Great Britain [Paperback]

Richard Beans fast and furious new play is an anarchic and foul-mouthed satire about the press, the police and the political establishment. Paige Britain is the ambitious, morally-bankrupt young news editor of The Free Press, a tabloid newspaper locked in a never-ending battle for more readers.Richard Bean is one of Britain's most exciting and prolific playwrights. Between 1989 and 1994 he worked as a stand-up comedian and went on to be one of the writers and performers of the sketch showControl Group Six(BBC Radio), which was nominated for a Writers Guild Award. His first full length play,Of Rats and Menwas staged at the Canal Cafe and went on to Edinburgh. He adapted it for radio for the BBC and it was nominated for a Sony Award. His breakthrough playToastfound critical acclaim at the Royal Court Theatre in 1999. He has also translated and adapted Moliere'sThe Misanthrope. His recent playOne Man, Two Guvnorspremiered at The National Theatre in May 2011, to a string of five star reviews, before transferring to the West End and Broadway.One Man, Two Guvnorsalso won the Critics' Circle and Richard became the first writer to win the Evening Standard Award for Best Play for two plays,The HereticandOne Man, Two Guvnorsin 2011.

Astounding. The most detailed stage satire I have ever seen. **** Financial Times

A timely look at the tangled relationship between the press, politicians and the police. It's barbed and very funny. **** Evening Standard

Blessedly funny. Bracing topicality. Richard Bean doesn't do things by halves. **** Guardian

Laughter-making on an industrial scale. The NT is on exhilarating and exemplary form. **** Independent

Terrific acting and slick direction. Bluntly entertaining comedy. **** Telegraph