This book investigates the cultural and historical significance of the British 'New Wave' movement in theatre during the late 1950s and 1960s. Stephen Lacey, an expert in dramatic studies, utilizes a combination of primary source documents, critical reviews, and close readings of seminal plays to construct a comprehensive framework for understanding this era. The text argues that these works were not merely artistic expressions but were deeply embedded in the shifting social and political landscape of post-war Britain.

Experts and students of drama frequently cite this work as a foundational, accessible introduction to the New Wave movement. Readers often note the clarity of the prose, which balances academic rigor with an approachable style suitable for both undergraduates and theatre enthusiasts.