The 20th century was the great century of change in the theatre and this companion captures the modern dynamism and huge diversity of that vibrant period. This volume contains over 2500 entries, which are international in scope and written by 280 contributors from 20 countries. It features not only top level experts and academics but also leading professionals from the world of theatre. Among the contributors and their subjects are Sir Richard Eyre writing on Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher and Harriet Walter; Simon Callow on Charles Laughton, Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles; Frank McGuinness on Brian Friel, Tom Kilroy and Tom Murphy; Sir Ben Kingsley on preparing a part; Jessica Lange on performing Tennessee Williams; and Hal Prince on directing musicals. Entries range from practical topics such as directing, acting, design, lighting, sound and voice to historical surveys on a host of subjects.

Table of Contents

Preface and acknowledgements - Reader's guide - List of contributors - Selective reference bibliography - The Companion

Author Biography

Colin Chambers, formerly literary manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company, is Senior Research Fellow in Performing Arts at De Montfort University, Leicester.