This 2002 Companion is designed for readers interested in past and present productions of Shakespeare's plays, both in and beyond Britain. The first six chapters describe aspects of the British performing tradition in chronological sequence, from the early staging of Shakespeare's own time, through to the present day. Each relates Shakespearean developments to broader cultural concerns and adopts an individual approach and focuses, on textual adaptation, acting, stages, scenery, or theatre management. These are followed by three explorations of acting: tragic and comic actors and women performers of Shakespeare roles. A section on international performance includes chapters on interculturalism, touring companies, and political theatre, with separate accounts of the performing traditions of North America, Asia, and Africa. Over forty pictures illustrate performers and productions of Shakespeare from around the world. An amalgamated list of items for further reading completes the book.