The Art of the Theatre Workshop
A book compiled and introduced by Murray Melvin.

In 1953 a small company of actors led by Joan Littlewood arrived in London's East End for a six week season at the vacant Theatre Royal. The company's commitment to theatre for all still thrives at Theatre Royal Stratford East over half a century later.

The Theatre Workshop's influence on post-war British theatre is now legendary. Among the highlights were The Quare Fellow, A Taste of Honey, The Hostage, Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be and Oh What a Lovely War.

Much less well known is Theatre Workshop's equally strong dedication to design and production values, influenced by giants of European theatre such as Meyerhold and Piscator.

The Art of the Theatre Workshop is a collection of images by people working closely with the company in the early years. Over fifty photographs by John Spinner form the centre-piece of this collection, along with costume designs by Una Collins for Oh What a Lovely War and the innovative lantern slides
for The Good Soldier Schweik by Ernest Brooks.

Murray Melvin, a leading member of Theatre Workshop, has created this precious archive from scattered sources and gives us an insider's view of a legend in the making.

Published by Oberon Books

To reserve a copy ring the Theatre Box Office on 020 8534 0310 or email tickets@stratfordeast.com: book price £20 + £2.85 pp.

PRICES including postage and packing:
for UK £20 + £2.85 pp
for EU £20 + £6.94 pp
for USA £20 + £14.95 pp
for AUSTRALIA £20 + £17.58 pp

for any other country please ring 0044 20 8534 0310 or email tickets@stratfordeast.com for further price details.

The Art of the Theatre Workshop Exhibition
National Theatre from 12th December 2006, from 10am.

From their Agitprop beginnings to the success of Oh What a Lovely War, the story of how the Theatre Workshop's political and artistic principles broke with the traditions of the day is shown in photographs and designs. The result was a mode of working whose influence can still be felt today.

The Art of the Theatre Workshop book and exhibition are based on material from the Theatre Royal Stratford East archive. For more information, visit the National Theatre web site.

Murray Melvin and Kerry Michael: The Art of the Theatre Workshop National Theatre, December 15th 2006 at 6pm Murray Melvin, stalwart of the Theatre Workshop, talks about the company which presented A Taste of Honey, The Hostage and Oh What A Lovely War.

This Platform will be accompanied by a booksigning. To book this event please call the National Theatre on 020 7452 3000