Theatre in Towns offers a contemporary perspective on the role of

theatre in the cultural life of towns in England. Exploring volunteer-
led, professional and community theatres, this book investigates

the rich and diverse ways that theatres in towns serve their local-
ity, negotiate their civic role, participate in networks of mutual aid

and exchange, and connect audiences beyond their geographical
borders.
With a geographical focus on post-industrial, seaside, commuter
and market towns in England, the book opens questions about how
theatre shapes the narratives of town life, and how localism, networks

and partnerships across and between towns contribute to living sus-
tainably. Each chapter is critically and historically informed, drawing

on original research in towns, including visits to performances and

many conversations with townspeople, from theatre-makers, perform-
ers, set-builders, front-of-house volunteers, to audience members and

civic leaders. Theatre in Towns asks urgent questions about how the
relationships between towns and theatres can be redefined in new and
equitable ways in the future.
Theatre in Towns brings new research to scholars and students of
theatre studies, cultural geography, cultural and social policy and
political sociology. It will also interest artists, policy-makers and
researchers wanting to develop their own and others’ understanding
of the value of active theatre cultures in towns.