"The history of dramatic art is both exciting and extraordinary, and Neil Fraser's spendid book certainly provides a vivid blend of these elements. Neil imbues the story of over two thousand years of performance with the fastidious eye of someone who has also enjoyed every moment of his own professional explorations.

Stage productions are about the vitality and truthfulness of live performances - the real re-made before our eyes. But in fact, whether the performance is conveyed to us on stage or on screen, all of us who love the imaginative quality of brilliant, unexpected and emotionally-telling drama know that, when it is superbly done, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Dramatic work, as actor, director or writer, is an act of creativity that is quintessentially bound to the very moment in time within which it is conceived. The work should aspire to be honest, robust, and contemporary. Importantly it should talk of who we are now; and this remains true whether we are producing a new work or one by Sophocles or Shakespeare. The moment of creativity can also be enriched by a knowledge of all that has preceded it both historically and dramatically, and it is valuable to understand it well within such contexts.

Books such as this one can only add to our knowledge and to our ability to create drama from an informed position. As an introduction to a complex and wondrous story I am happy to recommend it to you.

Kenneth Branagh"