Who's Who in the Theatre [antikvár]

PREFACE TO THE FOURTEENTH EDITION Since the publication of the Thirteenth Edition in 1961, another notable milestone lias been passed in the history of Who's Who in the Theatre. The book, which may be said to have "come of age" with the Seventh Edition in 1933, attained its Golden Jubilee in 1962. Some Tributes to this happy occasion follow this Preface, and perhaps we may also be forgiven for taking a quick look over our shoulders to view gratefully the course which has been travelled. We have survived two world wars and an economic revolution which has increased many times the cost of production-and still the demand for the great work begun by John Parker continues. Who's Who in the Theatre is to be found wherever there is theatre activity, study, or interest. It remains for us to thank our readers all over the world for their long and unfailing support, which has not only provided the encouragement needed but also offered this opportunity for celebration. We are happy, to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert E. Finley as the first American Representative for Who's Who in the Theatre. Mr. Finley, who gave invaluable help in the American field in the Thirteenth Edition, in addition to essential general assistance, has contributed over one hundred new American biographies in this Jubilee Edition. New Features. A General Index to London Playbills (1921-60) has been compiled by Mr. John Francis. The Playbills-which were first introduced in the Fourth Edition-did not receive an Index until the Seventh Edition, and the new General Index contains over eight thousand titles, which have been listed alphabetically from 1921 to 1960, with their appropriate Edition number and page reference. For those London readers who do not have access to the complete issue, it may be said that the Editions from the Fourth to the Thirteenth may be consulted at the Westminster Central Reference Library, St. Martin's Street, London, W.C.2. This General Index is accompanied by a corresponding General Index to London Theatres and Places of Performance, which has been prepared by Mrs. E. D. Nisbet. To accommodate these considerable features, it has been found necessary to omit the Seating Plans of the Principal London Theatres in this edition, but Lytton's Theatre Seating Plans can be readily obtained through newsagents and also from The Dancing Times, 18 Hand Court, London, W.C.2. A summary of the Chichester Festival Theatre has been included, together with a synopsis of its Playbills for the years 1962-5. The Repertory Theatre in Great Britain has been revised and brought up to date by Mr. Charles Landstone; this section is further enlarged by a list of new plays produced by the larger repertory companies, between 1960-5, which has been compiled by the present Editor.