Performing Arts

The Banshees of Inisherin by Martin McDonagh is a darkly comedic drama that explores the complexities of male friendship. Set against the backdrop of a long-standing feud, this screenplay delves into the intricate web of relationships and emotions that...

Puppetry: How to Do It is a practical and accessible guide to using puppetry in theatre. Written by an experienced director, this book focuses on the performer and the craft of bringing any puppet to life.With no need for puppet-making expertise, Mervyn...

Journey behind the scenes of the wizarding world's most iconic wands in this stunning visual guide. The expanded edition of Harry Potter: The Wands of the Wizarding World delves into the craftsmanship, history, and significance of these magical tools...

The Art of Stillness: The Theater Practice of Tadashi SuzukiPaul Allain offers a lively and critical study of one of the most important figures in contemporary world theater. A renowned practitioner of the Suzuki method, Allain re-evaluates the work of...

A comprehensive guide to accents, this manual provides precise instructions for speaking in over 100 dialects from around the world. The revised edition covers regional U.S. and British dialects, as well as European accents including Germanic, Slavic,...

The Wit & Wisdom of Peaky Blinders is a unique collection of quotes and phrases from the hit TV series. Gathered together with stylish photography and illustrations, this book brings back memories of your favourite moments in style. Fans of the show will...

Twenty-six years after his first appearance, Edmund Blackadder's story is gathered here in this commemorative edition. This collection brings together the complete scripts from Blackadder's adventures and misadventures, spanning medieval times to the...

For students looking to make their own documentary films and reality videos, this practical guide provides a comprehensive approach to planning, filming, and editing. With over 150 documentary credits to his name, the author shares his expertise on two...

Jaws in Space: Powerful Pitching for Film and TV ScreenwritersThis practical guide helps you develop strong pitching skills to sell your projects, clarify character and plot, and work effectively with collaborators. It covers the essentials of what makes...

The Cinema of Powell and Pressburger presents fresh perspectives on the British cinema duo's magical world. Lavishly illustrated with stunning images from the BFI's design and archive collections, as well as key objects held in other public and private...

Frankenstein, adapted for the stage by Nick Dear, is a deeply disturbing tale of horror and gothic suspense. A creature, childlike in innocence but grotesque in form, is cast out into a hostile universe by his maker.As he navigates this unforgiving...

The Methuen Book of Contemporary Monologues for Men by Chrys Salt is an invaluable resource for actors seeking to perform contemporary plays. This collection features extracts from award-winning British playwrights, including pieces that are both serious...

Explore the epic struggles that define the Star Wars movies. This ambitious book presents major galactic conflicts from an in-world "historical" perspective, featuring captivating imagery and detailed analysis of tactics, famous commanders, legendary...

The Art and Science of Arrival by Tanya Lapointe is a comprehensive retrospective companion book to the critically acclaimed film Arrival. This lavish hardback volume recounts the genesis of this modern classic, from its origins in Ted Chiang's...

Joe Alves: Designing JAWS provides an inside look at the development of this iconic film. The book features Joe's original pre-production illustrations, handwritten notes from set, and blueprints of the shark's design, offering a unique glimpse into the...

The Michael Chekhov Handbook For the Actor by Lenard Petit is a comprehensive guide to Chekhov's supportive techniques for actors. With 25 years of teaching experience, Petit brings clarity and simplicity to the philosophy of this technique, offering...

The Hobbit Encyclopedia provides an in-depth guide to J.R.R. Tolkien's seminal work, covering characters, places, and objects from Middle-earth. Rich illustrations accompany detailed entries on subjects such as the Arkenstone, dragons, Elvish Faërie, and...

The Natural Body in Somatics Dance Training by Doran George explores the concept of natural movement and its significance in dance training. First introduced as an alternative form of dance training in the 1960s, Somatics has become a widely accepted...

A Beginner's Guide to Devising Theatre by Jess Thorpe and Tashi Gore offers practical guidance for those new to devising theatre or looking to further develop their skills. This book explores creative ways to create original theatre from a contemporary...

Wong Kar-Wai: Auteur of Time by Stephen Teo provides an in-depth analysis of the Hong Kong cult director's career and seven feature films. The study explores Wong's cinematic and literary influences, tracing his unique filmmaking style from various...

The Mammoth Book of Hollywood Scandals by Michelle Morgan is a comprehensive collection of over 60 scandals from the world of Hollywood. From the Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle scandal to the mysterious death of Marilyn Monroe, this book delves into the most...

Japanese animation has become a global multimedia industry worth over $23.6 billion annually, linked to various forms of entertainment and culture. This comprehensive guide by Jonathan Clements explores the production and reception history of anime from...

The 1980s and 1990s Hollywood culture of excess is revealed through the life and career of Don Simpson. As one of Hollywood's most notorious bad boys, Simpson was also a key figure in the success of independent producers Jerry Bruckheimer and his partner...

Edexcel AS and A Level Drama and Theatre provides comprehensive guidance for students studying drama and theatre at AS and A Level. This textbook covers the key concepts and practices in drama and theatre, including devising, performance, and design. The...

A comprehensive anthology exploring Alfred Hitchcock's films and their critical responses. This new edition brings together 20 in-depth analyses of Hitchcock's work, supplemented by section introductions that contextualize the essays and films. With...

The mask has been a persistent motif in horror cinema, with its transformative potential explored across cultures and historical periods. This book examines the ritual and mythmaking capacities of masks, as well as their intersection with power,...

Think you really know about Only Fools and Horses? This entertaining quiz book is perfect for both casual fans and hardcore experts alike. With over 30 years since the first episode aired, the show remains Britain's most beloved sitcom. With 1000...

Drama Games for Devising by Jessica Swale is a comprehensive resource for theatre companies and groups looking to create new pieces from scratch. This book offers dozens of lively, dynamic games to spark imagination and develop essential skills in...

Create stunning stop motion stories on your iPad with GarageBand, iStopMotion and iMovie. This straightforward guide takes you through the process step by step, using an easy template to improvise original stories.Take control of the GarageBand app to...

The Golden Age of magic was a time of great innovation and competition. Magicians like Harry Kellar and PT Selbit pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, creating illusions that seemed impossible. This book tells the story of these magicians...

Trainspotting: A Cultural Phenomenon In 1996, Trainspotting became an overnight sensation in British culture. Its success was a result of a combination of factors, including its eclectic soundtrack, depiction of Scottish identity, and attitude towards...

The Art of the Cut: A Comprehensive Guide to Film Editing Concepts This book provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of film editing. It is designed for those who wish to learn the basics of editing, including filmmakers...

Get behind the scenes of the voice-over industry with this comprehensive guide to becoming a successful VO artist. Written by two working pros who started from scratch, this updated edition offers a fun and in-depth look at what it takes to succeed in...

Shooting to Kill: How an Independent Producer Blasts Through the Barriers to Make Movies that Matter by Christine Vachon and David Edelstein offers a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. This intimate memoir from one of independent cinema's...

The Big Lebowski by J.M. Tyree and Ben Walters is a film that has become a cult phenomenon, inspiring devoted fans to gather at bowling alleys and celebrate its quirky charm. Released in 1998, the movie's enduring popularity can be attributed to its...

Gail Merrifield Papp's memoir offers an intimate behind-the-scenes history of New York City's Public Theater, blending her own life story with that of her husband Joe Papp, the institution's founder. Spanning several decades, from its early days in the...

Clint Eastwood is a figure who embodies both the classic Hollywood style and a modern, uncompromising approach to filmmaking. As an actor and director, he has consistently pushed boundaries and produced films that are both commercially successful and...

Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer: A Cultural Phenomenon Born into poverty in Lithuania, Al Jolson's journey to stardom was nothing short of remarkable. In 1894, he immigrated to the United States with his family, where he would go on to become one of...

Landscapes of Detectorists explores the programme's relationship with landscape and its ecological significance. The book delves into four distinct geographical perspectives, examining how objects, memory, and place intersect. Innes M. Keighren considers...

Batman: The Multiverse of the Dark Knight - An Illustrated Guide is an in-depth exploration of the DC Comics universe's vast multiverse. Written by Matthew K. Manning, this comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of Batman's place within it. The...

A poignant and thought-provoking drama about love, relationships, and self-discovery. Juniper is searching for connection, Robert is trying to avoid it, Ollie is unsure what it means, and Meg has resigned herself to never finding it. As their paths...

Jenna Fischer's journey to becoming a professional actor was marked by eight long years of struggle and frustration. Determined to succeed, she faced rejection and doubt, but also learned valuable lessons along the way. In her survival guide, Fischer...

The League of Gentlemen: A Study of British Comedy's Most Innovative Series This in-depth analysis explores the creation and evolution of the cult classic series, from its origins in fringe theatre to its eventual success on television. Leon Hunt...

The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age is an authoritative guide to producing, directing, shooting, editing, and distributing your video or film. Whether you're looking to turn a hobby into a career or seeking expert advice...

Monologues and Duologues for Young Performers offers a new collection of original monologues, duologues and scenes for young actors aged seven to fourteen. With over thirty new pieces, these scenes explore a wide range of themes and characters.The...

The Actors' and Performers' Yearbook 2024 is an essential reference guide for those training and working in theatre, film, TV, radio, and comedy. It provides detailed information on key contacts in the industry, including agents, casting directors,...

A comprehensive overview of film studies, this updated third edition provides concise and thought-provoking summaries for approaching film analysis, film history, and approaches to studying cinema. It situates the study of film within contemporary...

The Films of the French Foreign Legion by Philip Leibfried A comprehensive collection of films about one of history's most famous fighting organizations, the French Foreign Legion. Over 100 films have been made since the first two-reelers in 1912, with...

The Voice Exercise Book by Jeannette Nelson is a practical guide to healthy and effective voice use. As Head of Voice at the National Theatre, Nelson shares her expertise in helping actors maintain their vocal fitness.Her approach focuses on finding your...

A comprehensive guide to screen acting, this book provides a step-by-step approach to creating and delivering assured performances on screen. Mel Churcher's expert training course has been developed for actors of all backgrounds and experience, from...

The Man-Monkeys: A History of Performers in Furs From the early days of stage plays featuring apes and gorillas to modern-day film franchises, actors have played these roles, some achieving stardom while others met tragic ends. This book explores the...

Understand how to structure your visuals with clarity and purpose. This updated edition of "The Visual Story" teaches you how to manipulate key components such as space, line, shape, tone, color, movement, and rhythm to effectively convey moods and...

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Cultural Phenomenon This book explores the history and cultural impact of the beloved television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Evan Ross Katz delves into the show's enduring popularity, its influence on conversations about...

Optimize your aerial performance with this comprehensive guide to anatomy and biomechanics. Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts is an essential resource for aerialists seeking to improve their technique, train safely, and prevent injuries. Written by physical...

The magical places that were brought to life for the Harry Potter films are revealed in unprecedented detail. This book explores the process of adapting those locations for the big screen, featuring detailed profiles of each environment paired with...

George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is a monumental achievement in modern fantasy, spanning over two million words and continuing to evolve with each new installment. But what inspired this literary behemoth? Tom Huddleston delves into the...

An in-depth exploration of films set in Ancient Rome, from silent epics to modern blockbusters, reveals how accurately Hollywood portrays this ancient civilization. This book examines 50 films, analyzing their historical accuracy and the challenges faced...

The legendary 1964 Broadway run of Hamlet is one of the most famous productions of Shakespeare's most important play. Directed by John Gielgud, it was a groundbreaking concept that placed actors in everyday clothes within an unassuming "rehearsal" set,...

Learn the art of 3D animation from the creators of beloved films like Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run. This comprehensive guide takes you through every step of creating your own stop-motion or 3D animation, from designing characters to producing an...

The Nitpicker's Guide for Classic Trekkers by Phil Farrand is a comprehensive reference for fans of the original Star Trek series. This detailed guide covers every episode, pilot, and six movies, highlighting bloopers, continuity errors, and other...

Alan Bennett's Two Besides brings two new monologues to his acclaimed Talking Heads series. Written during the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, these performances showcase ordinary women navigating life's unexpected twists and turns. A mother's actions have...

Cinematography for Directors: A Guide for Creative Collaboration by Jacqueline B. Frost provides a comprehensive understanding of the partnership between directors and cinematographers. Through interviews with experienced ASC cinematographers, this book...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Your Ultimate Guide to Series 3 Get an insider's look at the world of RuPaul's Drag Race UK with this official companion. Exclusive interviews, mini challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories bring you closer to the Queens than ever...

The marionette theater in Sicily offers a unique window into the island's folk culture. This study explores the repertoire of the marionette theater, analyzing the genres that underpin its performances. The puppeteers' use of epic, farce, saints' lives,...

Drama Games for Classrooms and Workshops by Jessica Swale is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to incorporate drama into their teaching or workshop setting. This dip-in, flick-through guide offers 101 lively drama games suitable for players of...

Silent green presents the most comprehensive solo exhibition in Germany to date on Agnès Varda's third creative period. This lesser-known chapter in the life and work of a highly influential artist spans from 2003, marked by her participation in the...

Guillermo del Toro: A Study of Modern Cinema's Most Imaginative Director. This in-depth examination charts the progression of a career that has produced some of contemporary cinema's most revered scenes and idiosyncratic characters. From his beginnings...

Hollywood Cinema provides a comprehensive introduction to the cultural and aesthetic significance of the world's most powerful film industry. This extensively revised second edition explores the history and present-day relevance of Hollywood cinema,...

Explore the global herstory of drag in this extravagant exploration across 15 countries. From the UK's wicked comic attitude to Germany's tuntes, and from the USA's unique melting pot to France's Joan of Arc-inspired drag kings, discover how drag has...

The Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki explores the visual conventions and techniques that have made Hayao Miyazaki's animated films so enduringly popular. This critical study begins by examining the roots of Japanese animation, from manga to traditional cel...

The History Boys: A Play by Alan Bennett is a thought-provoking and humorous play that explores the nature of history and education. Set in a British boys' school, the story follows a group of bright and ambitious sixth-form students as they navigate...

Rebel Voices: Monologues for Women by Women celebrates 40 years of Clean Break Theatre Company's innovative work in women's theatre. Founded in 1979, Clean Break has commissioned groundbreaking plays and developed the writing skills of women in its...

Mourning Films: A Critical Study of Loss and Grieving in Cinema explores a lesser-known genre of modernist film that revolves around bereavement. By tracing its roots in classical melodrama and horror cinema, the book identifies perennial themes and...

Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice, and Sound Effects in Cinema by David Sonnenschein The sound design in film is a vital element in creating an immersive cinematic experience. From the ominous bass line that signals danger to the...

Contemporary Monologues for Men: Volume Two by Trilby James is a collection of 40 monologues written and premiered since 2014 by leading playwrights from the UK and USA. This book provides essential guidance for actors, including character insights,...

Hanif Kureishi's My Beautiful Laundrette And Other Writings offers an insightful look at the intersection of film and writing. This collection of essays explores the making of the iconic 1985 film, which was praised for its portrayal of British Asian...

Married... With Children vs. the World: The Inside Story of the Shock-Com that Launched FOX and Changed TV Comedy ForeverA behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking show from its producer, featuring insights into the creation and production of this...

The Universal Monsters Origins: the Legends Behind the World's Greatest Cinematic Monsters By Christopher Ripley Eskdale and Kent Publishing Limited, 22/09/2016, 260 pages, Paperback This book tells the stories behind some of cinema's most iconic...

Audition Speeches for 6-16 Year Olds A comprehensive collection of audition speeches for young actors and actresses. This book provides a range of performances, including female, male, and unisex roles, drawn from plays and children's literature. The...

Alien: Covenant - The Art of the Film is an official companion to Ridley Scott's latest movie event. This book explores the visual style and design of Alien: Covenant, featuring breathtaking concept art, sketches, blueprints, diagrams, full-color...

Drawing the Line: A Comprehensive Guide to Technical Hand Drafting for Film and Television. This is the definitive guide to scenic hand drafting for film and television, now updated and revised for its second edition. With 45 years of experience as a...

Directing in Musical Theatre: An Essential Guide provides a comprehensive approach to directing a musical theatre production. This guide covers all aspects of production, from conception and collaboration with crew and cast, through rehearsals and...

A Guide to Keith Johnstone's Theatresports provides an in-depth look at this popular improvisational format. Originally developed by Keith Johnstone and now managed by the International Theatresports Institute, Theatresports has been enjoyed by players...

A filmmaker's intuition is their most valuable asset, influencing every storytelling decision. Judith Weston reveals the secrets to unlocking and nurturing this intuition, ensuring everyone on set functions at full creative potential. This book explores...

Ballet has long been synonymous with beauty, thinness and femininity. Yet this ideal is often at odds with feminist ideals. Alice Robb explores what it means to perform ballet today, weaving together her own experiences with those of renowned ballerinas...

Deathtripping Underground Trash Cinema by Jack Sargeant is an in-depth study of the New York filmmakers who responded to Nick Zedd's radical manifesto. This comprehensive analysis places their work within the broader alternative film and downtown...

A lively and definitive history of the Carry On films is presented in this updated story. From the gentle capers of the 1950s to its struggles in later decades, the franchise's comedy, controversy, and cultural legacy are explored. Exclusive interviews...

1971 was a year that saw an extraordinary flowering of artistic talent in Hollywood. This is the story behind it, told through unpublished interviews with some of the biggest names in cinema. The old guard was fading away, and the new guard was taking...

Discover the ultimate X-Men guide for any fan. Comic Book Resources' Brian Cronin has compiled 100 essential pieces of mutants knowledge and trivia, along with must-do activities, ranking them from 1 to 100. This entertaining checklist is perfect for...

Laban for All offers a simplified version of Rudolf Laban's movement system, making it accessible to anyone from beginners to professionals. Extensively illustrated with line drawings and diagrams by John Dalby, this book provides a thorough grounding in...

A seasonal journey through Scotland's wilds is revealed in this almanac. Spanning 12 months, it takes readers on an entertaining and practical exploration of Scottish legends, traditions, historical events, and contemporary culture. From First Footing to...

The Sopranos Sessions by Matt Zoller Seitz and Alan Sepinwall In 1999, a groundbreaking television series premiered, forever changing the landscape of prestige TV. As critics for New Jersey's The Star-Ledger, Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz were...

Learn to master the nuances of Standard English Accent with this comprehensive guide. For actors and voice coaches alike, understanding the complexities of RP and modern neutral accents is essential.This book provides a thorough course in how to achieve...

Discover the story behind the company that changed the face of film and animation as it celebrates its centenary year. This beautifully illustrated coffee table book features imagery from the Disney archives, showcasing rarely-seen concept drawings from...

Detailed profiles of magical creatures and monsters from the wizarding world are revealed in this book. It explores how these characters were brought to life for the Harry Potter film series, with concept illustrations, behind-the-scenes photography, and...

Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Movie By Noah Isenberg The 1942 film Casablanca is one of the most enduringly popular movies in cinema history. This book offers a detailed account of its origins, production, and...

La dolce vita: A Study of Cinema and Culture Fellini's iconic film has been a cultural phenomenon since its release in 1960, sparking controversy with its portrayal of real people and lifestyles. This study by Richard Dyer explores the connections...

The Art of Elemental showcases the art and making of the animated film from Pixar Animation Studios. This behind-the-scenes look at the beloved film features stunning artwork from its creation, including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and...

Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood is a poignant and humorous portrayal of life in a small town. Written as an impression for voices, this 1953 work explores the complexities of human existence through the stories of its inhabitants. The text used for the...

Michael Blakemore's candid and often humorous account of his time at the National Theatre is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Britain's most iconic theatres. In 1971, he joined as Associate Director under Laurence Olivier, but found himself...