Heated auction for Waller-Bridge's annotated 'Fleabag' scripts

An extensive auction for the annotated script of the “Fleabag” series by Phoebe Waller-Bridge has reached at least six-figures, The Bookseller understands.

It is believed that a large number of Penguin Random House imprints have bid for the annotated script by the acclaimed writer and actress, as well as other major publishing houses, in a heated auction. 

Waller-Bridge's previous book, Fleabag: The Original Play (Nick Hern Books), was published in October 2016 as a 48-page tie-in edition for the first series. It has since sold 4,752 copies for £34,829, according to Nielsen BookScan.

“Fleabag” first premiered as a one-woman show starring Waller-Bridge at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, before transferring to Soho Theatre, London, for several successful runs, followed by a UK tour. In 2016, it was adapted into a highly acclaimed TV series for BBC3/Amazon, the second series of which aired earlier this year. Waller-Bridge also wrote and starred in the drama “Crashing” which aired in 2016 on Channel 4.

“Fleabag" was nominated by the US Critic Choice TV awards for Best Comedy and Waller-Bridge for Best Actress as well as picking up a WGGB Award for Best TV Comedy, several Broadcast Awards, and a BAFTA for best actress in a comedy.

Subsequently Waller-Bridge adapted “Killing Eve” for BBC America, based on Luke Jennings’ novel Codename Villanelle (John Murray) which was acquired in 2016 as a pre-empt. The TV series has since been nominated for a Golden Globe, an Emmy and won the Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series as well as three BAFTAs. Waller-Bridge has also recently written for the latest James Bond film following a personal request from lead actor Daniel Craig.

Waller-Bridge’s literary agent Alec Drysdale at Independent Talent did not respond to The Bookseller's request for comment.