A West End theatre school in the 60's, the National is at the Old Vic, TV an emerging force: a tawdry, makeshift backstage world nevertheless gives rise to theatrical magic. Pretentious directors, world-weary actors, irritating child hopefuls are there but it's the pupils, staff and above all its legendary principal who are centre stage. Missing the theatre? This evocation by an outstanding novelist will fill the gap. Written with humorous nostalgia, a dash of cynicism and penetrating insight.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 97 Summer 2020 ) |
