Theatre for Children

The definitive book on making theatre for children: a practical and comprehensive guide, essential for playwrights, directors and teachers.

Described by The Times as 'the national children's dramatist', David Wood has been writing, adapting, directing and acting in plays for children for more than fifty years. His best known work, from his play The Gingerbread Man to his adaptations of Judith Kerr's The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Roald Dahl's The BFG and The Witches, has enjoyed national and international success and entered the repertory of innumerable amateur companies and school drama societies. In 2026, he received a lifetime achievement Industry Recognition Olivier Award.

In this book, David Wood analyses the skills involved in entertaining audiences of children everywhere and reveals his special techniques for catching and holding a child's attention. This practical, step-by-step comprehensive guide is essential reading for professionals and amateurs alike, and anyone wanting to be involved in theatre for children.

AMAZON READER REVIEWS:
'Honest and helpful . . . The centrepiece of the book is a terrific explanation of how he wrote The Gingerbread Man, beginning with only a simple title . . . Warmly recommended.'
'A perfect approach.'
'David Wood is nothing short of a genius . . . If you want to write a children's play start by reading this book'