Herman Heijermans was born in Rotterdam in 1824. As a socialist his work focused on such themes as a nti-Semitism and free love. He died in Zandvoort in 1924. Lee Hall has won numerous awards, includin g a Sony award for his phenomenally popular radio play Spoonface Steinberg, which later transferred to the stage in a production with Kathryn Hunter. His play Cooking With Elvis has had a sell-out run at the Whitehall Theatre throughout 2000. His adaptation of A Servant to Two Masters was a smash hi t for the RSC and the Young Vic, and continues to tour worldwide. His two Brecht adaptations, Mr Pun tilla and his Man Matti and Mother Courage were both sell-out successes in the West End. Lee Hall wa s Oscarnominated for his screenplay Billy Elliot.