Canterbury tales - Phil Woods

In dramatising The Canterbury Tales, Phil Woods takes a deliberately unacademic approach to Chaucer's classical work, while at the same time retaining the original's sense of fun chivalry, and satire.

Since Michael Bogdanov's exciting 1974 production, this version has been acclaimed by audiences and critics throughout this country (including the West End) and abroad, and after six prints of the first edition, is now republished in a new format.

"Like all the best borrowings, Phil Woods' script captures in its own satiric style the comic essence of Chaucer's glee at human credulity and conformity."
The Guardian

"Anyone labouring under the misapprehension that medieval English literature is dry and academic should catch up with this splendid dramatised version of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales."
Western Mail

"Colourful, boozy, good-spirited, compelling entertainment."
Stage & Television Today

Phil Woods started writing for the theatre in 1970. Since then he has been commissioned to write more than fifty plays. Whilst working as Resident Writer with Michael Bogdanov at the Phoenix Theatre, Leicester, he adapted Canterbury Tales and Dracula. For the New Vic Touring Theatre he also adapted The Three Musketeers, Sons of the Musketeers, The Last of the Mohicans and Frankenstein. The New Vic produced Buddy Holly at the Regal at the Greenwich Theatre and subsequently on a national tour. He lives in County Durham and has written many plays for local companies, including Live Theatre, Durham Theatre Company and Newcastle Playhouse. His television work includes The Forsyte Saga and 130 episodes of Coronation Street.