Simon Stephens' first play BLUEBIRD was produced at the Royal Court in 1998. He was writer-in-residence at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 1999. His next play HERONS (Royal Court, 2001) was nominated for the Olivier Award for Most Promising Playwright. His radio play FIVE LETTERS HOME TO ELIZABETH was broadcast on Radio 4 in 2001 and DIGGING was broadcast in 2003. PORT was produced at the Manchester Royal Exchange in 2002 and awarded the Pearson Award for Best New Play in 2001-2. One Minute opened at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield with Actors Touring Company in May prior to a national tour.