Subject resources

 
 

Performing arts

"I would like to comment on how extensive and very accessible the theatre section of this library is. I am a drama student and found it to be precisely what I needed to complete my assignment. I shall be returning and telling others of this reference centre"
[Written customer comment]

Based in Leicester Square, at the heart of London’s theatre and cinema world, Westminster Reference Library has a collection of some 15,000 books covering the performing arts, a third of which are available to borrow.

We have books and journals on:

  • ballet
  • cabaret
  • cinema
  • circus
  • dance
  • magic
  • mime
  • musical theatre
  • pantomime
  • performance art
  • photography
  • puppetry
  • radio
  • street theatre
  • television
  • theatre
  • variety and music hall
  • video

From our collection of books, yearbooks, directories and journals we can provide you with:

  • Reviews and production details of virtually any West End stage show since 1890
  • Reviews and production details of nearly any English language feature film, and many non-English motion pictures
  • Information on radio and TV programmes since the 1920s
  • Biographical information on your favourite stars from film, broadcasting, theatre and dance
  • Contact names and addresses for artistes, arts organisations, agents, production companies and more
  • Practical information on production and direction techniques

We have a wide range of film, theatre, dance, radio & TV magazines, some (such as The Stage and Era) going back to the 19th century. Film Index International and other indexes will help you find articles in these journals.

All the major entertainment and media directories are here, including Artistes and their Agents, Benn's, Contacts, The Knowledge, PACT, PCR, Showcase, Spotlight and The White Book.

Unique to Westminster Reference Library! A cumulative index to "Theatre Record", giving you easy access to over 20 years of national newspaper reviews of West End and major fringe and provincial plays. You can search by title or playwright. We can also provide lists by director, company or venue; and we are now working on an ambitious cast index!

Looking for an image? Our collections are very much geared towards picture research, including all fields of design, many photography books, illustrated general reference resources and free Internet access.

Other key performing arts resources within Westminster include a large collection of theatre programmes and playbills, prints and scrapbooks at the City of Westminster Archives Centre and musical scores, orchestral sets and books on music at Westminster Music Library.

Find Entertainment & performance websites using the Westminster Libraries Information Gateway.