The Best Books for Theatre Lovers This Festive Season
See our top recommendations for gifts for the theatre aficionado in your life
By: Aliya Al-Hassan Dec. 05, 2023
As the festive season rushes towards us, BroadwayWorld gives you some suggestions for books for the theatre-lovers in your life. From conversations with women theatre directors, to special editions of Suzie Miller's Prima Facie to Judi Dench's exploration of Shakespeare, there really is something for every bookworm in your life.
An unparalleled first-hand account of how brilliant theatre is made, direct from those making it. This fascinating book features interviews with many of the leading directors working on British stages today – including Marianne Elliott, Katie Mitchell, Lynette Linton, Indhu Rubasingham, and more – exploring the craft, what it takes to succeed in the field, and how each director approaches the work in their own way.
There are plenty of Shakespeare books on the market already, it’s true – but there aren’t many out there quite like this one. Originally intended to be a series of conversations between Judi Dench and her friend & colleague Brendan O’Hea for the Globe’s archives, it became apparent that there was more than enough material to build an enlightening and entertaining book.
A lovely alternative guide to Shakespeare from someone who knows his work inside out, and an entertaining way of getting to know the national treasure that is Judi Dench. An invaluable addition to every bookshelf. Read our review here.
Published alongside its hit Broadway transfer, this stunning edition of the multi-award-winning play features the definitive version of the script, plus colour photos and exclusive additional content including contributions from actor Jodie Comer, giving you a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the production and the issues it explores. Winner of Best New Play at the Olivier Awards 2023.
A full-size facsimile of one of the most complete early copies of the famed First Folio, selected and luxuriously produced by the British Library, is a must-have for actors, playwrights, and bibliophiles as well as anyone who truly loves the art of the English language. Published in association with the British Library on the 400th anniversary of the first publication of the First Folio, this handsome facsimile edition is the clearest and cleanest expression of an original from the library’s collection. The slipcased edition includes an six-page booklet with an introduction by the British Library’s lead curator who explain the history and enduring significance of the First Folio.
Making Your Solo Show: The Compact Guide by Lisa Carroll and Milly Thomas
Learn the tools to write the next Fleabag, Prima Facie or My Son’s a Queer in this clear, accessible guide. Written by experienced solo-show writers, who teach popular workshops on getting to grips with the form, discover inspiring advice and practical exercises which take you through the whole process – from developing an initial idea to getting your show on stage.
The Playwright's Journey by Jemma Kennedy
Jemma Kennedy's book is a joyful meander through creative process. A seasoned playwright, screenwriter and mentor, Kennedy can take her rightful place alongside the other nine muses. Her ethos on writing is gorgeous, all centred around fluidity, enjoyment, and collaboration. The book's balance of simplicity and ambition enables its tone, which doesn't patronise a reader with 'how things should be done'. Rather, it presents innumerable tips, perspectives, and approaches to developing a writing practice. Read our review here.
The Final Curtain: Obituaries of Fifty Great Actors by Michael Coveney
Michael Coveney has been writing theatrical obituaries alongside reviews for several decades and makes a telling, sometimes surprising, selection of the best performers of our time, from Laurence Olivier to Alan Rickman, Peggy Ashcroft to Helen McCrory, Richard Briers to Ken Dodd. Most of these obits appeared in the Guardian, several in the Observer, the Financial Times and the Evening Standard.
Read our interview with Michael Coveney about the book here.
Based on the novel by Hanya Yanagihara
Conceived and directed by Ivo van Hove
Adapted by Koen Tachelet, Ivo van Hove and Hanya Yanagihara
The acclaimed stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s beautiful, million-copy-selling novel, which stunned audiences during two hit runs in London’s West End this year. In addition to the full text of the play, this volume contains notes by the authors, and full-colour images of striking paintings of the characters, which were featured in the production.
Music by Tom Kitt
Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Original Score, this new edition of the powerful and electrifying musical – published alongside its hit Donmar Warehouse production, which transfers to the West End in 2024 – features the complete book and lyrics, and exclusive new material including testimonials on creating the show by leading cast and creatives, an essay on its presentation of mental health, and the lyrics to a dozen deleted or alternative songs.
The ultimate gift for any theatre-lover, a Nick Hern Books Playscript Subscription is the perfect way to keep up to date with the most exciting contemporary drama by today's top writers. Every month, you (or another lucky recipient) will receive a fresh new play, delivered straight from its production on the UK’s most renowned stages. 12-Month or 6-Month options are available, and you’ll receive a printable Gift Certificate via email – so you can be sure it'll arrive in time for Christmas. (Available in the UK only.)
Image credits: Nick Hern Books
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