George Alexander and the Work of the Actor-Manager

Lucie Sutherland is Assistant Professor in Drama at the University of Nottingham, UK, based within the School of English. As a researcher, she is particularly concerned with British, commercial theatre from the late-nineteenth century to the present day.

“Sutherland’s book captures an important period in the development of the West End. In tracing the web of interrelations between audience and stage and by exploring the wider creation of a burgeoning consumer culture and Alexander’s tight management of actors, playwrights, and gentlemanly financial backers, the author helps us to understand the complexities of James’s career in the theater. … The literary playwright would find his home more easily today.” (Sarah Chambré, The Henry James Review, Vol. 42 (2), 2021)

• 1. Introduction.- 2. George Alexander and the St. James’s ‘brand’.- 3. The actor-manager system: autonomy and collaboration.- 4. The actor-manager system: the role of the playwright.- 5. Managing risk: cross-sector adaptation.- 6. The Legacy of Alexander at the St. James’s Theatre.