About the book
Shortlisted for the 2013 Theatre Book Prize
“This volume joins a distinguished series of theatrical biographies for which the Society has been responsible... [and] admirably fulfils the promises of the earlier works... The breadth and depth of its research is astonishing and the result is not only the definitive biography of a much undervalued theatre worker but also a detailed excursion into the world of British theatre... The book is an outstanding one and undoubtedly will remain the authoritative life history of an extraordinary woman.” Victor Emeljanow
“Not only is the biography grounded in evolving themes and specifics, but her gift to the reader of appendices of productions in Ashwell's career and extensive notes and bibliography that formed the basis for the biography will prove fruitful to scholars going forward.” Ellen Dolgin, Text & Presentation 2013
“Leask’s biography is an extremely well researched work, brimming with information and detail.” Elizabeth Kumm, On-Stage
For Ellen Terry, actress-manager Lena Ashwell (1869-1957) was 'a passionate voice'. From her first appearance on stage in 1891 to the end of her life, Ashwell was determined to make the theatre accessible and relevant to everyone, prompting G.B. Shaw to describe her as possessing an 'awakeningly truthful mind as well as an engaging personality.'
ISBN: 978-1-907396-65-6 Format: Paperback, 320pp Published: Jan 2013
Any questions
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