Hogfather

by Stephen Briggs (Adaptor), Terry Pratchett

It's the night before Hogswatch. And it's too quiet. Superstition makes things work in the Discworld, and undermining it can have consequences. It's just not right to find Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say 'Ho Ho Ho…'It's the last night of the year, the time is turning, and if Susan, gothic governess and Death's granddaughter (sort of), doesn't sort everything out by morning, there won't be a morning. Ever again…Adapted by Terry Pratchett's long-time collaborator Stephen Briggs, this play text version of Pratchett's bestselling Discworld novel Hogfather wittily and faithfully reimagines the story for the stage.

Genres: Fantasy, Plays, Christmas

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2021

About the author

Stephen Briggs is a British writer of subsidiary works and merchandise surrounding Terry Pratchett's comic fantasy Discworld. He is also a narrator of many Discworld audiobooks
who graduated from Curtin University with a double major in Theatre Arts and Creative Writing before attending WAPPA and studying Broadcasting. Midway through his time there he decided he didn't want to be a journo and moved to Sydney to join RMK Voice Productions. Stephen has voiced countless campaigns and appeared in numerous professional plays. He has written and directed six short films, one of which, Whatever it Takes, satirises the Voice Over business.

Please note that there is a separate Stephen^^Briggs whose area of expertise is psychotherapy.

Reviews

[Olwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry but make it christmasssss

[Jazzmin Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version. I read the Hogfather every year, and thought I'd listen this year. Great production, nicely done

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hogfather (Modern Play) is an ambitious adaptation of Pratchett’s holiday classic, and while it has its moments, it doesn’t quite land as smoothly as one might hope. The darkly whimsical idea of the Discworld’s version of Christmas is still there, and Death stepping in for the Hogfather brings some wonderfully funny and surreal scenes.

But the play sometimes struggles to balance tone. The novel mixes satire, mystery, and holiday spirit in a way that feels seamless on the page, yet on stage it can feel uneven—swinging between heavy-handed seriousness and almost slapstick humor. Pacing is also an issue; a few stretches drag on, making the story feel longer than it needs to.

That said, the adaptation isn’t without charm. Certain characters sparkle, and the witty dialogue does manage to shine through. Fans of Pratchett will still find enough here to enjoy, but as a standalon play it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the book.

[Ian Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most of Mr Briggs’ adaptations this gets much of the comedy, events and characters onto the stage. Adapting a fantasy novel to the stage, though, is a thankless task: the climax bears a very different resemblance to that of the source novel, although that is totally understandable, and the themes and concerns of the novel are there as well. I think, though, that too many many shortcuts have been taken: the narrator is an essential part, and to have suddenly leave the stage partway through after explaining that his job is done now that the plot and characters are all assembled is clumsy, but handled wonderfully. Like the Hogfather’s gifts, this is a mixed bag but an excellent amount of goodwill is generated by it. Fun but slight.

[Robyn Weightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually saw the movie before reading this which I do think ruined the middle section where Susan is trying to work out what's going on. Because I already knew I really wanted the action!
But, as always, a great read with fantastic characters and all the wit & comedic effect of Pratchett's writing.

[Katie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibes: 4.5⭐
Plot: 4⭐
Characters: 5⭐

This is my first step into Discworld and it is so weird and funny and random. The way all theses chaotic pov characters suddenly begin to have their storylines merge towards the end is so clever. Honestly, it's a good, weird time. I will be reading more Discworld very soon! 

[Dora Odak · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was my frist discworld book and i felt exactly like im on that sledge on the front cover, spriling thru air with no sense of direction. and then i landed exactly where i wanted to be. amazing book, very fun, great quotes. doesn't make sense half of the time, and that's perfectly okay.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Exceptionally funny and unique holiday tale. I got kinda confused at the end, in part due to reading aloud as a group and taking days-long breaks. Ending is strange. I want to watch the low budget movie. Death may be my favourite holiday character.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting! Stephen Briggs adapts Terry Pratchett's Hogfather for the stage. It's very funny and creative -- essentially, the Grim Reaper dressing up as Santa Claus to help save "belief" itself from doom

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it every year. The Late, Great STP remains unparalleled
.

[Catherine Pett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it x

[Benjamin Nickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich liebe das Buch, es wird jedes Jahr in der Weihnachtszeit hervor geholt!

[Brant Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent alt-Christmas book! Always funny and surprisingly heartwarming in parts. DEATH is a great character.

[Samantha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was weird but kept my attention the whole way through and had some really clever humor in it! Interested in looking more into Discworld after listening to this on audio!

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this year's listen 🎄