The History of Theatre

  • Author David Timson
  • Narrator Derek Jacobi, Carole Boyd, John McAndrew, Teresa Gallagher, Caroline Faber
  • Publisher Naxos AudioBooks
  • Run Time 5 hours and 9 minutes
  • Format Audio
  • Genre Literary studies: plays and playwrights.
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What to expect

This bold undertaking covers Western theatre from ancient Greece to the present day. It traces the development of dramatic art through the miracle plays, the great Shakespearean period, Molière and Racine in France, Goethe in Germany, through the nineteenth century and the main movements in the twentieth century. It is illustrated by numerous examples of differing styles, with some historical recordings as well and excerpts from nearly fifty plays – a fascinating journey. It is written by David Timson, the British actor and director who features extensively on Naxos AudioBooks in both roles.

Critics Review

  • Shamefully, I know very little about the theatre’s beginnings – not good for an actor – so my choice is The History of Theatre read by Sir Derek Jacobi, an aural guide to drama past and present, which begins in Ancient Greece and continues through miracle plays to Shakespeare, Molière, Goethe and 20th-century works. Hearing Sir Derek lift David Timson’s words off the page is both pleasurable and instructive.

    Simon Russell Beale, The Times

  • Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
    Following the success of The History of Opera, Naxos produces the history of drama and the stage from ancient Greece through the 20th century in an accessible program. With master Derek Jacobi and actors who excerpt from dozens of plays as guides, the listener is treated to a fascinating chronicle for students, aficionados – and even anyone with a passing interest in history or theatre. Jacobi illuminates the cultural heritage surrounding each period in a style both grand and approachable. David Timson’s text is rich and involving. The linear sequence is tracked on the CD version, and the excellent liner notes to the plays, the excerpts and the music round out this significant program.

    R.F.W., AudioFile

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