This module examines London’s diverse and vibrant scene from its historic development to contemporary performance in the city and through this examination introduces theories and vocabulary used to analyse actors, audiences and architecture, the key components of theatre making. Using a range of texts – from plays, to theoretical writing to newspaper reviews to theatre marketing material – the module begins with an investigation of London’s theatrical past and how it is presented today in the museum, archive and so-called ‘heritage’ theatre; the module then moves on to West End performance, examining its historic roots and its current commercial success; it concludes with a consideration of the socio-political trends in contemporary theatre, such as site-specificity and ‘in-yer-face’ new playwriting.

This module will consist of a minimum of 45 contact hours with teaching taking place between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday.