Stephen Temperley

Stephen Temperley is a British-born playwright, actor, and librettist best known for his critically acclaimed play Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins. With a background in both performance and writing, Temperley crafts works that blend humor, pathos, and character-driven storytelling, often exploring eccentric personalities and the tension between ambition and delusion.

Born in London, Temperley began his career as an actor, training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He performed on stage and television before turning his attention to writing, where he found his distinctive voice in plays that combine sharp wit with emotional depth.

His breakthrough came with Souvenir (2004), a two-character play chronicling the unlikely career of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy New York socialite with a famously off-key singing voice, and her accompanist, Cosmé McMoon. The play premiered off-Broadway at the York Theatre Company before transferring to the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway, where it earned acclaim for its heartfelt humor and nuanced portrayal of artistic passion.

In addition to Souvenir, Temperley’s other theatrical works include The Pilgrim Papers, Money/Mercy, and Beside the Seaside. He has also written adaptations and worked as a librettist, contributing to musical and operatic projects.

Stephen Temperley continues to be recognized for his ability to tell quirky, moving, and thought-provoking stories that challenge perceptions of talent, success, and the human desire to create. His work remains a favorite among regional theaters and actors seeking rich, character-driven material.