Coveney, Michael: London Theatres (New Edition)

“According to the recently published new edition of Michael Coveney and Peter Dazeley’s seriously splendid book London Theatres, we’re promised massively enhanced technical facilities at Drury Lane, not least the ability to transform the auditorium into a 2,000-seat in-the-round space. Its Regency splendour restored, tiered levels of seating curved and the stalls seats brought forward for greater intimacy, the building’s every space within and without has been transformed. Coveney’s text is shot through with historical detail but his commentary is, above all, a labour of love, while Dazeley’s exquisitely evocative photographs of these pleasure palaces are frankly ravishing. Unless you happen to own one or more of these architectural jewels, you’ll never have the opportunity to see them in such glorious, glowing detail. Since we currently can’t enjoy them in person, get your hands on a copy and revel in what awaits us when theatre returns.”