A magnificently readable tour of theatrical history conducted by our best-informed living critic.' Michael Billington

From 458 BC and the first performance of Aeschylus' Oresteia on an Athenian hillside, to 2009 AD and Jez Butterworth's astonishing Jerusalem at London's Royal Court Theatre, here is an expert guide to the seminal, pivotal, and transcendent moments in theatre history.

'Benedict is one of the freshest and most vivid writers on theatre.' Janet Suzman

'Benedict has been the leading theatre critic of his generation and has written for The Times for twenty years, setting the standard by which the great performances and productions are judged. People onstage, backstage and in the audience have come to trust his every observation and judgement delivered with style, humour and passion.' James Harding, Editor, The Times

'Benedict Nightingale's characteristically witty, insightful and enthusiastic reports make you wish you'd been sitting next to him during his greatest moments in the theatre.' Ian McKellen

'I've known Benedict Nightingale for more than fifty years over which time he has become one of the Theatre's most distinguished and influential commentators. He writes with style, perspective and wit, and with a deep knowledge of his subject. In turn he is greatly admired by the theatre profession and, as importantly, by his readers and the audiences who trust the fairness of his opinions.' Sir Peter Hall