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Theatre is one of the most powerful and potent media through which we express and explore our humanity and almost uniquely, Canterbury shows the history of Theatre in microcosm. Few cities can boast the remains of a Roman theatre, evidence of Medieval plays, the oldest amateur dramatic society in the world and one of the newest municipal theatre buildings. Furthermore, Canterbury is the birthplace of some of our leading playwrights and the scene of one of the most remarkable examples of collaboration between the amateur and professional theatre ever witnessed.
All this, and much more is chronicled by David Manners in his often thrilling pages. Through careful and imaginative research and informed speculation he brings to life the characters and situations that have shaped drama and performance in Canterbury. He provides us with a constantly changing picture of artistic tastes, prejudices, ambitions, failed plans and innovation and has created an invaluable source for anyone who recognises and values the importance of Theatre in any community.
With new high speed rail links, a beautiful new Marlowe Theatre and one of the most progressive and outward looking University drama departments in the country with its own new Jarman Centre, Canterbury is emerging from its relative isolation and is, once again, expressing its character through a love of Theatre. The publication of this intriguing book could not be more timely.
Kenneth Pickering, Professor of Drama and Theatre (from the Foreword to "Canterbury Stage by Stage")
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