Established in 1998 to coincide with the Golden Jubilee of the Society for Theatre Research, the Theatre Book Prize aims to encourage the writing and publication of books exploring the history and practice of British theatre. The prize is jointly administered on behalf of the Society for Theatre Research by theatre critic Gary Naylor and theatre publicist Kevin Wilson. Judged by three industry professionals, the award celebrates the wealth of research, scholarship and creativity that continues to enrich our understanding of the theatrical world.
This year's ceremony took place at Jermyn Street Theatre in an atmosphere that was both relaxed and passionate - an informal celebration of the importance of theatre writing and the people who bring it to life.
From a longlist of more than 30 titles, this year's judges had selected a shortlist of six outstanding books. The judging panel comprised playwright Dr John Godber OBE, theatre critic Maryam Philpott and producer Thomas Hopkins. Each judge spoke about two of the shortlisted books they had championed, explaining what had particularly impressed them and why the works had made such an impact.
All three spoke with genuine enthusiasm about their choices. Godber, in particular, brought his trademark dry wit to proceedings, revealing that he had read his way through the longlist while waiting for an eye operation. An experience that, given the sheer number of titles, certainly put his ailing eyesight further to the test!
Maryam Philpott raised a thought-provoking point about the visibility of theatre books. Of all the shortlisted titles, she noted, only one was actually available at Waterstones, just along the street from Jermyn Street Theatre. It prompted the question of why, Shakespeare aside, the theatre section in our bookshops remains so disappointingly small. Surely the rich and varied history of British theatre deserves a much more prominent place on our bookshelves? Thomas Hopkins also spoke passionately about the importance of theatrical writing and the sheer pleasure of reading these books, reinforcing the value of celebrating, sharing and preserving the stories that shape our theatrical heritage.
The six shortlisted books were:
Vagabond by Tim Curry
The Methuen Drama Handbook of Women in Contemporary British Theatre, edited by Marissia Fragkou and Rebecca BenzieRichard Burbage and the Shakespearean Stage by Siobhan Keenan
Staging Beckett in London by Matthew McFrederick
Modernism after the Ballets Russes: Movement in the British Theatre by Gabriela Minden
On the Boardwalk by Martin Sherman
So which book came away with the prize? Well, for the first time in the prize's history, there were joint winners.
The first was On the Boardwalk, a memoir by Martin Sherman, the acclaimed playwright perhaps best known for his seminal 1979 play Bent. The second was Staging Beckett in London by Matthew McFrederick.
Matthew was present to receive his award and his genuine surprise at the announcement was lovely to witness. His impromptu acceptance speech was heartfelt and warmly received. Martin, unfortunately, was unable to attend, so Nathan Evans, one of his editors, accepted the award on his behalf. He read a gracious message of thanks from Martin and spoke about the pleasure of working with him and how much Sherman’s work had shaped his own life and career.
Huge congratulations to both winners. It was particularly special to see two very different works sharing the honour, reflecting the breadth and diversity of theatre scholarship.
But what truly emerged from this lovely ceremony was something much bigger than the announcement of an award. It was a timely reminder of the importance of writing about theatre, of reading and exploring its many histories and of recognising the extraordinary range of work that makes up British theatrical culture.
Theatre is not just about what happens on stage. It is also about the stories behind the performances, the people who create them, the ideas that shape them and the histories we must preserve for future generations.
The Theatre Book Prize is a wonderful celebration of all of this and long may it continue.
By Jack Shaw