London is the theatre capital of the world. From world-famous musicals to West End shows, from cutting-edge plays to Shakespeare in its original staging, from outdoor performance to intimate fringe theatre, the range and quality is unsurpassed.

Leading theatre critic Michael Coveney invites you on a tour of the forty-five theatres which make the London stage what it is, with stories of the architecture, the people and the productions which have defined each one. Sumptuous photographs by Peter Dazeley of the public areas, auditorium and backstage complete the picture.

Contents include:
1. Grandes Dames: The Grade I listed Haymarket, Drury Lane, and Covent Garden Opera House
2. Palaces of Pleasure: The London Palladium, the Coliseum, Lyceum, and Prince of Wales
3. Popular landmarks: The National Theatre, Old Vic, Shakespeare’s Globe, Roundhouse, and Royal Court
4. Informal delights: The Young Vic, Almeida, Donmar, and The Other Palace, opening 2017
5. Legends Alive: Richmond Theatre, The Playhouse, Adelphi, and the New Ambassadors
6. Hidden Gems: Alexandra Palace, The BBC Radio Theatre, Normansfield and Charing Cross theatres
7. Eastward Ho!: Barbican, Hackney Empire, Stratford East, and Wilton’s Music Hall
8. West End jewels: The Savoy, Novello, Duke of York's, St Martin's, and Criterion