PUBLICATION DATE - 16th OCTOBER, 2004

To be launched at The Royal National Theatre, South Bank, London (Olivier stalls foyer), The Performing Arts Book Fair, where we shall have a stand. Open 11a.m. - 7.15p.m.

COVENTRY'S FORGOTTEN THEATRE

The Theatre Royal & Empire Theatre of Varieties

By Ted Bottle

This book adds many jig-saw pieces to our knowledge of the nineteenth century provincial theatre. It covers the healthy state of drama at the beginning of this period, reasons for the wholesale destruction of theatres in the 1840s and 1850s, the patent issue, the circuit system, benefits, infant prodigies, the effects of the Exeter fire, the growth of the touring system, right through to the conversion of the Royal into the Empire Theatre of Varieties. It will be seen that many of the ups and downs of theatres of that century were curiously mirrored in the twentieth.

Fully illustrated with 50 plans and photographs. Extensive 21-column Index.

ISBN 0 9526076 7 0

200 pages paperback, numerous illustrations, 248 x 171mm. Published by The Badger Press, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4DU.

Price £12.50.

Please address Enquiries and Orders to: E.G. Bottle, 114 Meadow Lane, Agar Nook, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4DP.