In this excellent, engrossing and ever so slightly eccentric compendium, the reader will discover why the theatre is called "The Theatre," why in the theatre, the expression ‘the ghost walks' means it is pay day, why intervals were unexpectedly introduced into theatrical performances, why Shakespeare's father lost his position as Mayor of Stratford, how the Box Office got its name, why the poorer Tudors painted their teeth black, and a great deal more besides. Bruce Montague (himself a distinguished Shakespearean actor of many years standing) sheds a light on the weird and wonderful life of the greatest playwright ever to have possibly not written all his own plays.