Peter Shaffer Book order

The story explores the dynamics between Bob, a shy and insecure man, and Ted, his charming counterpart who easily attracts women. Bob's hope of connecting with a different kind of girl, Doreen, is quickly dashed as her lack of interest in classical music and Bob's awkwardness highlight his insecurities. The narrative delves into themes of self-esteem, the complexities of relationships, and the contrasting personalities of the characters, ultimately revealing the challenges of seeking genuine connection in a superficial world.

This edition features a revised version of a work originally presented at the Shaw Theatre in 1976, highlighting its evolution and adaptation for contemporary audiences. The text reflects changes made to enhance its relevance and impact, showcasing the author's commitment to engaging with the themes and elements of the original performance.

The story revolves around Philip Damson, an American academic and the estranged son of renowned English playwright Edward Damson, who has met a violent end. Driven by a lifelong obsession with his father, Philip seeks permission from his stepmother, Helen, to write Edward's biography. Helen consents, but under the condition that Philip uncovers the complete and painful truth about his father's life. The narrative promises to explore complex relationships, revealing the impact of five women and four men on Edward's story.

Charles and Belinda are an ill-assorted couple yet they were once in love. Insanely jealous, Charles engages a private eye, Julian, to follow her round London. Julian can only report that she is attached to someone. When the three meet it transpires that Belinda has fallen for Julian. Deciding to mend a marriage, rather than break it, Julian banishes Belinda to her wanderings but this time to be followed by Charles.

"Amadeus," originating from the National Theatre of Great Britain, explores the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It has won prestigious awards, including the Evening Standard Drama Award and the Tony Award, and inspired an Oscar-winning film. This edition features a new preface by Peter Shaffer and an introduction by Sir Peter Hall. A must-read for music and theatre enthusiasts.

Lettice Duffet, an expert on Elizabethan cuisine and medieval weaponry, is an indefatigable but daffy enthusiast of history and the theatre. As a tour guide at Fustian House, one of the least stately of London's stately homes, she theatrically embellishes its historical past, ultimately coming up on the radar of Lotte Schon, an inspector from the Preservation Trust. Neither impressed or entertained by Lettice's freewheeling history lessons, Schon fires her. Not one however, to go without a fight, Lettice engages the stoic, conventionial Lotte in battle to the death of all that is sacred to the Empire and the crown.

Winner of the Evening Standard Drama Award as best play of 1979, and of the Plays and Players London Theatre Critics Award 'Shaffer works out his tremendous, his colossal, theme in language of great strength... those who go to it prepared to understand what it is about will have an experience that far transcends even its considerable value as drama' - Bernard Levis in The Times 'A marvellously engrossing and often amusing costume-thriller, a feast for the eye and the ear' - Steve Grant in the Observer 'Glorious... Amadeus may be a play inspired by music and death, but it fills the theatre with that mocking, heavenly silence that is the overwhelming terror of life' - The New York Times 'He is dealing with the very nature of art; with immortality itself... Shaffer paints his heady subject on a wide and spectacular canvas' - Jack Tinker in the Daily Mail This edition includes a postscript by Peter Shaffer on the making of the film Amadeus.