We connect, empower and uplift the communities at the heart of
theatre and publishing.

About us

Playbook Media brings together two of the most respected publications in their industries: The Stage and The Bookseller. We are the trusted, independent voice serving the theatre industry and the book trade.

Playbook Media exists to connect, empower and uplift the communities at the heart of theatre and publishing. We bring their voices together through trusted journalism, services and experiences.

Across more than 300 years of combined history, The Stage and The Bookseller have earned authority through deep sector knowledge, editorial integrity and long-term trust. Playbook Media brings those strengths together under one company identity.

Stanley Tucci at The British Book Awards 2025

Our purpose

We connect, empower and uplift the communities at the heart of the theatre industry and the book trade, uniting their many voices through trusted, independent insight, services and experiences.

Our role is not only to inform, but to inspire, challenge and connect — helping our industries to thrive.

Our titles

Playbook Media is the shared company behind both titles, but they remain distinct and unchanged. 

Trusted journalism, insight, information and industry connection for the book trade and publishing.

“The Bookseller's strapline say it all. It really is at the heart of publishing.”

Jacqueline Wilson
Go to The Bookseller
Trusted journalism, insight, jobs and industry connection for theatre and the performing arts.

“The stage would not be the stage without The Stage”

Laurence Olivier
Go to The Stage

Our Events

  • The British Book Awards

    Celebrating books and the people who make them, the UK's definitive book awards event. 
    Find Out More

    The Stage Awards

    The Stage Awards are the biggest celebration of theatre and theatremakers across the UK.
    Find Out More

    The British Audio Awards

    The Speakies are dedicated to celebrating excellence in audiobooks, audio drama and podcasts.
    Find Out More
  • The Stage Debut Awards

    Dedicated to recognising emerging performers, designers, directors, and more across the industry.
    Find Out More

    The Children's Conference

    Bringing together the brightest minds from across and outside of the children’s publishing industry.
    Find Out More

    Future of Theatre

    Discover how we can build a creative, resilient, and innovative future for the theatre sector.
    Find Out More
  • FutureBook

    One day. One audience. One mission: to unfollow follower mentality and take the lead on the future of books.
    Find Out More

    M&P Conference

    The annual event to get inspired, upskill, and connect with peers across the industry.
    Find Out More

    The YA Book Prize

    Celebrating great fiction for teenagers and young adults, shining a light on original voices
    Find Out More
Bryn Terfel at The Stage Awards 2025. © David Monteith Hodge

Our values

Our work is guided by four core values: excellence, passion, independence and stewardship.

1. Excellence

Champion excellence in theatre and publishing by setting the benchmark for quality journalism.

2. Passion

Foster passion for the industries we serve, driving innovation and meaningful impact.

3. Independence

Provide an independent voice, ensuring that all industry perspectives are fairly
represented.

4 Stewardship

Steward the future of theatre and publishing by advocating for their long-term sustainability.

Find out more about our values and culture.

Work with us

We are building a values-led company around trusted brands, strong journalism and long-term industry impact. To see current opportunities, visit our careers page.

Careers at Playbook Media
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