Break a Leg

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

A gorgeously funny, deeply affectionate and fully costumed swallow-dive into the great – and historic – amateur theatrical tradition. I loved it

Alistair Petrie

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 hilarious, informative amdramoir – a love-letter to her father and a fascinating insight into the much maligned minority: the amateur

Doon Mackichan

An unputdownable, utterly delightful stroll through British amateur theatre and why it has a vital place for us all

Shappi Khorsandi

With spot-on injections of humour and a frequently raised sardonic eyebrow, joy and warmth shine from this fascinating and funny book

Jo Brand

I thoroughly enjoyed this beguiling ensemble of memoir, social history, interviews and manifesto, which tells the story of am-dram in Britain

Caroline Sanderson, Bookseller

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

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

[An] honest account of the modest ambitions of most amateur theatre... entertaining... [and] her narrative feels completely authentic

Martin Vander Weyer, Spectator

Highly entertaining... [Landreth] has cleverly - and wittily - conflated memoir with the history of am-dram, its practical application and a close look at some of our most venerable companies."

Nick Smurthwaite, Sardines Magazine

[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