Peek behind the curtains of London's iconic theatres with acclaimed actor Simon Callow as your personal guide. This richly illustrated exploration of the most remarkable London theatres features witty and engaging texts by actor Simon Callow, whose knowledge of the city's dramatic venues is intimate and wide-ranging. One of the most prominent photographers of the past 50 years, Derry Moore, captures the theatres from every angle, whether it's a velvet box seat at the Novello, the view from the Theatre Royal, Haymarket's proscenium, or the grand entrance of the foyer in the Apollo Victoria. Exquisite close-ups of architectural elements - such as flamboyant Rococo Baroque friezes, William Edward Trent's Art Deco mermaids, painted marble pilasters, and elaborately framed mirrors - highlight often unnoticed features and present each theatre's unique character. From the West End to the South Bank, Westminster to Hackney, the theatres profiled here come to life in ways we rarely see, when the seats are empty and the stages silent. AUTHOR: Simon Callow, CBE, is an English actor, musician, writer, and theatre director. Derry Moore is a British architectural photographer and portraitist. He is the author of An English Room, In the Shadow of the Raj, and Great English Interiors (all by Prestel). SELLING POINTS: . This book showcases a selection of London's theatres, both the well known and lesser-known. . Simon Callow is a famous and well respected actor for both screen and stage. . Each theatre gets its own chapter and includes photography of the front of house, the foyer, backstage, and, of course, the auditorium and the stage itself. . Derry Moore is a famous architectural and portrait photographer. His other photography books with Prestel, An English Room and Great English Interiors have been successful. 143 colour illustrations