSE to be Presented at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 11, 2024
The National Theatre's WAR HORSE, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, embarks on a major UK and Ireland tour and will play at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 11, 2024
The National Theatre's WAR HORSE, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, embarks on a major UK and Ireland tour and will play at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
A TUPPERWARE OF ASHES, THE OTHER PLACE, and More Set For the National Theatre's Autumn Season
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2024
The National Theatre has announced two new productions for its South Bank stages this autumn: the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s A Tupperware of Ashes in the Dorfman theatre, and a new play by Alexander Zeldin inspired by Antigone called The Other Place in the Lyttelton theatre.
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2024
The National Theatre has announced two new productions for its South Bank stages this autumn: the world premiere of Tanika Gupta’s A Tupperware of Ashes in the Dorfman theatre, and a new play by Alexander Zeldin inspired by Antigone called The Other Place in the Lyttelton theatre.
Sleeping With Sirens to Play Nashville Headline Show on July 2
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2024
Ahead of multiple summer festival dates and a highly-anticipated fall tour, Sleeping With Sirens have announced a one-off headline show in Nashville, TN, at Marathon Music Works on July 2. Pre-sale tickets will be on sale Thursday, May 2, at 10am CT. Later this year, Sleeping With Sirens will be hitting the road on a tour in celebration of their second studio album, Let’s Cheers To This, featuring a full album playthrough every night.
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2024
Ahead of multiple summer festival dates and a highly-anticipated fall tour, Sleeping With Sirens have announced a one-off headline show in Nashville, TN, at Marathon Music Works on July 2. Pre-sale tickets will be on sale Thursday, May 2, at 10am CT. Later this year, Sleeping With Sirens will be hitting the road on a tour in celebration of their second studio album, Let’s Cheers To This, featuring a full album playthrough every night.
Further Dates Added to UK Tour of WAR HORSE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2024
New dates have been announced for the National Theatre’s production of War Horse, the theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which embarks on a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2024
New dates have been announced for the National Theatre’s production of War Horse, the theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which embarks on a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026.
National Theatre's WAR HORSE Will Embark on UK Tour Beginning September 2024
by Stephi Wild - Feb 7, 2024
The National Theatre's production of War Horse will embark on a major 18-month UK Tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026. Find out where you can catch the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 7, 2024
The National Theatre's production of War Horse will embark on a major 18-month UK Tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026. Find out where you can catch the show here!
2011 Tony Nominations Announced! THE BOOK OF MORMON Leads With 14!
by Robert Diamond - Feb 3, 2024
Past Tony winners Anika Noni Rose and Matthew Broderick announced the 2011 Tony Awards nominees live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City.
by Robert Diamond - Feb 3, 2024
Past Tony winners Anika Noni Rose and Matthew Broderick announced the 2011 Tony Awards nominees live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City.
BWW Feature: National Theatre Live at Roxy's Downtown
by Paula Makar - Jun 18, 2021
It all started when Roxy’s Downtown was looking for ways to bring live theatre to our audiences during a global pandemic. We reached out to several different organizations, both nationally and internationally and an alliance was born. We are so happy to be bringing the following performances to you on our state-of-the-art projection system inside Roxy’s Downtown. With state-of-the-art filming techniques, tailored to every play, we bring you each performance as it happens, in all its glory. From close-ups that capture every flicker of emotion, to sweeping wide shots of the stage. There will be thousands of other people all around the world watching along with you. Sharing every gasp, every laugh, every dramatic moment. This is theatre for everyone. Call (316) 265-4400 to purchase tickets, or click here to purchase online.
by Paula Makar - Jun 18, 2021
It all started when Roxy’s Downtown was looking for ways to bring live theatre to our audiences during a global pandemic. We reached out to several different organizations, both nationally and internationally and an alliance was born. We are so happy to be bringing the following performances to you on our state-of-the-art projection system inside Roxy’s Downtown. With state-of-the-art filming techniques, tailored to every play, we bring you each performance as it happens, in all its glory. From close-ups that capture every flicker of emotion, to sweeping wide shots of the stage. There will be thousands of other people all around the world watching along with you. Sharing every gasp, every laugh, every dramatic moment. This is theatre for everyone. Call (316) 265-4400 to purchase tickets, or click here to purchase online.
KINKY BOOTS, WAR HORSE, 42ND STREET, and More to Stream as Part of Virtual Event Cinema
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2021
Cinemas across the country will offer virtual events where musicals, exhibitions, and more will be streamed beginning March 17. BY Experience has announced the Virtual Event Cinema initiative, which includes musicals such as Kinky Boots, War Horse, and 42nd Street.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2021
Cinemas across the country will offer virtual events where musicals, exhibitions, and more will be streamed beginning March 17. BY Experience has announced the Virtual Event Cinema initiative, which includes musicals such as Kinky Boots, War Horse, and 42nd Street.
Award-Winning Theater Returns to the Big Screen at The Ridgefield Playhouse This Winter!
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 8, 2021
The Ridgefield Playhouse is back, bringing award-winning theater to the big screen. London's National Theatre in HD will return with three encore in HD screenings as part of the Teed & Brown Broadway & Cabaret Series.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 8, 2021
The Ridgefield Playhouse is back, bringing award-winning theater to the big screen. London's National Theatre in HD will return with three encore in HD screenings as part of the Teed & Brown Broadway & Cabaret Series.
Verve Signs John Doyle, Nick Stafford, and More
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2020
Verve has expanded its presence in the theater space by signing a dozen new writers and directors to its theater team.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2020
Verve has expanded its presence in the theater space by signing a dozen new writers and directors to its theater team.
National Theatre's WAR HORSE Returns to Cinemas Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 13, 2020
The National Theatre's production of War Horse is headed back to cinemas! The run kicks off on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Remembrance Day.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 13, 2020
The National Theatre's production of War Horse is headed back to cinemas! The run kicks off on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Remembrance Day.
One Week Left to Vote in the Theatre Fans' Choice Awards - View Live Standings and Vote Today!
by BWW Staff - Aug 24, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
by BWW Staff - Aug 24, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
Voting Open For The 18th Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards: Two Weeks Left to Vote!
by BWW Staff - Aug 17, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
by BWW Staff - Aug 17, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
Voting Open For The 18th Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards: Lea Salonga Leads Best Broadway Legend Category!
by BWW Staff - Aug 4, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
by BWW Staff - Aug 4, 2020
Voting is now open for the 18th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards! The Theatre Fans' Choice Awards are the biggest New York Theatre Awards, where YOU, the fans, get to have your say.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Nick Stafford written?
Nick Stafford has written 1 shows including War Horse (Playwright).
What awards has Nick Stafford been nominated for?
Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for War Horse and Best Play (Tony Awards) for War Horse.
What awards has Nick Stafford won?
Nick Stafford has won the Outstanding Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for War Horse, as well as the Best Play award at the Tony Awards for War Horse.
Videos