This page contains a selection of James Kelman’s original scripts for plays and short films, including adaptations of his most popular novels and short stories.

All of the scripts accessible on this page are the original work of James Kelman, and remain his intellectual property. This is asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988. No section of this work may be reproduced separately or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical, or in performance, without prior permission in writing from the author.

The documents on this page are for reading purposes only. If you wish to discuss productions or dramatic rights, please contact:
Julia c/o The Agency, 24 Pottery Lane, London, W11 4LZ, England.

Short film scripts

• A walk in the park
• He knew him well
• In with the Doctor
• Old Francis
• Real Stories
• Refugees
• Right Again (A decision)
• Spanner in the Works - Full Version
• Strength
• the chase
• Unlucky
  
  Play scripts
• BIG STAR [ un-produced ]
• Hardie and Baird [ produced: Edinburgh, 1991 ]
• He knew him well - Radio
• Herbal Remedies [ produced: Glasgow, 2007 ]
• How late it was, how late * - The German radio production of How Late It Was, How Late was scripted by Kelman. It was not connected with the stage plays adapted and produced independently in Texas and in Denmark. The one in Denmark had a full band on stage throughout the performance.
• In The Night [ produced, 1987 ]
• In with the Doctor - Stage [ un-produced]
• one two - hey! [ produced: 1994 ]
• Redemption [ un-produced ]
• Refugees
• Spanner in the Works - Radio [ un-produced ]
• The Busker - Radio [ produced: Glasgow, 1985 & 1998 ]
• The Soup Enigma [ un-produced ]
• They make these noises [ produced: Glasgow, 2007
  
  Movies
• Dirt Road to Lafayette (2018)
• A Young Man's Story [ un-produced ]
• The Return (short film, 1991)