Birmingham Theatres & Entertainment

Through the medium of old photographs, programmes and advertisements, this splendid collection provides a fascinating look at the history of theatre and entertainment in Birmingham. From the construction of its first theatre in 1740, Birmingham has boasted a huge array of entertainment from plays and music festivals to circuses and 'mops' (and even the 'onion fair'). It was here that many household names such as Lawrence Olivier, Kenneth More, Peggy Ashcroft and Derek Jacobi first proved their acting credentials, and here that many famous musical works, such as Antonin Dvorak's "The Spectre's Bride" and Felix Mendelssohn's "Elijah," were premiered in Britain. Illustrated with more than 180 photographs from the archives of Birmingham Central Library, this comprehensive guide is a must have for anyone interested in the history of the entertainments industry in the area.