Francis Henry Durbridge (25 November 1912 – 11 April 1998) was an English playwright and author.

Durbridge was born in Hull, and educated at Bradford Grammar School, where he was encouraged to write by his English teacher. He continued to do so while studying English at Birmingham University. After graduating in 1933, he worked for a short time as a stockbroker's clerk before selling a radio play, Promotion, to the BBC at the age of 21.