'Who knows what adventures await?'

It's Thursday night – so Jess, Maryn and Milo are at Dennis's board-game café, continuing their quest to defeat the Nightmare King… It has been months, but now all that stands between them and victory is a few lucky rolls of a twenty-sided die.

A struggling student, an overworked trainee solicitor and a reluctant job-seeker, here they are transformed into Dungeon Master, Wizard and Warrior Princess. But what happens when the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur?

Funny, gripping and heartfelt, Jack Bradfield's play The Habits opened at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, London, in 2025, directed by Ed Madden.

'Genuinely entertaining... crackles with sardonic humour... the dialogue is crisp and witty. Bradfield gives us a glimpse into a fantastical corner of the high street'

'Original and great fun... shines a spotlight on a gaming subculture that has far more influence and artistry than is often acknowledged... the final encounter with The Nightmare King is pure joy'

'Sweet and sharply observed... a gentle, heart-warming story about the power of fantasy, escapism and collective storytelling to build empathy and process grief... with a cast of charming, immediately recognisable characters facing believable real-life troubles through play'

'Enchanting... funny, tender and quietly inspiring'

'A tender look at who we are and who we wish we were in the face of bereavement. The Habits is captivating. It casts a spell and presents a sweet depiction of geeky life... equal parts charming nerdy humour and bittersweet family tragedy... it offers affable, engaging storytelling that's gripping in the weirdest of ways... it's just bloody good theatre'

'An intriguing look into both roleplay fantasies and the harsh reality of dealing with loss and bereavement... a remarkably enjoyable experience'

'Packed with wit, charm and nuance... a successful exploration of human relationships and anxieties wrapped up in a fantasy role playing setting, and no, you don't have to be a fan of Dungeons and Dragons to enjoy this!'

'A funny - and moving - confection... a journey to a dark castle, and into broken hearts'

'Bradfield's writing is smart and kind, and all of the characters are likable and funny. The Habits is so much more than a play about Dungeons and Dragons. It is a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming examination of navigating loss and grief, finding your tribe, and the wonderful power of creativity and imagination'

'A very strong script... simple and deeply effective'

Jack Bradfield is Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning company Poltergeist, and recipient of the 2023 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award.