British Theatre Yearbook 1989

This book records all professional productions throughout Great Britain for 1988 with comment on various productions, news and trends. Included is an overview of the effects of Arts Council policy and the decline and rise of companies and actors. Detailed attention is given to the West End and provincial theatres with full cast lists and notes on productions and policies. Related to this section is an article by Tim Piggot-Smith on working with Sir Peter Hall who ended his career as head of the National Theatre with Shakespeare's "Cymbeline", "The Tempest" and "The Winter's Tale". The London Fringe Theatre and the Young Vic's "Dr Faustus" and "An Enemy of the People" is discussed with its leading protagonist Anne Myers. Richard Eyre, new head of the National Theatre, talks about funding the theatre and the problems that face theatres like the National and RSC. Finally the touring companies - Foco Novo, Cheek by Jowl and Hull Truck Company are covered with special attention given to Foco Novo, who were responsible for one of the years finest productions.