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Mythology & Folklore
Mythology and folklore exist throughout the world in every culture, handed down from generation to generation.
The Plantagenet Kings
Discover how the lives and exploits of the Plantagenet kings have been used over the years as the foundation for dynamic theatre.
The Scientific Revolution
Discover the significant scientific discoveries from Europe, the scientists, the plays about them, and their legacy on humanity’s pursuit of knowledge.
The Tudor Monarchy
For centuries, the Tudor monarchs have fascinated playwrights and composers. Explore how they have influenced the course of theatrical history.
American Presidents
Explore how American presidents have been portrayed in shows and the key events from their presidencies that have transferred into stage plots.
The French Revolution and the Aftermath
Discover how France changed during the Revolution and its aftermath, and look at how these moments have been represented on stage.
Bohemianism
Explore how the origins, early associations and modern ideology of bohemianism have been represented on stage in plays, musicals, and operas.
Victorian Woman Question
The discussion around “The Woman Question” was a staple of literary culture in the later 19th century. We explore how this debate has been represented on stage.
Victorian London
Victorian London is a popular setting for many shows. Discover how they portray elements of the city environment and its society.
The Women's Suffrage Movement
Explore how the American and British suffrage movements have been portrayed on stage, looking at the key figures and the ideology behind the movement.
The Wild West
We explore how the Wild West has been depicted on stage, looking at portrayals of life on the frontier, wild west shows, and industrial expansion.
The Gilded Age
Explore how Broadway developed during the Gilded Age and how the era has been represented onstage in both plays and musicals.
Russian Revolution
Explore the years leading up to the Russian Revolution and the issues that sparked it. Then discover how this period in history has been represented on stage.
The Birth of Hollywood
Explore the impact of Hollywood on Broadway and discuss how Hollywood’s early years have been represented onstage, in both plays and musicals.
World War I
Discover how World War One and its subsequent ramifications have been portrayed on stage, in both plays and musicals.
1920s/1930s American Gangsters & True Crime
Discover how some of the most infamous criminals have been portrayed onstage, their true crimes, and the generic theatrical depiction of ‘the gangster’.
The Great Depression
Explore the background of the Great Depression in the 1930s and how it has been portrayed on stage, looking at both contemporary and modern plays and musicals.
World War II
Explore the impact of World War Two on theatre in Europe, and how the the nature of theatre and entertainment changed significantly around the world.
Civil Rights Movement
Following centuries of slavery, violence, and racism, the 1950s became a watershed for Black Americans. Explore the impact of the Civil Rights Movement onstage.
The Cold War and McCarthyism
Explore the development of the Cold War and how it was represented on stage. Discover the domestic impact of the struggle and the reaction against Communism.
1980s Recession
Explore how the experiences of the recession on everyday people were explored extensively on stage, through a series of socially and politically charged shows.
Theatre During Thatcher
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister of the UK. Explore the influence of her social and economic policies on British theatre.
AIDS Crisis
This guide examines the timeline of the AIDS epidemic and considers how the theatrical community responded to the crisis both on and off stage.
September 11
Explore some of the plays and musicals that portray the tragic events of 9/11, and the societal and political issues raised in the aftermath.