Putting It On

More than 50 years ago, Codron began a career as a producer that would take him to almost every major theater and involve most major actors of the London stage. Thankfully, his book, written with Strachan (Secret Dreams: A Biography of Michael Redgrave), does not read as a who's who but is rather an in-depth look at what it takes to bring printed words to life on a stage. Perhaps most fascinating to many readers will be Codron's work with playwrights Tom Stoppard (The Real Thing), Simon Gray (Otherwise Engaged; Butley), and Michael Frayn (Noises Off; Copenhagen). Stories of such famed actors as Diana Rigg, Alec Guinness, Maggie Smith, and Peter O'Toole add to the enjoyment. The book is well indexed and includes minimally effective black-and-white photos. A full listing of Codron's productions by year—with the play's name, where it opened, and playwright—add much value.