Books, DVDs & Programmes

Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by James Russell Book Review
Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by James Russell Book Review

Russell is extensive in his research, without the book feeling overwhelmingly academic — it reads more like a novel, surprisingly humorous and paints a remarkably human image of these historic characters.

Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid Book Review
Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid Book Review

A reimaging of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays Macbeth, bringing Lady Macbeth out of the shadows and placing her centre stage.

Brutus and Other Heroines - Playing Shakespeare's Roles for Women by Harriet Walter Book Review
Brutus and Other Heroines - Playing Shakespeare's Roles for Women by Harriet Walter Book Review

Harriet Walter’s memoir explores the gendered obstacles of the Shakespearean canon, focusing on the scarcity of roles for ageing women. Rather than sharing personal anecdotes, she analyses her performances—particularly in the Donmar Warehouse’s all-female trilogy—to demonstrate how women can subvert toxic masculinity and challenge traditional power structures on stage.

Lightbourne by Hesse Phillips Book Review
Lightbourne by Hesse Phillips Book Review

Hesse Phillips' visceral and inventive debut novel plunges the reader into the raucous and vibrant backdrop of England's early theatre scene and the dark and perilous streets of 16th-century London.

Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by James Russell Book Review
Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by James Russell Book Review

Russell is extensive in his research, without the book feeling overwhelmingly academic — it reads more like a novel, surprisingly humorous and paints a remarkably human image of these historic characters.

Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid Book Review
Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid Book Review

A reimaging of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays Macbeth, bringing Lady Macbeth out of the shadows and placing her centre stage.

Brutus and Other Heroines - Playing Shakespeare's Roles for Women by Harriet Walter Book Review
Brutus and Other Heroines - Playing Shakespeare's Roles for Women by Harriet Walter Book Review

Harriet Walter’s memoir explores the gendered obstacles of the Shakespearean canon, focusing on the scarcity of roles for ageing women. Rather than sharing personal anecdotes, she analyses her performances—particularly in the Donmar Warehouse’s all-female trilogy—to demonstrate how women can subvert toxic masculinity and challenge traditional power structures on stage.

Lightbourne by Hesse Phillips Book Review
Lightbourne by Hesse Phillips Book Review

Hesse Phillips' visceral and inventive debut novel plunges the reader into the raucous and vibrant backdrop of England's early theatre scene and the dark and perilous streets of 16th-century London.