Books

Dress Circle have 2 new Phantom books which look like very interesting reads.
Lessons From The Phantom Of The Opera
This book is an intriguing one, it started off life as an obscure blog which gained worldwide readership from fans of the Phantom of the Opera.  These fans submitted numerous requests for the posts to be compiled into a book.  This book is the result.
Each chapter has a section at the end entitled named ‘The View From Box 5″, a section which asks questions to enable the reader to reflect on the …

The hardback edition of A Lion Among Men, the third installment in Gregory Maguire’s Wicked Years Series (the first of which, Wicked – went on to become the hit musical of the same name) was released near the beginning of this year / end of last year but from comments on Twitter at the time and from feeling the book myself it was special but your hand would be covered in yellow after reading it.
So it’s very pleasing for us that the paperback edition of the book has now hit …

Who wants to take a look through the lens backstage of the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
This 240 page book comprises of 220 black and white moody photos taken backstage and during performances of The Phantom of the Opera in it’s first year (1986 – 1987).  These photos have been described by the shows original director, Hal Prince as the best photos taken of the production he had ever seen.
The photos include pictures of life backstage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, pictures of …

This is it – the story behind both the stage musical and the film, The Phatom Of The Opera.
Written by Gaston Leroux is was born from the legend of the ghostly figure sometimes seen around the Paris Opera House.
The official description of the story as described by Play.com is “Sightings of a ghostly figure in the Paris opera house lead to a discovery of a disfigured genius who secretly lives among its passageways.”
One Amazon reviewer says that depending on who you listen to the novel is either a masterpiece or …

If you want to know the story of how The Phantom of the Opera came from the days when it was just a legend to the phenominal success the musical is today then you cannot go another minute without the Phantom of the Opera Companion Book.
The book takes a look at the story’s origins in historical fact, through numerous story iterations to the present day version presented on stage and in film.
The Phantom of the Opera Companion Book is divided into 3 distinct sections – the first takes the reader …

If you’ve seen the musical and seen the film then why not make it a hat trick and read the novel based on the film and the musical by best selling author Melvin Burgess.
The story of Billy Elliot (if you don’t kn0w) is one that is based in the North of England right in the middle of the minners strike.
Billy’s Father wants Billy to take up boxing but Billy’s interests lie elsewhere in the field of ballet dancing.  With the backing of his ballet teacher he is determined but this …

If you have fallen in lobe with Billy Elliot, The Musical or are just an absolute fan than this book is the book that you will not want to be without.
Billy Elliot – Through The Lens is a companion book to the excellent musical.  It tells the story from the birth of the musical to the smash hit theatre phenomon in pictures.
The books 60 pages contains 191 photographs which will give you insight into how the musical was put together.
You can buy Billy Elliot – Through The Lens online through …

More than just a companion book or behind the scenes book, Spring Awakening: In The Flesh is a new opportunity to explore the show in a new and exciting way.
If you loved or missed the musical this book provides a way of reliving or creating those memories.  Inside it’s hardback vandelised looking covers hides more than 100 photographs, hidden drafts of the hit songs, original sketches of sets and costumes, an unabridged annotated Libretto and absolute unprecidented access to this critically acclaimed show.
This makes Spring Awakening: In The Flesh a …

Oliver! the musical currently at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane as many will know is based on the novel Oliver Twist written by Charles Dickens.
It tells the story of an orphan who goes by the name of Oliver Twist, who ran away from the work house only to be taken in by a den of thieves.
It’s a story which delves into the dark side of London where childhood innocence can be manipulated all brought to life with very memorable characters like the arch villan Fagin, the artful dodger, the evil …

If you’ve seen Wicked you will already know how good the music is – this book written by Carol De Giere, owner of the website Wicked West End and the official Stephen Schwartz fan site tells the story of Schwartz life from getting his experience from writing Godspell at the age of 23 to the writing of the megahit musical Wicked.
Defying Gravity has been written based on over 100 interviews with Stephen Schwartz, his colleagues, friends and family.  It tells the story of his life so far, delving into the …