PIONEERING THEATRE-IN-THE-ROUND: RACHEL WALKER CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF HER NEW BOOK OFFERING A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE VICTORIA THEATRE COMPANY

17th June 2026

Stoke-on-Trent born author and theatre historian Rachel Walker celebrated the launch of her new book Pioneering Theatre In-The-Round this morning at the New Vic’s Open House Cafe.

Drawing on largely untouched archival resources and original interview material, Rachel has worked extensively with the Victoria Theatre Archive in Stoke-on-Trent and the New Vic Education department to deliver a fascinating insight into the theatre’s unique history.

Offering a comprehensive examination into the Victoria Theatre Company under its then director Peter Cheeseman, the book provides the first detailed history of a theatre in-the-round and demonstrates its profound influence on the careers of prominent actors, directors and writers throughout the UK.

Presenting an initial explanation of the formative years of the theatre right up to the opening of the New Vic on its current site in 1986 – Europe’s first purpose-built theatre in-the-round – Pioneering Theatre-in-the-Round highlights the importance of the work that took place between 1962 to 1986 and addresses the theatre’s commitment to its regional audience.

As part of Rachel’s book launch, attendees were invited to share their memories of the theatre by contributing to a memory book which will be available for theatregoers to contribute to throughout the New Vic’s anniversary year.

We would like to congratulate Rachel on her incredible body of work and her on-going research into the Victoria Theatre Company and the New Vic’s history.

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