Abstract/Summary

Samuel Beckett has held a long and varied relationship with London and its theatres. Although Dublin and Paris hold obvious connections with Beckett’s life, London is the city that has proved the most consistent home for his drama, the origin for many of his major collaborations and where his legacy continues to flourish today. From the Royal Court to the National Theatre and from Riverside Studios to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London’s major, marginal, subsidised and commercial venues have staged Beckett’s drama since Waiting for Godot’s English language premiere in 1955. London performances saw Beckett collaborate with many significant directors, designers and actors, such as Peter Hall, Jocelyn Herbert and Billie Whitelaw, while high-profile stars, including Fiona Shaw and Ian McKellen, have played their part in the proliferation of his work since his death. This rich performance history comprises world premieres and festivals of Beckett’s nineteen stage plays within a historical timeframe spanning key cultural and global events, from the Lord Chamberlain’s censorship of British theatre to Covid-19 lockdowns and re-openings. Staging Beckett in London presents the first dedicated performance history of Samuel Beckett’s drama in London theatre cultures. By tracing these performance histories through original findings in international archives, original interviews with key practitioners and framing the performances in their historical and cultural contexts, McFrederick’s history offers new readings and insights into productions of Beckett’s plays in London; a history that re-evaluates Beckett’s role in London theatre histories and the importance of London theatres on Beckett’s career and legacy.