The genesis for Playing Lear came when Oliver Ford Davies was asked to play Lear for the Almeida Theatre in 2002. The book is both an in-depth analysis of the play, in which the author looks at the many possible interpretations of both play and character, and a rehearsal diary in which readers readers share the author's personal journey with the role, starting with his re-examination of the text and going through to the first night performance and beyond. Illustrated with 16 pages of production photographs, "Playing Lear" is a fascinating backstage (and onstage) record of one of the theatrical highlights of last year, and is available "from all good bookshops" at £14.99. The National Theatre bookshop is, not surprisingly, very well stocked and would be an ideal place to get a copy, but you can also order via the publishing company's website: www.nickhernbooks.co.uk.
