How the West End Became the West End: A Deep Dive Into the History of London's Theater Scene

by Isaac Q. Miller

Looking to dive into the heart of London's most cherished performing art scene—the dazzling West End?

If yes, you've come to the right place. Uncover the fascinating story of its evolution!

Did you know that the first theatre in the West End was established in the 16th century and was simply dubbed "The Theatre"? This doesn't even scratch the surface regarding the captivating history that shaped this iconic theater district.

History of London's Theater Scene digs deep into the antiquity of London's West End, from its nascent days to the vibrant cultural hub it has become in modern times. It’s pulsating with exquisite performances, musicals, sparkling lights, and utter class.

Within this book, you'Discover the roots of London theater, from Roman amphitheaters to the first permanent theaters in LondiniumWitness the flourishing Elizabethan drama, the birth of public theaters, and the iconic works of Shakespeare and other early writersUnderstand the impact of the English Civil War, as well as the revival during the RestorationNavigate the growth of the West End, the integration of musical theater, and the allure of variety showsStep into the magnificence of melodrama, Dickens' influence, and the emergence of spectacular productionsFeel the impact of realism and witness the birth of modern drama coupled with the golden age of musicalsUnderstand the role of theater in wartime, from World War I to the exploration of post-war themes, including the evolution of theater in the post-war periodCelebrate the legacies of the West End stars, directors, and the enduring influence of revolutionary staging conceptsExplore the intersection of technology, the diversification of genres, and the advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the theatrical realm…and much more!

If the mere mention of the word "theatre" intrigues you, get ready to relive the magic of London's Broadway!

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[Russell Sanders · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited when Isaac Q. Miller’s How the West End Became the West End was gifted to me recently. I own probably two or three hundred books about the theater: histories of famous theaters and the art of theater itself; biographies and autobiographies of actors, directors, writers, composers, lyricists, and producers; play scripts and musical scores; and books about theater craft. What I knew very little about was London’s West End—the equivalent of the US’s Broadway. I possess and have books about specific London theaters, but I wanted to read this book I now held in my hand that would let me into the heart of London theater and truly appreciate the performers and shows that have lit up the West End’s marquees. After all, I have seen dozens of West End shows, so now, with Mr. Miller’s book, I was going to relive them and enlarge on my appreciation of them. But oh. how disappointed I soon became. The book is only a little over a hundred pages, so it is a quick read—thank goodness. With a degree in theater, I didn’t need to read the first forty pages. The West End doesn’t even come into this until that point. But even then, the book is dry and dull. It reads like a Masters’ degree thesis, complete with footnotes. When the author finally, in the last pages, gets to personalities that have graced West End stages, nothing is said about each but a few biographical paragraphs. There is nothing in this book that lets the reader feel a connection to the magic that is London theater. And sadly, the book is poorly proofed (on one page, German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s name is spelled correctly, then twice more spelled as Bretch!) and sentences are constructed often in the oddest ways. For example, a list of names is given, then we see “the latter represented Frankenstein for the first time.” Does that mean one of those people looked like the famous doctor’s monster or does it mean, perhaps, the person presented the play? Another sentence tells us certain plays, in the past, were banned for moral inaccuracy. What is that? All too often, this author chooses verbs that don’t fit with subjects, and words that have far different meanings than he thinks they have. I also, being an amateur expert of American Musical Theater, was stumped when he said shows like Oklahoma! and Bless the Bride were brought over to the West End. I had never heard of Bless the Bride. A quick internet search told me it was a British-born musical. Whatever Mr. Miller meant, he didn’t say it clearly. This happens far too much in the book. I taught high school English for many years. If this were a Senior English research paper, I would probably give it a C+. After all, I did learn a bit from it. And it was exhaustively researched. But this is a book purporting to tell us all about the West End, and yet it begins almost with the creation of Adam. I still cannot understand why we need to know how theater developed if we are supposedly reading about London’s West End. So as a book that should be entertaining and informative, I have to give it a D-. And that hurts, for I wanted it be an A+. As an author myself, I despise when a fledgling author gets a bad review. But this book just doesn’t measure up in any way. Oh—what, oh what, is scenography? I have never heard that word before in my sixty years of being a theater professional.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

How the West End Became the West End: A Deep Dive Into the History of London’s Theater Scene, by author Isaac Q. Miller, is a fascinating look at just what the title describes.
I am neither a historian nor involved in theater in any way. I’m a gal who loves musicals, but I found this fascinating. I can only imagine how much more someone ingrained in the arts or history would enjoy this read.
This book really is a history lesson dating back to the Middle Ages and the influence of the Roman culture that once reigned supreme in London.
I was especially fascinated by the role of the theater during World Wars 1 and 2.
This was my first read by this author, and I see he has a book on the history of Broadway. I will definitely add that to my TBR!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[James Darnborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in London and the West End was always part of my DNA. Until Isaac Miller produced this book however, I had no real knowledge of the history of this essential part of London's history. 2,000 years of entertainment packed into about three hours of reading! It is a concise book, but packs a big punch and covers a lot of ground. I did not know, for example, that London's theaters stayed open during the WW11 bombings despite the government calling for its citizens to take shelter.

This is an exceptionally well-researched, informative book that I would recommend for anyone who wants to visit London or has an interest in the development of the entertainment industry.

[Susie and David Honsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive survey of theater in London

The author gives a solid overview of the history of London theater. Good introduction for anyone unfamiliar with that history. I appreciated that he gave references, which would be excellent further reading.

It's definitely an informational overview, as opposed to in-depth look. For that, I would look to books that are focused more on one of the different eras.

Overall, well written and solidly edited.

[HAROLD FRANK PARKER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into theater in the West End

To many, the West End is theater at its best. This book explains why this is, in an interesting and detailed manner. It’s a well worth reading and I recommend it. I received an advanced review copy for free, an I am voluntarily leaving this review.