Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going to the Theatre

by West End Producer

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 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 all: going to the theatre.

Packed with insider know-how and naughty anecdotes, this book will tell you how to make your West End adventure as smooth as Craig Revel Horwood’s nose, including tips and advice on:

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 The 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 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 repeat: five minutes, dear.

* Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting (But Were Afraid To Ask, Dear.

** After all, the Dom Perignon won’t buy itself.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2017

Reviews

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die beste Satire ist die, bei der es um Theater geht, dear.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so much reading this book. a must-have for any theatre fan!

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, funny read. The Walking Tour of Theatreland is a great overview of the many theatres in London.

[Scott Mclean p · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love watching theatre, or would love to start watching theatre this is the perfect book for you, dear.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing. Illuminating. But wears a bit thin.