https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/home daily 0.75 2020-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1594995766985-9TOHCTMJRFXTWT6WJD06/Baskervilles+West+End+2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1594995992684-01M6HG4VYYAYMBWWRIR3/Baskervilles+West+End+1.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1594996811525-WGJT4FTQI7AR411SOT63/Baskervilles%2BWest%2BEnd%2B3.jpg Home https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/past-projects daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1addba82-bac7-44fe-84b6-68d8c6d22bf3/eu-assets.simpleview-europe.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/143d61bd-28ea-41a2-93cd-2c2b13885a89/img3302_orig.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/028adbfb-d612-4ae3-8c79-3d73a02e300e/%28L-R%29+Matt+Freeman+and+Nick+Bunt+in+Oh+Zeus%21+%28Le+Navet+Bete%29+-+photo+credit+Mark+Senior+Photography.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/48dd5256-c012-4b7c-a55c-abf288e428e1/tweedys-massive-circus-720x684.tmb-img-912.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/6f5b4452-eeff-48ad-b7ea-57725a9cc426/HG104944.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/f0593b0a-233c-4229-b460-ac876e283835/IMG_4934.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1aca6645-0cfd-4682-a098-4ed311292270/Playtime-WEBSITE-BANNER.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595266452275-I1HF57MWQ00OG70VFVMQ/Unknown.jpeg Directed shows - Dolly Mixture - Nina Conti Nina had collected together a new set of vent puppets. I interviewed them and wrote down the funny and profound material they came up with. Nina and I shaped this into a show which I directed. It sold out in Edinburgh before the run began and then transferred to the West End. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595269272161-284EHYC1AKKQJVFZO37K/Unknown.jpeg Directed shows - Out of my Head - Paul Merton I have directed Paul twice – once in Out of My Head prior to the show going into the Vaudeville Theatre. Also in My Obsession which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014. Out of My Head included a series of sketches, drawing on experiences from Paul’s life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595273344998-YZMHT6FUI33AYR56K6OL/Screenshot+2020-07-20+at+20.24.22.png Directed shows This was a six part series of short stories for BBC Radio 4 which I co-created with Rik Mayall. It was produced by Steven Canny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/d60f45a9-ffb7-425e-90d3-4cd07d38698a/PIC.jpeg Directed shows - Partners in Crime A musical theatre production of Agatha Christie’s classic, directed for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, based on the original production by Sarah Punshon. Designed by Tom Rogers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595940659357-WREZLSEH4MNO3LLUI5IM/shaun.jpeg Directed shows - Shaun the Sheep - Live. This was a stadium show which I directed (and co-wrote with Miranda Larson) for Aardman and Dan Colman Ltd. It opened in Cairo and toured Asia. It was based on an episode of the TV animation series called Save Our Tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595947203825-L2GYOFOWEXIRIPZRPK8H/Screenshot+2020-07-28+at+15.39.16.png Directed shows - HELP! GET ME OUT OF THIS MUSICAL I wrote the book and lyrics and directed the original outing of this musical, commissioned by BYMT working alongside Alex Rudd (composer). It was re- created in 2019 under the direction of Luke Sheppard. It is available to license through BYMT and has written parts for 30 characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595948616757-7RYHVNAVNM9SRVN41Y9X/Dracula_Eflyer_Portrait_Group3.jpg Directed shows - Dracula The Bloody Truth. I directed and co-wrote this production for Le Navet Bete in 2017. It has regularly toured UK mid-scale theatres since (selling out the 1,300 seat Theatre Royal Plymouth). It is published by Nick Hern books and is regularly licensed world-wide. It has also been translated into French. Designed by Phil Eddolls. Composed by Peter Coyte https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/80c43e37-078e-453e-b947-31a5d5b1646e/Aladdin.jpeg Directed shows - Aladdin. A panto with a wry look at the world of panto. I co-wrote this production and then directed it in 2019 for the the 400 seat Athenaeum in Plymouth where it played to capacity houses over its extended month long run. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/e4ff6bfd-c55d-4849-bb21-f7adfb9a313c/3+Musketeers.png Directed shows - The Three Musketeers. A comic adaptation of the best loved novel (for a cast of 4) which I co-wrote and directed. It has toured UK mid-scale theatres for 2 years and has had two runs at Bristol Old Vic (on account of strong box office). The play is published by Nick Hern books and has been licensed abroad. It was designed by Ti Green. Composed by Peter Coyte.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595953552330-F04A7BDKCB8XNAYUUZCO/Long-John-Silver-600x600.jpg Directed shows - Treasure Island. This is a comic adaptation I co-wrote and directed for Le Navet Bete. It is currently on a mid-scale tour of the UK including a 2 week run at Bristol Old Vic. The adaptation captures the heart of the novel and also introduces a few new characters. Designed by Fi Russell. Composed by Peter Coyte. The script has been published by Nick Hern Books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/9da508b6-674d-4ddb-b75b-46ae07f64ed8/ACC.jpeg Directed shows - A Christmas Carol. This production which I directed and co-wrote has played two Christmas seasons - in Plymouth in 2019 and most recently to capacity houses at Exeter Northcott in 2021/2. Designed by Fi Russell. Composed by Peter Coyte https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/83defc3d-3cee-47c9-8e11-c1a00806c77d/Dick+Tracy.jpeg Directed shows - Dick Tracy. Based on the famous comic strip creation, this was an entirely new story (with songs) which I co-wrote and then directed. It toured UK mid-scale venues in 2015. Designed by Phil Eddolls. Music composition by Peter Coyte. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595954705023-RQ1IJ1T3I4TBTFBGI1W9/Screenshot+2020-07-28+at+17.44.10.png Directed shows I was drafted in as comedy consultant on this farce comedy production for Bath Theatre Royal, directed by Lindsay Posner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595957034452-77G3COIFL94KARJ6E339/The-Light-Princess_Image-by-Farrows-Creative-SMALLER-940x470.jpg Directed shows - The Light Princess. I co-wrote (with Thomas Eccleshare) and directed this Tobacco Factory, Bristol Christmas show. Adapted from the wonderful fairy tale by George Macdonald, the show was designed by Phil Eddolls and had original songs and soundscapes composed by Verity Standen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/5deebcb4-8523-425b-99b7-0d2f97e67eb3/coulrophobia-distressed.jpeg Directed shows - Coulrophobia. Commissioned by Nordland Visual Theatre this production which I directed and co-wrote for Opposable Thumb Theatre has toured the UK and Europe to great acclaim and featured in the 2020 London international Mime Festival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/9ddea4c4-ab3a-4a52-9090-9adc4adb21bb/oneman-rgb.jpeg Directed shows - One Man Two Guvnors I was physical comedy consultant on this major UK revival of Richard Bean’s hit adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s A Servant Of Two Masters. It was directed by Lotte Wakeham for Bolton Octagon where it opened in May ‘22, prior to a mid-scale tour. Designed by Colin Falconer. https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/homepage daily 1.0 2024-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1600249448968-5UWB52F6SSPHVY9JRVZD/Baskervilles%252BWest%252BEnd%252B2.jpg Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1600248819473-3WR3GKTVTE68S5PS9EVA/Baskervilles+West+End+3.jpg Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1600248817832-Z5LDB0TMU63MR91LJYDK/Baskervilles+West+End+1.jpg Homepage https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/current-projects-1 daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/bd3e1420-2a16-4d1b-820e-200ea4dddab4/IMG_4936.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/67d92f17-4a64-47b8-82aa-b1184fa9ffca/PM+Piccadilly.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/484b4d55-5e5b-4de5-8f9a-06acce212572/HOUND+IMAGE.jpg Writing commissions - The Hound Of The Baskervilles Originally commissioned by Leeds Playhouse, produced Beth Byrne and Caro Newling for Sam Mendes’s Neal Street Productions Beth Byrne and Caro Newling. Co-written with Steven Canny and directed by Orla O’loughlin for Peepolykus, it transferred to The Duchess Theatre in the West End in 2007. It was designed by Ti Green and sound design was by Mic Poole. The play is published by Nick Hern books and is currently their 3rd most licensed title. It has toured to over 30 UK mid-scale and Number 1 venues (most recently under the auspices of original Theatre). It has been translated into 5 languages and has been licensed over 200 times worldwide. John Nicholson will direct a new version in August 2024 for Theatre By The Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1597943056306-KMNGJSIT9TI8ZTXQ83AS/Screenshot+2020-08-20+at+17.51.43.png Writing commissions Eight comedy plays I co-wrote for BBC Radio 4 which subvert classic texts. Still available on iplayer. Guesting Richard Wilson, Hattie Morahan, Blake Ritson, Emma Fielding, David Sterne, Ingrid Oliver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/614b16d9-9c4b-4e01-874f-5c766a80367b/The+Massive+Tragedy+of+Madame+Bovary+at+BOV+-+Photographer+Jack+Offord+-+High+Res-4830.jpg Writing commissions - The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary. Commissioned by Liverpool Playhouse, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary was directed by Gemma Bodinetz for Peepolykus (John Nicholson, Javier Marzan, Emma Fielding and Jonathan Holmes). It was designed by Conor Murphy with music by Peter Coyte. It toured UK mid-scale venues in 2016. In Nov Dec ‘22 it will be the Christmas Show for Jermyn Street Theatre in London, directed by Marieke Audsley. It is published by Nick Hern books and productions have been licensed in the USA and Australia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/eabb2c2d-27f9-41fa-8038-f1a92af6bde6/165.jpg Writing commissions No Wise Men. Co-written with Steven Canny, No Wise Men was commissioned by Liverpool Playhouse for their Christmas show. It tells the story of a man whose identity is stolen by an elf and he is forced to travel into Victorian fictional stories in order to save himself. It was directed by Gemma Bodinetz, designed by Jon Bauser with composition by Peter Coyte. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/f2cbdb1b-36c4-49cb-b54f-e5df37d8a589/HFG_0030.JPG Writing commissions Spyski (Or The Importance of Being Honest) This was a mid-scale touring co-production commissioned by The Lyric, Hammersmith and co-written with Steven Canny. The play imagined a chance meeting between the poisoned FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko and an actor, who has to protect a very important baby from The Russians, the Chinese and M16. The play received an unprecedented 6 stars from Time Out. It was directed by David Farr and designed by Tom Piper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/13da7d00-6124-4cf3-8725-db770f015a6a/Pub+Photo+by+Laurence+Winram+web.jpg Writing commissions - The Arthur Con Doyle Appreciation Society. Commissioned by the Traverse theatre in Edinburgh and co-written with Steven Canny, this play explored Arthur Conan Doyle’s relationship with Spiritualism - that would have been an anathema to his great rationalist creation, as it was to Arthur’s friend Houdini. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/4758b35d-1b55-48dd-82f4-a79e2aa9b05b/Screenshot+2020-07-31+at+13.11.09.png Writing commissions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1597944633772-TZDJKXI002G171WSE4ZI/COVER.jpg Writing commissions - A FUND RAISING SONG FOR THE THEATRE ARTISTS FUND, MUSICARES AND BYMT A FUND RAISING SONG FOR THE THEATRE ARTISTS FUND, MUSICARES AND BYMT MUSIC BY Alexander Rudd LYRICS BY John Nicholson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/65d9045d-0d8a-4d71-a085-4768cb1c951a/Screenshot+2020-07-28+at+17.14.37.png Writing commissions - Off Their Rockers. I wrote comedy sketch/prank set-ups across series 4 of the UK version of this show, where old people play pranks on unsuspecting members of the public. It was a production for ITV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/77b293c2-0f9e-4f6c-b5ef-aa4bc03a2a08/Screenshot+2020-07-21+at+18.39.39.png Writing commissions - Marley Was Dead. By John Nicholson and Richard Katz. A Christmas Carol, but not as you've ever heard it before. A surprise all-star cast gather to bring Dickens' timeless classic to life. Introduced by Jonathan Dimbleby. With Edward Kelsey, Jane Horrocks, Dara O'Briain, Charlotte Green, Richard Madeley, Peter Purves, Gwyneth Williams , Javier Marzan, Sirine Saba, Sophie Russell and Chris Evans https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/watching/listening daily 0.75 2024-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1596132938243-HN64LFQ8JYK9ETUT2ZZZ/Screenshot+2020-07-30+at+13.38.50.png Watching/Listening A Trespasser’s Guide to the classics x 8 plays https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/contact daily 0.75 2020-07-30 https://johnnicholsoncomedytheatredirector.com/about daily 0.75 2024-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595243823275-UQ25ER88Z34O05XBY5C1/191.jpg About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/11056327-b3b6-4785-ad9e-cec367ab3440/IMG_2317.JPG About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595243881143-0HXVEY8Y9OUSDLGFMALC/workshop+copy.jpg About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1595243894237-EWISHDTHRAEAS62XQECE/166.jpg About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1596191649395-HGJJWN6PW36KZKJ944RX/_Jonathan%2BHolmes%2B%2526%2BJohn%2BNicholson%2Bin_Madame%2BBovary%2BRehearsal%2BPhotos%2BB%2526W-2854%2B%2528c%2529%2BBrian%2BRoberts%2Bcopy.jpg About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1596191830403-EQAZNK2UKGU17E3WMFTH/DSC00950.JPG About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1596192752326-9CEGA7W09BMZ2HSYAXLN/John+Nicholson++in+Madame+Bovary+%28c%29+Jonathan+Keenan+JKP-160206-7394.jpg About/Biog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f108c46c645fb098c3f10cb/1596192455384-S7X5I70W4770SNAYZNTD/DSC00975.JPG About/Biog