David Waters RIP

David died unexpectedly in May 2026, following a relapse of his leukemia.

He was the founder and managing director of Stagescripts, a small theatrical publisher and rights-holder with a growing catalogue that he curated to include out-of-the-box commercially viable titles as well as those that need a director to be more creative and to explore the piece.

Stagescripts continues, under the management of Chris and Nicky.

Tributes

David was a loyal supporter of AWL, and a kind, wise and generous supporter of new writers. He also became a good friend to those he published, and was always ready with words of encouragement. Many AWL writers have reason to be grateful to David for getting our plays into print and performed around the world. He will be much missed.

Robin Miller

I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of David Waters. AWL has lost a stalwart member and I have lost someone I was proud to call a friend. A man of perception and integrity David championed new writing and in a competitive world he was prepared to give writers a ‘voice’ with his company Stagescripts. David’s loss will be felt personally and professionally by many people, not least myself, I shall be forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me. Rest in peace my friend.

David Hampshire

As a publisher, David was supportive, punctilious and clear-sighted. As a man, in the face of many challenges, he was admirably resilient. As a friend, he was generous and such good fun. Many of us will miss him immensely.

Nicoolas Ridley

The first time I became aware of David, it was a full house. I had set up a public performance of Robin Miller’s play Dragon Island at the CAA. Having directed it at AWL, I felt it needed a bigger audience. I had just given the go ahead for Curtain Up. It was being staged in the round, which meant no spare space in the little theatre. As I turned around I was confronted by this smart-looking business man appealing to be let in. I told him there was no room but he insisted, nay, pleaded to see the play. I hit on a crafty idea and led him down the corridor to the kitchen, where there was a door into the auditorium. I propped it open and provided him with a seat. I had no idea who he was. That came later when I was introduced by Nicholas Ridley. It was then that David told me what he did. He explained that he had seen my own play at the CAA and was willing to publish it for me. We met several times after that, many of them at AWL. I remember well his good advice and warning that it was the writing that sold itself. I will always be thankful for his encouragement and warmth.

Martin Cort

I was very sorry to hear about David’s death. I knew he had been ill, but was encouraged by what seemed to be a potential recovery. He was gentle and sensitive with a great sense of humour. He clearly had enormous knowledge of literature and of publishing - without being pushy or patronising. Finally, he was a man of honour and I am sure believed in the dictum that if a job is to be done, it must be done well. I am more grateful than I can say that he chose to publish my play, Queen Anne. Farewell David and thank you.

Kate Glover

David was my publisher. I feel so sad that he has gone. He was such a very special man, warm and approachable and down to earth. He took me on after seeing Between Friends, which I wrote with Rosalind Adler. I knew how ill he’d been but I thought he’d come through. The last time I spoke to him, he told me that Nicki and Chris Chambers were now in charge, and I suppose I should have realised then that he was getting his house in order. I’m so pleased they are both there to step into his very special shoes.

Carolyn Pertwee