Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island

adapted for the stage by Tim Whitnall

Directed by Paul Hart

UK Tour - 2025 - MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON

Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir journeys to the stage for the first time, in a national UK tour starring TV favourite Les Dennis. NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND is a multi-million copy best-seller, voted by Radio 4 listeners as the book which best represents England. The production was launched at the Watermill Theatre in 2023, where it completely sold out in advance of opening and achieved a record box office.

From Calais to Scotland, Bill travels the length and breadth of Britain. How can the nation that produced Marmite and Gardener’s Question hold such a special place in this American’s heart?

This stage adaptation celebrates one of the nation’s most beloved books and the quirks of our small island. Notes From A Small Island spent three years in The Sunday Times bestsellers list and sold over two million copies, which is a feat repeated by several other Bill Bryson bestsellers.

“Captures the spirit and magic of the novel. Thoroughly enjoyable!” The Stage ****

“I suspect many who have the pleasure of this theatrical journey will, like me, be inspired to re-read Bryson's Notes from a Small Island.” WhatsOnStage ****

“A comic pleasure! In the Watermill’s adaptation of Bryson’s tribute to this sceptred isle, nostalgia and warmth abound.” The Telegraph