Polly Stenham

Polly Stenham is a British playwright best known for her exploration of family dynamics and the psychological effects of trauma on young people. She rose to prominence with her debut play That Face (2007), written when she was 19. The play, staged at the Royal Court Theatre, explores themes of addiction, neglect, and the volatile relationships within a dysfunctional upper-middle-class family. It was critically acclaimed for its raw, emotional intensity and earned her several awards, including the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright.

Stenham’s later works, including Tusk Tusk (2009) and Hotel (2014), continue to explore themes of familial breakdown, mental health, and the fragility of adolescence. Her writing is characterised by its incisive dialogue, emotional complexity, and focus on young protagonists navigating turbulent situations.

Stenham spoke to Simon Stephens in S1 Ep4 of Playwrights Podcast.