Synopsis:

'So what was it about "Look Back in Anger" that caused such a shock?', asks Professor Dominic Shellard at the start of his review of post-war British theatre. To shed new light on an old debate, Shellard and his fellow contributors unearth authentic testimony and fresh archival evidence drawn from the collections of the British Library. Spanning the pivotal years from 1945 to 1968, "The Golden Generation" explores the explosive new shifts in perspective, drama, genre, style and performance, ranging from New Wave to 'illegitimate' Variety theatre, from cutting-edge Theatre Workshop to the 'made for TV' plays and avant-garde acting of the 1960s and '70s. Starting from the viewpoint that the 'best witness is always local', "The Golden Generation" dips in and out of the vibrant interviews and personal views of the theatrical stars, literati and fans who lived through the 'swinging' times.The reader hears an extraordinary variety of vivid recollections, not just from West End glitterati, such as Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud, but from keen local repertory fans, budding actors and 'hot' young playwrights. Illustrated with more than 30 evocative sketches, letters and photographs, many rarely seen before, "The Golden Generation" offers an absorbing and uniquely holistic view of one of the most vibrant periods of British Theatre.