Bücher von Jacky (Royal Holloway Bratton

Jacky Bratton presents a new history of London's West End theatre, finding that the first hit shows staged by Victorian managements were often led by women. The book explores the sometimes bizarre early history of gender-bending burlesque, and reveals Charles Dickens as the leading writer in London show-business, yesterday and today.

The Victorian Clown, first published in 2006, is a study of the life and work of two professional Victorian clowns. Their previously unpublished manuscripts - James Frowde's account of his young life with the famous Henglers' circus in the 1850s and Thomas Lawrence's 1871 gag book - offer unique access to the roots of popular entertainment.

Theatre history has been interpreted in ways which highlight and often omit key elements. Using case studies from nineteenth-century British theatre, Bratton examines the difference between the existence of 'the drama' and 'the stage' and offers a new perspective on theatre history and the discipline.