Ben Norris

Ben Norris is a British playwright, poet, and performer born in Nottingham, England. Known for his lyrical writing style and emotionally resonant storytelling, Norris has made a significant impact on the contemporary UK theatre scene. His work often explores themes of identity, masculinity, and family, reflecting both personal experience and broader social commentary.

Norris gained widespread recognition with his one-man show The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Family, a touching autobiographical piece that toured extensively after premiering at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has also written for stage and radio, contributing to BBC Radio 4 and penning scripts for several regional theatres across the UK. His writing is characterized by an engaging blend of spoken word, humor, and heartfelt narrative.

In addition to his work as a writer, Norris is an accomplished spoken word artist and has been a national poetry slam champion. He brings this poetic sensibility into his theatrical writing, crafting pieces that resonate both in rhythm and message. His work speaks particularly to younger audiences and those interested in hybrid forms of theatre.

Norris has served as a writer-in-residence at several theatres and institutions, including the Nottingham Playhouse, and he remains a passionate advocate for arts education and youth engagement. His contributions extend beyond the stage as he frequently leads workshops and mentors emerging writers and performers.

Still early in what promises to be a long and evolving career, Ben Norris continues to be a vital voice in British theatre. He combines sharp wit, poetic skill, and emotional depth, creating work that is both contemporary and deeply human. Most recently, Norris has written the monologues for the West End show The Choir of Man, where he debuted the role of The Poet from 2017 to 2022, when it was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.