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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going to the Theatre
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the West End…
West End Producer, the masked man of Theatreland and author of the definitive guide to acting*, returns with the ultimate guide to the theatregoing experience – for anyone who's ever been to the theatre, or who thinks they might like to try it one day.
As the Godfather of theatre producers, with an enviable track-record in uncovering new talent (via his competitions Search for a Twitter Star and Search for a Twitter Composer) and a regular column in The Stage newspaper, WEP is a cult figure in London's theatre scene, frequently attending press nights with his trusty Jean Valjean teddy by his side.
Now he's ready to share his industry secrets once again, this time coming to the aid of audience members everywhere as they embark on the most perilous quest of going to the theatre.
Packed with insider know-how and naughty advice, this book will tell you how to make your West End adventure as smooth as Craig Revel Horwood's nose, including tips and advice
What shows to see and what to avoid (how to see the hits and not the shits)Where to sit (without developing ongoing neck problems and deep vein thrombosis)How to combat theatre rage (and get to the ladies' loos before anyone else)What to eat (crisps, sweets, or kebabs?)What to wear (from the correct attire at press night, to the importance of a good, reliable codpiece at Shakespeare's Globe)And, crucially, how to leave early if the show is rubbish (a 'shrubbish')It will even help you save a bit of money as well.**
Also included are many of WEP's most wickedly astute tweets, potted histories of some of the greatest West End shows, and handy instructions on how to become one of West End Producer's Theatre Prefects – protecting theatres from phone users, snorers, and persistent latecomers.
So, put on your nicest frock, grab your tickets, and don't be late. This book will begin in five minutes. I five minutes, dear.
'All the crucial facts, naughty wit and insider knowledge that every theatregoer needs to have. Hysterically accurate, bitingly savage. Read this before buying your theatre ticket. Fab-u-lous, darling!' Craig Revel Horwood
'This book had me snorting prosecco out of my nostrils, dear. Hilarious yet chock-full of insider tips – and some stuff we all think about the theatre we know and love, but wouldn't dare say whilst sober. Glorious.' Meera Syal
'West End Producer is shaping up to be the theatre's version of William funny, astute and incisive, slyly twitching aside the curtains of the West End to reveal its most embarrassing secrets. A must for theatre-lovers (and haters).' Joanne Harris
'WEP does it again! His shrewd observation and deliciously waspish words neatly skewer and illuminate the rarefied world of theatre. I recommend everyone to read the section on what not to say to actors and applaud WEP's suggestion of a Theatre Prefect Programme. Theatre may be too dear – but WEP is very dear too.' Colin Baker
* Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting, But Were Afraid To Ask, Dear
** After all, the Dom Pérignon won't buy itself.
West End Producer, the masked man of Theatreland and author of the definitive guide to acting*, returns with the ultimate guide to the theatregoing experience – for anyone who's ever been to the theatre, or who thinks they might like to try it one day.
As the Godfather of theatre producers, with an enviable track-record in uncovering new talent (via his competitions Search for a Twitter Star and Search for a Twitter Composer) and a regular column in The Stage newspaper, WEP is a cult figure in London's theatre scene, frequently attending press nights with his trusty Jean Valjean teddy by his side.
Now he's ready to share his industry secrets once again, this time coming to the aid of audience members everywhere as they embark on the most perilous quest of going to the theatre.
Packed with insider know-how and naughty advice, this book will tell you how to make your West End adventure as smooth as Craig Revel Horwood's nose, including tips and advice
What shows to see and what to avoid (how to see the hits and not the shits)Where to sit (without developing ongoing neck problems and deep vein thrombosis)How to combat theatre rage (and get to the ladies' loos before anyone else)What to eat (crisps, sweets, or kebabs?)What to wear (from the correct attire at press night, to the importance of a good, reliable codpiece at Shakespeare's Globe)And, crucially, how to leave early if the show is rubbish (a 'shrubbish')It will even help you save a bit of money as well.**
Also included are many of WEP's most wickedly astute tweets, potted histories of some of the greatest West End shows, and handy instructions on how to become one of West End Producer's Theatre Prefects – protecting theatres from phone users, snorers, and persistent latecomers.
So, put on your nicest frock, grab your tickets, and don't be late. This book will begin in five minutes. I five minutes, dear.
'All the crucial facts, naughty wit and insider knowledge that every theatregoer needs to have. Hysterically accurate, bitingly savage. Read this before buying your theatre ticket. Fab-u-lous, darling!' Craig Revel Horwood
'This book had me snorting prosecco out of my nostrils, dear. Hilarious yet chock-full of insider tips – and some stuff we all think about the theatre we know and love, but wouldn't dare say whilst sober. Glorious.' Meera Syal
'West End Producer is shaping up to be the theatre's version of William funny, astute and incisive, slyly twitching aside the curtains of the West End to reveal its most embarrassing secrets. A must for theatre-lovers (and haters).' Joanne Harris
'WEP does it again! His shrewd observation and deliciously waspish words neatly skewer and illuminate the rarefied world of theatre. I recommend everyone to read the section on what not to say to actors and applaud WEP's suggestion of a Theatre Prefect Programme. Theatre may be too dear – but WEP is very dear too.' Colin Baker
* Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting, But Were Afraid To Ask, Dear
** After all, the Dom Pérignon won't buy itself.
- GenresTheatreNonfiction
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 7, 2018
Die beste Satire ist die, bei der es um Theater geht, dear.
December 23, 2017
I laughed so much reading this book. a must-have for any theatre fan!
April 7, 2018
So, I think I would have liked this more if I hadn't read WEP's first book. As I have, this felt a little bit repititious to me. However, the Walking Tour of Theatreland at the end is really good and almost had me giving it a higher grade - but I did just skim read far too much of this to give it any more than three stars - and that third star is almost entirely because of the walking tour.
February 8, 2018
Easy, funny read. The Walking Tour of Theatreland is a great overview of the many theatres in London.
March 24, 2018
One of the sharpest, most accessible and conversational books that I’ve ever about theatre. The tone is perfect, the content interesting and the laughs plentiful. Perfect, dear.
December 31, 2023
If you love watching theatre, or would love to start watching theatre this is the perfect book for you, dear.
July 23, 2025
Amusing. Illuminating. But wears a bit thin.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews