British theatre of the past fifty years has been brilliant, varied and controversial, encompassing invigorating indigenous drama, politically didactic writing, the formation of institutions such as the National Theatre, the exporting of musicals worldwide from the West End, and much more. This book is the first comprehensive account of British theatre in this period. Dominic Shellard moves chronologically through the half-century, discussing important plays, performers, directors, playwrights, critics, censors and agents, as well as the social, political and financial developments that influenced the theatre world. The book will be a valuable resource not only for students of theatre history but also for any theatre enthusiast.