Alan Plater Libri

'Close the Coalhouse Door' is a living pageant of the North-East's mining communities, and also a key work in the development of British political drama. Triumphantly revived by Live Theatre, this gritty musical is regularly staged by all kinds of theatre companies, from professional to school and amateur. The original version was published by Samuel French. This new edition, using the updated script, was published in response to demand from the numerous theatre groups which want to perform it. Alan Plater wrote: 'Some plays refuse to lie down. Others surrender on the first night and disappear into a mysterious other country - the land of lost plays. Nobody can explain this phenomenon. Shakespeare himself had no idea how many people would turn up on the night. 'Close the Coalhouse Door' was written, with the wise and loving inspiration of Sid Chaplin and adorned by the songs of Alex Glasgow, in 1968. It has been revived at regular intervals ever since

Described by the author 'memoirs of a jazz-crazed playwright - some of the stories are autobiographical and some of them are true.'A very, very, readable book, Michael Parkinson.Rich throughout with smart lines and offbeat observations, Guardian.Terrific price, terrific read. It kept me turning pages like mad, Campbell Burnap.Masterly in its knowledge and poetic communication. . . Don't hang about, go out and buy it, Jazz JournalIllustrated by some extremely funny cartoons. . . and imbued with the humane wisdom that has made him famous, www.vortexjazz.co.uk

A new comic drama, starring Maureen Lipman, about the life of the famous play agent, Peggy Ramsay, who helped transform post-war British drama schovat popis

Set in 1902, the story follows the Fosdyke family as they leave their struggling tripe business behind in search of prosperity in Manchester, known for its meat pies. As they navigate their new life, the narrative unfolds through the trials and tribulations of six women and ten men, leading up to the First World War. The book captures the humor and charm of Bill Tidy's beloved cartoon characters, blending comedy with historical context as the Fosdykes strive for success in a changing world.