British theatre of the past fifty years has been brilliant; varied; and controversial; encompassing invigorating indigenous drama; politically didactic writing; the formation of such institutions as the National Theatre; the exporting of musicals worldwide from the West End; and much more. This entertaining and authoritative book is the first comprehensive account of British theatre in this period.Dominic Shellard moves chronologically through the half-century; discussing important plays; performers; directors; playwrights; critics; censors; and agents as well as the social; political; and financial developments that influenced the theatre world. Drawing on previously unseen material (such as the Kenneth Tynan archives); first-hand testimony; and detailed research; Shellard tackles several long-held assumptions about drama of the period. He questions the dominance of Look Back in Anger in the 1950s; arguing that much of the theatre of the ten years prior to its premiegrave;re in 1956 was vibrant and worthwhile. He suggests that theatre criticism; theatre producers; and such institutions as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company have played key roles in the evolution of recent drama. And he takes a fresh look at the work of Terence Rattigan; Harold Pinter; Joe Orton; Alan Ayckbourn; Timberlake Wertenbaker; and other significant playwrights of the modern era.The book will be a valuable resource not only for students of theatre history but also for any theatre enthusiast.
#1349919 in eBooks 2012-10-16 2012-10-16File Name: B007WKFM2C
Review
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Cute book for people new to Marisas blogBy ValI was super. super excited for this book to come out. as I have been following Marisas clever blog for years. This book has her usual great ideas. and is divided sensibly into different sections. like Mu-Mus or Quick Fixes. If you are new to Marisas craftiness and want to learn to upcycle your clothes. you will enjoy her ideas a lot. But I was a bit disappointed. because many of the after pictures did not show a full picture of the new item. instead focusing on arty poses. There also arent many step by step pictures. which she features heavily on her blog. So if you are new to sewing and need a bit more visual hand holding. this probably isnt the book for you.Overall though. a very fun book to look at. and Marisas usual fun personality shines here.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Yipee its here!By Kindle CustomerAs a follower of the New Dress a Day blog. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book. When the UPS truck pulled up yesterday. I knew what it was bringing. Though I was leaving the house. I made my husband drive so I could read it right away. I was not disappointed. The photos are super fun and the projects range from t-shirt casual to black tie and the book includes a whole section on accessories. Marisa also shows a whole range of refashioning skills. from hemming and fixing neck lines to dyeing. using iron-on transfers and using trim and embellishments to fix little problem areas. Theres even a no-sew section for crafty-yet-not-into-sewing folks. Though you can find a lot of these tips on her blog. the book puts them all in one convenient spot. beautifully displayed. Thanks. Marisa!Written by Erin Moore.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not worth the priceBy Rachel PowellVery disappointing! I have extensive experience sewing and remaking garments and costumes. The ideas in the book are uninspired--there is an entire chapter on hemming. The instructions are minimal and the illustrations hardly sufficient to complete any of the projects. I donated my copy to the thrift store.
