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Notes from a Working-Class Playwright

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Notes from a Working-Class Playwright

By: Leo Butler
Narrated by: Leo Butler
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Bloomsbury presents Notes from a Working-Class Playwright, written and read by Leo Butler

Award-winning British playwright, Leo Butler looks back over 25 of writing for the stage and his extensive experience teaching and mentoring emerging playwrights through the Royal Court Young Writers' Programme.

With honesty and humour, Leo Butler shares his experiences from his working-class upbringing in Sheffield, including his disastrous state education, his years on the dole, to his breakthrough into the professional theatre industry.

This personal account criss-crosses his life and career, exploring the influences and experiences that informed critically acclaimed plays such as Redundant, I'll Be the Devil, Lucky Dog and, more recently, Boy.

Throughout, Butler includes a wealth of tips and practical exercises, tried and tested on his students, to help the reader with their own playwriting development; discusses the challenges of how to actually make a living from this work; and considers how the landscape has changed today from 25 years ago.

Through recollections of collaborations with professional peers and ex-students (including Polly Stenham, Anya Reiss, and Nick Payne), Leo Butler gives an insight into the intricacies of the early 21st century theatre scene in which playwriting skills were developed and shared. He also includes excerpts from personal rejection letters, rehearsal notes and his notebooks to bring his playwriting journey to life.

Brutally honest, often surreal, often funny, this book will entertain and inspire anyone who has ever thought of writing, a play, or is interested in the life and practice of a playwright.©2026 Leo Butler (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Art & Literature Authors Drama & Plays Entertainment & Performing Arts European Literary History & Criticism World Literature Funny Theatre
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Critic reviews

Both a practical guide to playwriting and a memoir, Butler talks eloquently about childhood and place (he was raised in Sheffield) as an endless deep well for him to draw on as a playwright.
For me, [Leo] Butler is a poet of the human damage of poverty. His language is terse and fractured. He reminds me as much of Emily Dickinson as he does of many playwrights. He is, I think, as close as English theatre has come to the master of Bavarian naturalism Franz Xavier Kroetz.
This book is much more than an autobiography ... Filling you with the feeling of creativity unleashed … Notes from a Working-Class Playwright is a really fine book about playwriting that’s both fascinating as a life story and compelling as a series of good ideas, all of which glitter in the mind long after you’ve put down the volume.
A really fine book about playwriting that’s both fascinating as a life story and compelling as a series of good ideas, all of which glitter in the mind long after you’ve put down the volume.
Butler offers humour and pragmatism throughout … Aspiring playwrights will find Notes From a Working-Class Playwright a perceptive text.
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Most relevant
Full of wisdom, generosity and laugh-out-loud moments. Will leave you inspired and equipped to start writing

Essential read for all theatre-makers

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One of the most emboldening things I’ve listened to in a long time. I’m left feeling inspired. Strips away the myths and assumptions around playwrighting in particular and tells you like it is. Leo is as engaging as a reader as he is as a writer. I’m recommending this to everyone!

All creatives must listen.

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Leo Butler’s Notes from a Working-Class Playwright feels thoughtful, generous, and deeply human. As he talks about where he comes from and what it’s meant to make art without the safety nets other people seem to have by default, there’s a warmth that pulls you in. It never feels preachy or heavy‑handed — just honest in a way that makes you stop and think. What I loved most is how the book balances that honesty with real, practical help. The exercises and advice don’t feel like tasks; they feel like someone quietly nudging you forward, reminding you that your voice matters and that you’re allowed to take up space on the page. It’s the kind of book that stays with you because it feels like it’s on your side.

Accessible and relatable. A must read for any aspiring playwrights.

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Inspiring, honest and thought provoking thoughts and advice from an excellent playwright and teacher. Excellent book for anyone interested im dramatic writing. Wonderful.

Down to Earth yet illuminating.

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