Bookshop
Books we've read that we think are worth investigating and are, of course, somehow related to amateur theatre. If you've read a book that you think should be featured here, then please contact Jane.
This is finally, an authorized libretto to this modern day classic! “Rent” won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score for Jonathan Larson. The story of Mark, Roger, Maureen, Tom Collins, Angel, Mimi, JoAnne, and their friends on the Lower East Side of New York City will live on, along with the affirmation that there is ‘no day but today.’ This title includes 16 color photographs of productions of “Rent” from around the world, plus an introduction (”Rent Is Real”) by Victoria Leacock Hoffman.
Helge, the patriarch of a chain of restaurants, is celebrating his sixtieth birthday and everyone is coming home from the party including Helge’s sons, Christian, Michael and his daughter Helene. Missing from the roster of invitees is Christian’s twin sister, Linda, who recently committed suicide. The reason for her action and the repercussions from it, form the basis of the shocking and painful events that transpire during a twenty-four hour period. In the midst of dinner, Christian makes a startling accusation and, even as the disbelieving guests are choosing sides, the play slowly unwraps the truth.David Eldridge powerful new play is adapted from Thomas Vinterborg’s screenplay of the very successful film, Dogme. Published to tie in with Almeida Theatre production in March 2004 directed by Rufus Norris.
If you are in love with plays, musicals and theatre as a whole, or if you love literature then these three books, the first of which is now on the shelves, are just for you and your members – to read for pleasure, for reference or for study – an ideal Christmas present too. This is the first in a series of three books written by Maureen Hughes. The planned next two are The Pocket Guide to Plays and Playwrights with a foreword by Michael Billington due to be published in February 2009 and The Pocket Guide to Classical Literature due to be published in Summer 2009.
One part of a five-part series designed to help the amateur and student to develop their theatre skills.
“The industry is a much brighter place because of people like Bob Marlowe and without his help and guidance I don’t think I would be where I am now… I am sure once you have read Bob’s book you will want to get up and be in showbiz, that’s if you aren’t already.” Bradley Walsh
This book lists 100 famous musicals categorised into eight costume styles. Applying the book’s crossover system, costumes from one show can be easily altered for any other show in the same category.
Combining theory and application, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting provides a comprehensive analysis of lighting systems along with step-by-step examples and illustrations of the technical tools and methods. Readers will benefit from experience-based tips, techniques and traps to avoid in preparing and executing a lighting design. Anecdotes illustrate why some techniques succeed while others fail.
Long overdue, “The Methuen Amateur Theatre Handbook” is the essential handbook for anyone involved in amateur dramatics.
A psychological thriller by Marcus Lloyd, requiring only two actors; one female and one male.
Dwarves, werewolves, vampires, a troll, a large Scone, and not a trace of an elephant. That would be my summary of this recent play from Stephen Briggs, adapted from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.
