After Life - by Jack Thorne (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

If you could spend eternity with just one precious memory, what would it be?

A group of strangers grapple with this impossible question as they find themselves in a bureaucratic waiting room between life and death. Encouraged by enigmatic officials, they must sift through their past lives to choose their forever.

After Life, a play by Jack Thorne adapted from Hirokazu Kore-eda's award-winning film (concept by Bunny Christie, Jeremy Herrin and Jack Thorne), is a surreal and powerfully human look at the way we view our lives.

It was premiered at the National Theatre, London, in 2021.

Review Quotes

"A joyously theatrical piece. Reminds us of just what live theatre can do."

"A vibrant kaleidoscope of memories."

"Absolutely superb. Tremendously theatrical and moving."

"Overwhelmingly moving. Profoundly satisfying."

About the Author

Jack Thorne is a playwright and screenwriter. His plays for the stage include: After Life, an adaptation of a film by Hirokazu Kore-eda (National Theatre, 2021); the end of history... (Royal Court, London, 2019); an adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (Old Vic, London, 2017); an adaptation of Büchner's Woyzeck (Old Vic, London, 2017); Junkyard (Headlong, Bristol Old Vic, Rose Theatre Kingston & Theatr Clwyd, 2017); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre, London, 2016); The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae and Theatre Royal Plymouth, 2015); Hope (Royal Court, London, 2015); adaptations of Let the Right One In (National Theatre of Scotland at Dundee Rep, the Royal Court and the Apollo Theatre, London, 2013/14) and Stuart: A Life Backwards (Underbelly, Edinburgh and tour, 2013); Mydidae (Soho, 2012; Trafalgar Studios, 2013); an adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Physicists (Donmar Warehouse, 2012); Bunny (Underbelly, Edinburgh, 2010; Soho, 2011); 2nd May 1997 (Bush, 2009); When You Cure Me (Bush, 2005; Radio 3's Drama on Three, 2006); Fanny and Faggot (Pleasance, Edinburgh, 2004 and 2007; Finborough, 2007; English Theatre of Bruges, 2007; Trafalgar Studios, 2007); and Stacy (Tron, 2006; Arcola, 2007; Trafalgar Studios, 2007).

His radio plays include Left at the Angel (Radio 4, 2007), an adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (2009) and an original play People Snogging in Public Places (Radio 3's Wire slot, 2009).

He was a core writer in all three series of Skins (E4, Channel 4, BBC America), writing five episodes. His other TV writing includes National Treasure, The Last Panthers, Glue, The Fades (2012 BAFTA for Best Drama Series), Shameless, Cast-Offs, This Is England '86 (2011 Royal Television Society Award for Best Writer - Drama), This Is England '88, This Is England '90 and the thirty-minute drama The Spastic King.

His work for film includes the features War Book, A Long Way Down, adapted from Nick Hornby's novel, and The Scouting Book for Boys, which won him the Star of London Best Newcomer Award at the London Film Festival 2009.