A collection of selected theatre reviews from 1992 to 2020 by a leading authority on British theatre, this book offers insights into the evolution of the stage over three decades. Each chapter begins with a commentary on the era's social, political, and cultural context, enhancing the understanding of the theatre produced during that time. Key obituaries and letters responding to reviews enrich the archival material. Following his first collection, the author provides an authoritative perspective, starting with the UK premiere of Tony Kushner's Angels in America at the National Theatre in 1992 and concluding with Inua Ellams's adaptation of Chekhov's Three Sisters nearly 30 years later. The narrative reveals the complexities of theatre criticism, including the author's regrettable initial review of Sarah Kane's Blasted, showcasing the identification of major talents. Recently retired from his role as the Guardian's drama critic, where he penned approximately 10,000 reviews over 48 years, the author was Britain's longest-serving theatre critic. His extensive experience includes witnessing numerous premieres and the significant developments and challenges faced by British theatre, particularly in today's landscape.
