Hereford becomes new home for the Mono Box play library

Powerhouse is to create new specialist library facility through Stronger Hereford investment and acquisition of The Mono Box archive.

A unique collection of plays and theatre books, donated by over 200 theatre, television and film industry figures, will be permanently housed at Powerhouse’s new cultural development in Hereford. 

The Mono Box Play Library was originally created in London ten years ago to support emerging theatre artists. The library was formed through donations from industry professionals in response to the question, “If you could recommend one play to a young actor to read, what would it be?”

It is a unique, rich and diverse collection that has now grown to house thousands of plays and other theatrical texts, many inscribed with personal notes, tips, and advice from the donors to those starting out. 

Each book comes from the personal bookshelves of leading industry professionals, including: actors Cillian Murphy, Dame Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, David Tennant, Tom Hiddleston, Michael Sheen, Vanessa Kirby, Lucian Msamati, Dame Julie Walters; Himesh Patel, Juliet Stevenson, Mark Gatiss, Russell Tovey, Sarah Solemani, Dame Joanna Lumley, Zoe Wannamaker, Sir Derek Jacobi; playwrights Caryl Churchill, Alan Bennett, Arinze Kene, Simon Stephens; Mark Ravenhill, and Patrick Marber; theatre directors Roy Alexander Weise, Michael Grandage, Indhu Rubasingham and Lyndsey Turner, as well as Nick Hern Books, Bloomsbury, Methuen Drama, Almeida Theatre, Bush Theatre, and Soho Theatre.

The Mono Box library will be housed in a new specialist facility at Powerhouse, as part of its  Stronger Hereford redevelopment. The facility, which will neighbour Rural Media’s Digital Culture Hub, will provide a space for the community to read, research, learn, rehearse and collaborate.

It will be a free specialist library available to the public, so that anyone can read brand new dramas, as well as exploring  the rich history of theatre - including Hereford’s own theatrical heritage such as its links to David Garrick, Nell Gwynne and others.

The acquisition of the collection is a major coup for Hereford. It will help to develop the city as a centre for theatre excellence and will help to nurture the next generation of theatre artists.

Blayne George, Executive Creative Director, The Mono Box said: 

“Over the past 10 years The Mono Box has been a source of inspiration for thousands of emerging, early career and professional theatre makers. We offered  a safe, welcoming and nurturing space where they could find creative fulfilment. Our play library sat at the heart of all our programming and we are comforted in knowing that this important and rich cultural asset will be rehomed with a pioneering organisation we greatly admire.

It is a joy to know that The Mono Box will live on and that these resources will continue to be accessible and a source of inspiration for those seeking to have their voices heard, explore their creativity, hone their craft and develop exciting, challenging and bold new work.” 

Tim Evans, Artistic Director & CEO,  Powerhouse said:  

"We are thrilled to become a custodian of The Mono Box's remarkable library.
This generous donation is not just a collection of plays; it's an essential resource for our community, a catalyst for creativity, and a toolkit for emerging artists.

At Powerhouse, we are committed to nurturing talent and making theatre accessible to everyone; particularly in communities with limited access to such resources.

This library will be transformative for our creative community in Hereford, providing a much-needed cultural asset for actors, writers and directors in the region.

We're committed to honouring The Mono Box's legacy by making this collection a vital part of our educational and creative programme; helping us to amplify diverse voices and support careers in the arts.”