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These Players: A Diary of the "Old Vic"
Paperback
Entertainment & Performing ArtsTheater History
ISBN13: 9781026035979
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.90
Height: 0.60 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
These Players: A Diary of the 'Old Vic' offers an intimate and vivid chronicle of life behind the scenes at one of London's most storied theatrical institutions. Written by Doris Westwood, a performer who lived the daily realities of the theater during the mid-1920s, this diary provides a rare, firsthand account of the creative energy and professional rigor that defined the Old Vic during a transformative era in British dramatic history.
The narrative captures the essence of a period when the theater was establishing itself as a premier home for Shakespearean drama. Through Westwood's eyes, readers are treated to detailed observations of rehearsals, the camaraderie among the cast, and the technical challenges of mounting ambitious productions. The book goes beyond simple performance history, delving into the atmosphere of the dressing rooms, the tensions of opening nights, and the profound dedication required to bring classic works to the stage.
As both a personal memoir and a historical record, These Players: A Diary of the 'Old Vic' serves as an essential resource for those interested in the history of British theater, the evolution of acting styles, and the vibrant cultural life of 1920s London. It preserves the voices and spirits of the players who trod the boards, making it a compelling read for theater enthusiasts and historians alike.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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