Stagestruck

A Note from the Writer

This is a work of fiction. I have a deep affection for the Theatre Royal, Bath, which I hope is conveyed in these pages. The characters – with the possible exception of the grey lady – live only in my imagination and the shocking, scandalous and gruesome events have nothing to do with the true history of this great theatre, its management, staff and performers. Liberties were also taken in depicting the layout backstage, which I was privileged to visit on one of the regular tours.

Many sources have been consulted. In particular I wish to express my indebtedness to The Theatre Royal at Bath, by William Lowndes (Redcliffe, Bristol, 1982) and Past Present Future: A Recent History of the Theatre Royal Bath, 1979-2005, by Anna O’Callaghan (Bath, 2005) and to the files of the Bath Chronicle and its theatre correspondent, Christopher Hans-ford. Anyone wishing for an accurate account of the theatre should consult these experts, not me. For an insight into the Garrick’s Head, nothing can beat a personal visit, but I also recommend Bath Pubs by Kirsten Elliott and Andrew Swift (Akeman Press, 2003).

Peter Lovesey

www.peterlovesey.com