The Time Traveller's Guide to British Theatre: The First Four Hundred Years

The Time-Traveller's Guide to British Theatre explores the history of British theatre from the 1550s to the 1950s, with a focus on the people, buildings, plays, and audiences that make it what it is today. It is an accessible, journalistic account that is celebratory in tone, journalistic in style, and accurate in content.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

British theatre is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, but where do these magnificent structures and captivating plays originate? And when did this captivating story begin? To unravel the origins, we embark on a time journey back to the 16th century, four hundred years ago, when the land was devoid of any theatres. Accompanied by a diverse cast of fictional guides, the book explores the evolution of British theatre from the 1550s to the 1950s. The Time-Traveller's Guide to British Theatre delves into the lives of the influential figures, the architectural marvels, the plays, and the audiences that shape the vibrant landscape of British theatre today. It encompasses a wide range of renowned names, from Shakespeare to Terence Rattigan, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw, and highlights their timeless masterpieces, many of which continue to be revived to this day. Through vivid descriptions and immersive visits to the venues, the book tells the dramatic stories behind these iconic spaces. While rooted in extensive research and historical accuracy, it presents a captivating and relevant account of five centuries of British creativity. With a celebratory tone, journalistic style, and precise content, this guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the world of British theatre, appealing to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350301764