Great Moments in the Theatre - by Benedict Nightingale (Paperback)

About the Book

Renowned critic Benedict Nightingale collects what he considers the greatest moments from the past 2,500 years of theatre.

Book Synopsis

'A magnificently readable tour of theatrical history conducted by our best-informed living critic.' - Michael Billington

'Benedict Nightingale's characteristically witty, insightful and enthusiastic reports make you wish you'd been sitting next to him during his greatest moments in the theatre.' - Ian McKellen

Starting with the first performance of Aeschylus' The Oresteia in 458 BC, ending with the premiere of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem in London of 2009 AD, Benedict Nightingale collects in one volume what he believes to be the greatest moments in theatre.

Each informative and entertaining entry is between 650 and 850 words in length, covering a remarkable diversity of theatrical openings and events, many of historical interest and importance, and many more witnessed by Nightingale himself during his 50-year reviewing career. The plays and shows that Nightingale crisply, authoritatively and readably brings alive range from Sheridan's School for Scandal to Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, from Gogol's Government Inspector to the Ian McKellen Macbeth, from Synge's Playboy of the Western World, which provoked serious riots in the Dublin of 1907, to Lionel Bart's Twang!! in 1965, possibly the most disastrous musical ever.

Throughout the book Nightingale celebrates leading dramatists and performers, directors and composers. Everywhere he shares the fulfilment and fun he has found in the art-form he loves.

Review Quotes

"A lively book... a convincing argument for the importance of a long life in theater criticism....In capturing the thrill of seeing a theatrical event, Mr. Nightingale writes like someone who doesn't just have a responsibility to his readers but also (in an unconventional way) to history." -- New York Times

"Benedict Nightingale's characteristically witty, insightful and enthusiastic reports make you wish you'd been sitting next to him during his greatest moments in the theatre." -- Ian McKellen

"A magnificently readable tour of theatrical history conducted by our best-informed living critic." -- Michael Billington, Guardian

"I've known Benedict Nightingale for more than fifty years over which time he has become one of the Theatre's most distinguished and influential commentators. He writes with style, perspective and wit, and with a deep knowledge of his subject. In turn he is greatly admired by the theatre profession and, as importantly, by his readers and the audiences who trust the fairness of his opinions." --Sir Peter Hall

"Gloriously readable and vivid... painstakingly researched... It is the perfect stocking filler for all drama buffs." - Stage

"Nightingale is erudite, affable and has a deep knowledge and love of his subject. That becomes apparent early on in this delightful collection of essays... always smooth and readable, it is great to have the chance to share the enjoyment of a man who knows so much about theatre ... should be on the reading and gift lists of everybody with any kind of love for the stage." - British Theatre Guide

About the Author

Benedict Nightingale was the Guardian's northern theatre critic, the New Statesman's theatre critic, the New York Times' Sunday theatre critic and, from 1990 to 2010, the London Times' chief theatre critic during a period widely acknowledged to be as productive and exciting as any in theatrical history.