Contents: List of illustrations page [vii] Acknowledgements [ix] Chronology [xi] Introduction. Please take your seats [1] 1 Playing court. 1601-1782 [2] A night at the theatre Poinpey, Smock 10 Februray 1663 [21] 2 Stage rights, 1691-1782 [30] A night at the theatre 2 Mahomet Smock Alley, 2 March 1754 [58] 3 'Our national theatre', 1782-1871 [67] A night at the theatre 3 She Stoops to Conqurer and Tom Thumb, Theatre Royal. Hawkins Street, 14 December 1822 [94] 4 'That capricious spirit', 1871-1904 [103] A night at the theatre 4 The Playboy of the Western World and Riders to the Sea [130] 5 'Not understanding the clock', 1904-1921 [139] A night at the theatre 5 The Plongh and the Stars, Abbey Theatre, 11 February 1926 [163] 6 Aftermath, 1922-1951 A night at the theatre 6 Waiting for Godot, Pike Theatre, 28 October 1955 [199] 7 Phoenix Flames, 1951-1972 [209] A night at the theatre 7 Translations, Guildhall, Derry, 23 September 1980 [233] 8 Babel,1972-2000 [242] Coclusion. A millennial flourish [272] Biographical glossary [277] Notes [287] Bibliographic essay [305] Index [314]