In his new book Stephen Boswell meanders down memory lane strolling through reminiscences of a life full of colourful characters and equally colourful events. He gives us a glimpse into a life that may not have made him rich and famous but was certainly never boring . . . This is an informative and entertaining book which will appeal to anyone who likes backstage stories (and scandal), is interested in the old rep system or is seeking an insight into how farce can and should be played.

For Ellen Terry, actress-manager Lena Ashwell (1860-1957) was ‘a passionate voice”. From her first...

Luvvies. Tyrannical directors. Useless agents. Less job security than an England football manager....

In 1971, Michael Blakemore joined the National Theatre as Associate Director under Laurence Olivier. The National, still based at the Old Vic, was at a moment of transition awaiting the move to its vast new home on the South Bank.

The National Theatre Story is filled with artistic, financial and political battles, onstage triumphs – and the occasional disaster.