The Theatre of War surveys more than two hundred plays about the First World War written, published and/or performed in Britain and Ireland between 1909 and 1998. Collectively, these plays constitute an important aspect of British and Irish literary, social and cultural history. They are discussed from five major perspectives: subject matter, technique, attitude, reception and evaluation. The resulting complex image is a significant contribution to the understanding of the First World War as a watershed in international history.

The Theatre of War surveys more than two hundred plays about the First World War written, published and/or performed in Britain and Ireland between 1909 and 1998. Perspectives discussed include: subject matter, technique and evaluation. The result is an understanding of the First World War as a watershed in international history.