Dave Bignell
AUTHOR

Dave Bignell

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Dave Bignell is a writer, teacher, and former actor based in Wiltshire, UK. With a lifelong passion for storytelling, he brings together his background in performance and education to create stories that are imaginative, emotionally rich, and deeply human. His writing journey began on stage, where he wrote and performed original scripts for live audiences. Over time, this grew into a love for adapting and reimagining stories — particularly those with complex themes of identity, ambition, love, and loss. His first novel, Madness Took Me, evolved from one of these scripts. A powerful exploration of the human mind and the blurred lines between performance and reality, it marked a turning point in his creative work and introduced the thoughtful, layered style that runs through all his writing. Dave is best known for his acclaimed series of Shakespeare retellings for children aged 9–12. These include Kev Macbeth, King Leo, Viola’s Twelfth Night, and Prospero’s Tempest. With warmth, humour, and a strong narrative voice, these stories reimagine the original plays while remaining true to their emotional heart. Characters wrestle with power, disguise, guilt, grief, and love — all in ways that are accessible to young readers but never simplified beyond recognition. Originally written for his son, these adaptations reflect Dave’s desire to share timeless stories with a new generation. As both a parent and a teacher, he knows the value of literature that sparks curiosity and compassion. His retellings are designed not only to entertain but also to open conversations about what it means to be human. Dave’s work is united by a fascination with the inner world — the roles we play, the masks we wear, and the truths we hide even from ourselves. Whether exploring Shakespearean tragedy or contemporary drama, his stories often return to the same central question: who are we, really, beneath it all?
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  • Kev Macbeth cover art

    • Kev Macbeth

    • Shakespeare Retold for Children
    • By: Dave Bignell
    • Narrated by: Tony Rao
    • Length: 58 mins
    • Release date: 23-09-2025
    • Language: English
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