Cinema, Theatres and Concert Venues

The first detailed study of the major programme of theatre-building in Britain between the 1950s and the 1980s, Modern Playhouses draws on a vast range of archival material to present the history of post-war theatre buildings as a history of ideas relating not only to performance but also to culture, citizenship, and the modern city.

The last decade has seen the construction of numerous innovative and well-received performance venues, as well as the sensitive refurbishment of theatres and concert halls constructed in the past century. This book provides a detailed survey of current and recent architectural projects to display the vitality of contemporary performance architecture in Britain and Ireland.

With professional expertise from members of the Association of British Theatre Technicians and illustrated case studies of over 30 theatres and performance spaces, Theatre Buildings is the essential handbook for all those involved in theatre design and use.

Leading drama critic Michael Coveney invites you on a tour of over 50 of London's most iconic and important theatres, with stories of the architecture and the productions which have defined each one. Sumptuous photographs by Peter Dazeley of the public areas, auditoriums and backstage areas complete the picture.

Through the photographs of Giovanna Silva, a selection of interviews and critical texts, Nightswimming explores the architecture of the dance club from the 1960s until today, with a focus on Italian nightclubs.

This is a valuable and comprehensive addition to the history of London's West End that will appeal to cinema enthusiasts as well as social historians and students of London and of architecture and design.