Simon Stephens was nominated for the Olivier Award for Most Promising Playwright and is the winner o f the Pearson Most Promising New Playwright Award.

"A major new voice in British theatre" (Scotsman) Stockport 1988-2002. Rachel Keats is growing up in town she doesn't like. Abandoned by her mother, her family life is torn to tatters as she is left to bring up her younger brother, who, increasingly is drawn to the excitement out on the streets. When her new partner starts to abuse her, and those she loves leave her behind, will she stay or will she find the strength to make her own way in the world? Praise for Herons: "filled with a sense of life's miraculous potential. It deals with damaged characters yet is imbued with a poetic lyricism" (Guardian) Port is published to tie in with the production at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester in November 2002. Simon Stephens is presently writer-in-residence at the Royal Court Theatre, London.