Publisher's Synopsis
The book demonstrates how a vernacular British performance form emerged as a hybrid of forms from Afro-American and minstrel, as well as French mime and Italian commedia dell'arte roots.
Theatre history is an essential part of theatre and drama courses across the UK and would be recommended reading.
There is no comparable book which makes critical analysis of British pierrot troupes and concert parties in existence - the only ones that do exist on the specific topic are written as reminiscence and anecdote.
