Bill Bryson, the much-loved American-British writer whose curiosity has delighted readers for generations, has spent a lifetime turning the world’s complexities into wit-lined, accessible storytelling.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Bryson has lived in Britain for most of his adult life, holds dual citizenship, served as Durham University’s chancellor (2005–2011), and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society.
Now 73, he is the author of 21 non-fiction books, from the beloved science tome A Short History Of Nearly Everything (2003) to Notes From A Small Island (1995), his affectionate, sharply observed portrait of Britain.
Not to forget A Walk In The Woods (1997), Bryson’s cleverly entertaining and insightful account of tackling the Appalachian Trail, one of America’s longest and most challenging hiking routes.
Bryson’s work appeals to a broad, diverse audience, easily filling halls wherever he tours.
In February, Bryson takes to the stage in Singapore for an evening that promises both intellect and mischief – revisiting the ideas behind his newly rewritten A Short History Of Nearly Everything 2.0 (2025), sharing stories from his decades on the road, and reflecting on the strange, joyful business of making a life out of words.
The Best Of Bill Bryson – Live On Stage series is set to take place at the Capitol Theatre in Singapore on Feb 4 and 5, 2026.
The tour, presented by Lateral Events, will also take Bryson to cities across New Zealand and Australia.
After five largely retired years, he couldn’t resist revisiting a classic work - his bestselling A Short History Of Nearly Everything, more than two decades old, was due for a major rethink.
The result is A Short History Of Nearly Everything 2.0, a fully updated edition capturing the scientific discoveries of the past 20 years.
Pluto is no longer a planet, the known moons of our solar system have more than doubled, and genetic breakthroughs have revealed previously unknown early human species.
“Planetology, astronomy, particle physics, the Big Bang, quantum mechanics, evolution and the show is just getting started. A Short History Of Nearly Everything 2.0 is the result of Bill’s quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilisation – how we got from being nothing at all to what we are today. Bill will share the stories of the lives and times of the scientists behind the research and discoveries, highlighting their sometimes eccentric behaviours,” outlines the Bryson tour notes.
Bryson's job on the road is to promote A Short History Of Nearly Everything 2.0, but a theatrical night with him also promises tales of his travels and the marvels of the human body.
