The Society for Theatre Research is delighted to reveal the shortlist for the Theatre Book Prize 2024 in its 26^th year.

Judged by theatre critic Clive Davis, lecturer Dr Kate Dorney and PR rep Kevin Wilson on a panel chaired by STR Committee Member Howard Loxton, the shortlist includes six titles ranging from a history of the National Theatre, to recollections of a musical triumphs and flops, and a celebration of Shakespeare by one of the UK’s most beloved actresses.

The shortlist is as follows:

• A Sense of Theatre by Richard Pilbrow (Unicorn)
• Different Aspects by Michael Ball (Blink Publishing)
• Exploring Shakespeare by Bill Alexander (Nick Hern Books)
• Out for Blood by Chris Adams (Methuen Drama)
• Searching for Juliet by Sophie Duncan (Sceptre)
• Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench (Michael Joseph)

2024 marks the 26^th STR Theatre Book Prize, which was established in 1998 to celebrate the Society’s Golden Jubilee. The aim of the Book Prize is to encourage the writing and publication of books on British-related theatre history and practice.

Recent winners include An Actor’s Life in 12 Productions by Oliver Ford Davies; Stirring Up Sheffield by Colin and Tedd George; Black British Women’s Theatre by Nicola Abram, and Year of the Mad King: The King Lear Diaries by Antony Sher. Previous members of the judging panel include actors Cleo Sylvestre and Corin Redgrave, producer Thelma Holt, actress-director Yvonne Brewster and critics Michael Billington and Cindy Marcolina.

The winner of this year’s prize will be announced on 11^th June 2024 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.