THE story behind our amateur theatre companies is told in a new book, Questors, Jesters and Renegades: The Story of Britain's Amateur Theatre, which was launched at at Ealing’s Questors Theatre.
The book traces the origins of such groups from medieval guilds to the modern theatre of Ayckbourn and Pinter.
It is written by Michael Coveney, theatre correspondent of the Financial Times and Guardian, who spoke at the launch.
Questors was founded more thanover 70 years ago by a group of 17 amateur performers and friends and is now one of the largest community theatres in Europe.
It features in Coveney’s book, taking centre stage in his exploration of amateur theatre.
Mr Coveney said Questors was unique for being a purpose-built venue with such a big capacity, including a playhouse, studio and youth theatres.
Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq told the gathering: “Many people know Ealing has a theatre, but not everyone realises that Questors is a 100% amateur venue, where everyone from set designers to actors, props team to lighting is a volunteer.”
Questors, Jesters and Renegades: The Story of Britain's Amateur Theatre is published by Methuen.
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