The Royal Court Theatre Inside Out

by Ruth Little (Editor), Ruth Little (Editor)

‘The Royal Court has been at the centre of British cultural life for the past 50 years, an engine room for new writing and constantly transforming the theatrical culture’
Stephen Daldry

For half a century the Royal Court has been at the cutting edge of British theatre. Established by George Devine as a ‘writers’ theatre’, the Court has consistently provided a platform for the most vital dramatic talents of the day.

Illustrated throughout with photographs from the plays, and reproduces documents and rehearsal notes from the original productions Inside Out considers the most notable productions from the tenure of each successive artistic director since the Court opened, and includes interviews with actors, writers, designers, technicians, and directors themselves. It lays bare the truth about controversies over productions like Look Back in Anger, Saved, Perdition, and Shopping and F king, the closely fought battles over funding, and remarkable internal struggles between huge and competitive personalities at the heart of the Court. Inside Out combines a probing history with a unique collection of original and revealing anecdotes from everyone involved in the story of this most influential and important of cultural institutions.

500 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[First Second Books]

This is a very informative scrapbook style history of the Royal Court from its beginnings in the mid-50's up until 2006. It has loads of interesting quotes from playwrights, theater designers, directors, etc., and should be of interest to anyone who wants to know more about the history of 20th century British drama. It also should prove interesting to anyone who wants to know more about arts administration and the subsidized arts in Britain since a good deal of the book details the intriguing behind-the-scenes deals and difficulties in running a theater. Also, it will let you know about a lot of great plays to read - and there are some excellent photos.