Break a Leg

An unputdownable, utterly delightful stroll through British amateur theatre and why it has a vital place for us all – Shappi Khorsandi
Landreth’s charming book is both a cultural history of amateur theatre and a loving look at am-dram and its role in British life – Sarah Hughes * i *
This funny and interesting book makes you yearn for a long-lost sense of community, and then realise it’s been there all along. Jenny Landreth, take an Am Dram style bow – John O’Farrell
Amateur is not a dirty word, but implies disinterested love, dedication and a clubbable, community feeling … Landreth reminds us, importantly, that the word amateur includes student and community theatre, vital seed corn and support to the professional world – Libby Purvis * The Times *
With spot-on injections of humour and a frequently raised sardonic eyebrow, joy and warmth shine from this fascinating and funny book – Jo Brand
[An] honest account of the modest ambitions of most amateur theatre… entertaining… [and] her narrative feels completely authentic – Martin Vander Weyer * Spectator *
[Landreth] affirms, overall, that we are a theatre-loving people. For that sentiment alone right now, it’s worth shoving a copy of this under the Chancellor’s door. – Dominic Cavendish * The Telegraph *
An honest, educational and downright hilarious memoir. It’s a deeply affectionate look at a much-maligned bit of Britishness that we simply couldn’t live without – Angela Barnes
A gorgeously funny, deeply affectionate and fully costumed swallow-dive into the great – and historic – amateur theatrical tradition. I loved it – Alistair Petrie
A hilarious, informative amdramoir – a love-letter to her father and a fascinating insight into the much maligned minority: the amateur – Doon Mackichan

Jenny Landreth is a script writer and editor. She has written for all sorts of publications, and was the main contributor to the Guardian’s weekly swimming blog. Her last book, Swell- A Waterbiography, was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year and was a Sunday Times Book of the Year. Jenny comes from a family of devoted am dram fanatics, and lives in London.

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