Performing Arts

Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything is a fascinating history of the American television phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions. Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's intimate account delves into the world of the show's creators and...

This anthology celebrates 21 years of the Connections festival, featuring a retrospective selection of plays from 12 leading playwrights. The National Theatre's literary department has commissioned these plays specifically for young performers, and they...

The Complete Brecht Toolkit by Stephen Unwin and Julian Jones is a comprehensive guide to Brecht's theory and practice of theatre. This practical handbook explores Brecht's many ideas about theatre, from the Alienation Effect to Gestus, and provides a...

Victoria Wood: Unseen on TV is a unique and intimate insight into the working of an irreplaceable genius of comedy. Over nearly half a century, Victoria Wood created a joyful hoard of unreleased material, including sketches, songs and stand-up monologues...

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho: A Casebook is a comprehensive collection of essays on the groundbreaking film Psycho. This book is ideal for teaching the language of cinema and the ways in which strong filmmakers can break Hollywood conventions. The essays...

The Hobbit Movie Trilogy Colouring Book Official and Authorised brings the epic film trilogy to life in a unique and creative way. Based on the beloved story by J.R.R. Tolkien, this official colouring book features the heroes and villains of...

A beautiful collection of heartwarming and inspirational quotes from the world of Call the Midwife, accompanied by stunning photographs. This book brings together the most poignant and uplifting words from the show's original scripts, offering a glimpse...

The Artifact Vault is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the magical world of Harry Potter. The book chronicles the work of the graphics and prop teams who brought the wizarding universe to life on screen. From fabulous feasts to flying brooms,...

Robert McKee's Dialogue is a comprehensive guide to crafting effective speeches for characters in writing, theatre, and film. The book is divided into four sections, covering the art of dialogue, flaws and fixes, creating dialogue, and dialogue design...

Alan Partridge is a broadcaster of remarkable tenacity. From the highs of his TV chat show to the lows of his travel tavern stint, he's navigated a career marked by controversy and mishap. Despite setbacks, including a on-air shooting and a Toblerone...

The Diary of Anne Frank In Two Acts Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this edition of Anne Frank's diary brings her powerful story to life. In 1942, Anne began keeping a diary on June 14th, just days after her 13th birthday, and continued to...

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: The Barbara Payton Story is a heart-wrenching account of a Hollywood actress who rose to fame in the late 1940s, driven by a fierce ambition and devastating beauty. Despite her promising career, Barbara Payton's personal life was...

Stewart Lee's weekly newspaper column offers a unique perspective on modern Britain, tackling topics such as the lack of right-wing stand-ups and the insights offered by Spotify playlist data.Selected, introduced and explained by the author, with...

The official art book for Captain America: The First Avenger, a fully illustrated tome that delves into the creative process behind the movie. This book features exclusive content, including concept art, drawings, movie stills, and storyboards, which...

Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope by Brad Weismann explores the evolution of the horror film genre from its silent-film era roots to its current blockbusters. This comprehensive guide delves into the past influences and present...

Improv Beyond Rules: A Practical Guide to Narrative Improvisation by Adam Meggido is a comprehensive guide to narrative improvisation, drawing on the author's extensive experience teaching and performing around the world. This book explores the...

Ayoade on Top is a humorous exploration of the film View From the Top, a 2000 drama starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Richard Ayoade, known for his witty observations, takes readers on a journey through the film's themes and characters, from the cabin crew to...

Schrader on Schrader is a collection of dialogues with Paul Schrader, one of the most fascinating and uncompromising writer-directors in American film. Raised with a Calvinist upbringing that forbade him from engaging with the world of cinema, Schrader...

The Beatles' secret to success lies in their irreverent sense of humour. This book explores the Fab Four's unique ability to laugh and enjoy themselves, even in the face of intense scrutiny and pressure. By examining the bands' witty banter and comedic...

The Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History is a comprehensive collection of rare artwork, interviews, and on-set photos from the beloved Jim Henson fantasy film. This deluxe book tells the complete story of the film, highlighting the unique creative...

Relive the epic world of Westeros with this official guide to Game of Thrones. Spanning all eight seasons of the hit HBO show, this comprehensive volume offers a unique visual exploration of the world of Westeros and beyond. Fully illustrated with...

Discover how to unlock the full potential of scripted plays through physical theatre exercises and rehearsal techniques. Dymphna Callery's comprehensive guide, The Active Text, shows how to apply the principles of physical and devised theatre to scripted...

The Drama Teacher's Survival Guide offers a welcome respite for those navigating the challenges of teaching drama. With the pressures of new qualifications, changing government approaches, and the demands of the performing arts industry, drama teachers...

Ode to Leeds is a powerful coming-of-age story that blends spoken word poetry with heart and soul to create a poignant portrait of the city of Leeds.Five young poets from Leeds are selected to compete at the world's most prestigious international poetry...

Drama Menu: Second Helpings offers a fresh and varied approach to theatre games and exercises. With 160 new games and exercises, this book provides a wealth of creative possibilities for drama teachers and workshop leaders. The exercises are designed to...

Thomas Becket's tragic fate is the subject of T. S. Eliot's powerful play, Murder in the Cathedral. Written for the Canterbury Festival in 1935, this anniversary edition marks 850 years since the Archbishop's assassination and 85 years since the play's...

The Playbook: A Story of Theatre, Democracy and the Making of a Culture War In 1935, the Work Progress Administration was established to support unemployed workers, including writers, artists, musicians and actors. As part of this programme, the Federal...

Behind the scenes of a beloved television drama, a fascinating story unfolds. The Making of Pride and Prejudice reveals the transformation of Jane Austen's novel into a stunning television series, from its conception to its first broadcast. This book...

Behind the scenes of Marvel Studios' Emmy Award-winning animated series, a world of possibilities awaits. This collector-worthy book offers a unique look at the making of What If...?, featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-seen concept art. From...

Micky Flanagan Funny Geezer is a page-turning biography that explores the life of one of Britain's best-loved comedians. Born into the East End of London in the 1970s, Micky's early life was marked by a desire to pursue a career in a more traditional...

AQA Drama and Theatre - A Level and AS by Su Fielder provides comprehensive coverage of both the AS and A Level specifications, making it an ideal resource for students and teachers alike. This student book is structured to facilitate co-teaching,...

Desperately Seeking an Agent is a practical guide for performers looking to navigate the competitive world of talent representation. This comprehensive resource covers everything from preparing for auditions to maintaining a successful career in the...

Vampire Movies is a comprehensive guide to the genre, exploring the evolution of vampire cinema from the silent era to the modern age. Author Nathaniel Thompson delves into the diverse and complex world of vampire films, covering iconic figures and...

Matthew Bourne and His Adventures in Dance is a unique conversation between the renowned choreographer and the New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay. The book delves into Bourne's early life, training, and influences, as well as his distinctive...

At the heart of this deeply personal memoir lies a story of resilience and self-discovery, as one woman navigates a childhood marked by turmoil and uncertainty. Julianna Margulies recounts her life and work with unflinching honesty, revealing the...

Discover the ultimate fan guide to the iconic sitcom, packed with over 100 inventive lists, charts, and timelines from all twelve seasons of The Big Bang Theory. Celebrate the nerdiest friend group with this creative way of looking at and celebrating the...

Till the Boys Come Home explores the often-overlooked role of British theatre during World War I. When the war effort was at its peak, theatres played a significant part in providing escapism, stirring patriotism, and sharing the experiences of those...

A mother's love is tested by the unexpected. When Myra's passing forces her family to confront their differences, they must also face the reality of life without her. As they navigate the practicalities of planning a funeral, they are also forced to...

A comprehensive history of theatre, from ancient origins to modern-day forms, is presented in this fourth edition revised and updated. The book covers acting, direction, stagecraft, theatre architecture and design, as well as the evolution of dramatic...

Experience the creation of a beloved fantasy classic through the eyes of the artists, costume designers, and creature creators who brought it to life. Jim Henson's Labyrinth The Ultimate Visual History is a 30th-anniversary exploration of the iconic...

Betrayal is a new and bold play by Harold Pinter, where memory becomes a dramatic force, piecing together the past with a mix of curiosity and regret. The play explores the theme of betrayal, not just by human action, but also by time, and how it affects...

The Young Actor's Handbook by Jeremy Kruse is a concise and practical guide to the craft of acting. This book distills the author's years of experience into a clear and accessible primer, covering essential knowledge and techniques for actors of all...

Dancing in Time: A Visual History of Moving and Shaking This vibrant book explores the impact of dance on society, revealing how it has shaped and been shaped by culture, history, and technology. With over 200 illustrations from the British Library...

The Pillowman A Play by Martin McDonagh A writer in a totalitarian state is interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories, which bear an unsettling resemblance to a series of child murders in his town. As the investigation unfolds, the...

Wes Anderson's distinctive worlds are a testament to his unique vision. But what drives his creative process? This book delves into the inspirations behind one of our most revered filmmakers, revealing the homages, references, and cultural touchstones...

Actioning is a widely used rehearsal technique for actors, helping to bring clarity and energy to every moment in a script. This step-by-step guide explores Actioning in-depth, drawing on concepts from Stanislavsky and featuring sample scenes from...

Helping you find the perfect audition piece, Contemporary Monologues for Men provides fifty fantastic speeches for men, all written since 2000 by exciting dramatic voices. This collection features plays from leading theatres across the UK, including the...

Producing a show is a complex process, from raising the money to creating a hit. This comprehensive guide offers clear advice to anyone involved in producing or selling a show, covering every aspect from idea generation to the final performance.With...

A collection of 102 fresh female monologues from published plays, offering a diverse range of tones, time periods, and character ages. These monologues are drawn from plays that have stood the test of time and are guaranteed to remain in publication...

Celebrate the iconic Golden Girls with this unique and entertaining collection of autobiographies. This deluxe boxed set features four hardcover books, each with 48 pages of content, full-color photos, and fun sidebars and quotes. The set includes Pray...

The Writer's Journey - 25th Anniversary Edition - Library Edition Mythic Structure for Writers A comprehensive guide to storytelling structure and character development, The Writer's Journey has revolutionized the way Hollywood approaches cinematic...

Shirley Valentine: A Play by Willy Russell A powerful and poignant play about a woman's journey to self-discovery. Shirley Valentine, a 42-year-old mother, feels trapped in her mundane life, longing for a sense of purpose and freedom. When her friend...

Discover the art and making of Disney and Pixar's latest animated feature film, Inside Out 2. This stunning book showcases the stunning artwork from the film's creation, including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more. Exclusive...

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare is a definitive collection of the Bard's plays, sonnets, and poems, edited by renowned scholar Peter Alexander. This authoritative edition has been widely acclaimed for its clarity and scholarship, and has been...

Shakespeare Monologues for Young Men provides a comprehensive collection of 40 monologues from Shakespeare's canon, carefully selected to suit the performing skills of young men. Each monologue is accompanied by a detailed summary, including the context,...

For auditions and performances, a well-chosen monologue is essential. This book provides forty contemporary monologues for women, written and premiered since 2014 by leading playwrights. Trilby James, with experience as an actor, director, and teacher,...

The powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald has escaped from custody, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the loyalty and love of those around him. As Albus Dumbledore enlists the help of his former student Newt Scamander, the stakes grow...

Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History is a comprehensive look at the entire franchise, from the original films to animated shows, comics, and collectibles. This book delves into the archives to showcase a wealth of never-before-seen concept art and...

Lamda Verse and Prose Anthology: Volume 20 is a comprehensive collection of 155 pieces, including celebrated poems and prose extracts from classic and contemporary novels. This anthology is designed to support learners taking LAMDA Examinations, offering...

The Wicker Man: The Official Story of the Film A behind-the-scenes look at the making of a horror movie that has terrified audiences for fifty years. The Wicker Man is a chilling exploration of an isolated community with a terrible secret, featuring a...

The Cherry Orchard is a poignant and thought-provoking play that explores the changing world through the eyes of its aristocratic characters. Set against the backdrop of an orchard, this masterpiece by Anton Chekhov reveals the end of an era with humour,...

Alexander Mackendrick's On Film-making offers a unique insight into the art of filmmaking, distilled from his extensive experience as a director, screenwriter, and educator. Mackendrick's teaching style, which spanned over 25 years, focused on helping...

William Goldman, the acclaimed screenwriter behind iconic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, shares his unique perspective on the world of Hollywood and screenwriting in this personal memoir.With behind-the-scenes stories of his...

Trilby James presents 50 contemporary monologues for women, all written since 2000 by leading playwrights. These speeches have been premiered at the UK's top theatres, including the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.Each monologue is...

The Faber Pocket Guide to Ballet is a comprehensive guide to classical ballet, spanning nearly two centuries of dance. With entries for over eighty works from ballet companies worldwide, this revised edition includes new ballets by Wayne McGregor, Alexei...

Christopher Nolan: The Iconic Filmmaker and His WorkThis comprehensive study delves into the life and works of one of modern cinema's most celebrated directors, Christopher Nolan. Through in-depth research, veteran film author Ian Nathan explores the...

Knit a little bit of Halloween magic into your life with this unique guide to knitting inspired by the beloved characters from Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Featuring a mix of dark and vibrant patterns, as well as glow-in-the-dark yarn, this...

Tom Stoppard's Arcadia is a thought-provoking play that explores the intersection of art and science. The work, which premiered in 1993, delves into the human condition, raising fundamental questions about our existence and the meaning of life. With a...

The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood's Kings of Carnage by Nick de Semlyen This behind-the-scenes look at the action heroes of 1980s and 90s Hollywood reveals the untold stories of the colourful characters who ruled the...

David Mamet's On Directing Film is a comprehensive guide to the art of filmmaking, drawing on his unique experience as playwright, screenwriter, and director. Based on a series of classes he taught at Columbia University's film school, this book offers a...

This comprehensive guide to Shakespeare's monologues for men provides everything you need to know for a successful audition. Fifty monologues are presented alongside easy-to-use guides that explain who is speaking, where, when, and to whom, as well as...

Geoff Dyer's 'Broadsword Calling Danny Boy' On Where Eagles Dare is a comic tour-de-force of criticism that takes readers on a scene-by-scene analysis of the 1960s war movie. First published as the film reaches its 50th anniversary, this book is a...

The Commission Handbook: A Complete Guide to Temporal Anomalies Step into the world of time travel with this officially licensed, in-universe guide to protecting the space time continuum. Designed to look and feel like an authentic document, this...

Two powerful modern classics about race in 20th century America from the legendary Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright August Wilson. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a tense, searing account of racism in jazz-era America, as the great blues diva...

Cinema Speculation is a unique blend of personal memoir, cultural criticism, and Hollywood history from the acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. This long-awaited first work of nonfiction is a deliriously entertaining and wickedly intelligent...

Disney The Christmas Collection Colouring Book Get into the festive spirit with this delightful Disney colouring book. Featuring a range of festive characters and scenes, this book is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and express their creativity...

Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language by Kristen Linklater is a comprehensive guide to unlocking the full potential of the human voice.This revised and expanded edition of a classic book, first published in...

Explore the world of movie monsters and beasts with Kaiju Unleashed, a comprehensive reference guide to the strange creatures that have captivated audiences for decades. First popular in the 1950s, the kaiju film genre has experienced a resurgence in...

Silent Cinema Before the Pictures Got Small by Lawrence Napper offers a fascinating introduction to the cinema of the 1920s, a period marked by the development of film aesthetics and the industrial and political contexts of film production. This book...

For aspiring and professional television writers, Daniel P. Calvisi's Story Maps: TV Drama offers a clear, practical, step-by-step method to write a compelling pilot that adheres to Hollywood standards. This book provides the first beat sheet for...

Brian Friel's Translations A Play explores the personal and cultural impact of a seemingly administrative action. In 1833, a detachment of the Royal Engineers arrives in County Donegal to conduct the first Ordnance Survey, recording local Gaelic place...

Willy Russell's Blood Brothers is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The story follows the lives of two boys, separated at birth, who grow up to lead very different lives, yet are constantly drawn back to each other. This...

Alan Bennett's Talking Heads is a series of 12 groundbreaking monologues that showcase his unique brand of darkly comic, tragically poignant, and wonderfully uplifting storytelling. Originally filmed for BBC Television, these monologues have become a...

Working On A Song: The Lyrics of HADESTOWN by Anaïs Mitchell Anaïs Mitchell's book offers a unique insight into the creation of the hit musical Hadestown, from its conception to its Broadway debut. With a foreword by Steve Earle, this collection of...

Welcome to Pawnee, a heartfelt look at one of America's most beloved sitcoms, filled with hilarious stories and sweet observations. Jim O'Heir, who played Jerry on Parks and Recreation, brings fans a unique perspective on the show, sharing...

Step into the shoes of Midsomer CID's newest recruit and take on the challenge of solving a murder mystery in the beautiful county of Midsomer. On the eve of its first Villages In Bloom competition, a man lies dead, smelling of damson jam. Your task is...

Finding Your Voice is a practical guide for actors of all levels, from students to experienced professionals. Written by a Royal Shakespeare Company voice coach, this step-by-step manual offers expert advice on how to improve your vocal skills and...

The Magic of Minalima is a full-colour illustrated compendium that chronicles the twenty-year journey of acclaimed art and design studio, MinaLima. The studio's creative genius began in 2001 when Warner Bros. invited Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima to...

Miles Morales, the Spider-Man from Brooklyn, is on the case when a new student's father goes missing. The investigation leads him to a surprising connection between the student's father and a major corporation sponsoring his fundraiser for the victims of...

Writing for the screen is a meticulous process. A writer must carefully craft their prose, yet only a small portion of it is ever heard by the audience. In this book, Robert McKee shares his expertise on story structure, a foundation for success in the...

Waiting for Godot A Tragicomedy in Two Acts by Samuel Beckett First performed in 1953, this influential play has become a cornerstone of twentieth-century drama. Its enigmatic story revolves around two men waiting for someone named Godot, exploring the...

The Film Book: A Complete Guide to the World of Cinema Discover the world of cinema through this comprehensive guide, featuring over 100 of the most significant films ever made. From timeless classics like Citizen Kane and The Godfather to blockbuster...

Top Girls is a seminal play of the modern theatre, set against the backdrop of 1980s British politics. Written by Caryl Churchill, the play explores the complexities of women's success and solidarity in a society dominated by the presence of Prime...

Safe Dance Practice offers a comprehensive approach to dance practice, combining research and practical guidance to support dancers and dance educators in achieving optimal physical and mental well-being.The book presents integrated guidelines and...

Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse And Other Lessons from Modern Life by David Mitchell David Mitchell's latest book is a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of the absurdities of modern life. Drawing on his experience as a columnist and...

For actors and directors, a comprehensive rehearsal methodology is essential for bringing scripts to life. This book offers a lifetime of work in the theater, distilling the most complete rehearsal approach into practical advice and techniques.With sound...

Andrey Tarkovsky, the renowned Russian filmmaker, shares his artistic vision and personal reflections in Sculpting in Time. This book offers a unique insight into the creative process of one of cinema's most visionary directors. Tarkovsky discusses the...

Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play that takes place in the shadows of a famous tragedy, finding humour and poignancy in the lives of two minor characters. The National Theatre production in 1967 catapulted Stoppard to fame,...

The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit by Bella Merlin provides a comprehensive guide to the renowned acting technique developed by Konstantin Stanislavsky. This revised and updated edition brings together the key terms and ideas from Stanislavsky's work,...

A hardcover collection exploring the sinister side of the Force, featuring revealing interview material and lavish illustrations. This deluxe edition delves into the world of infamous Sith Lords and galactic villains, shedding light on the dark side of...