By Pamela Brown (author) Part of the Pushkin Children's Classics series
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Whether you are already entranced by the magic of theatre or have yet to come under its spell, The Swish of the Curtain is a wonderful story of the intense please of performance and the life-changing effect that putting on a play has on a group of children. Pamela Brown's classic novel celebrated childhood friendship and the transforming power of creativity; it has inspired generations of readers to love theatre too and to pursue their own performing dreams.
'I wanted to act before I read this book, and afterwards there was no stopping me' Maggie Smith
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'An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor' Eileen Atkins
In the quiet town of Fenchester, seven children dream of the stage. There is Lyn the actress, Vicky the dancer, Jeremy the musician, Nigel the artist, Sandra the designer, Bulldog the comic and of course Maddy - who is too young to know her role just yet, but busts with enthusiasm.
When they discover an abandoned chapel, a glorious plan is hatched. Together they will transform the dingy space into a theatre of their very own - writing, directing and performing plays to amaze the whole town. But with parents insisting on sensible futures and the end of their schooldays looming, can the show go on?
Part of the new Pushkin Children's Classics series of thrilling, magical and inspiring stories from around the world, which young readers will return to time and again.
Pamela Brown (1924-1989) was a British writer, actor and television producer. She was just fourteen when she started writing her first book, and the town of Fenchester in the book is inspired by her home town of Colchester. During the Second World War, she went to line in Wales, so The Swish of the Curtain was no published until 1941 , when she was sixteen. She used the earnings from the books to train at RADA, and became an actor and a producer of children's television programmes.
'The adventures are gentle and the children's personalities - sometimes generous, sometimes bratty - appealingly real.' - Alexis Soloski, The New York Times
'I wanted to act before I read this book, and afterwards there was no stopping me.' - Maggie Smith
'An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor.' - Eileen Atkins
'Part of the novel's appeal, as well as it's humour and the excitement of the group's entry into an acting competition, is Brown's pitch-perfect depictions of childhood.' - Guardian
'Pure nostalgia... Fans of Noel Streatfeild will love this.' - Red Magazine
'That's what I wanted to do.' - Victoria Wood, on the children setting up their own theatre
'I'd soon read my way along all the Browns on the shelf in the library. I particularly liked her Blue Door series.' - Jacqueline Wilson
'As a child I loved The Swish of the Curtain .' - Julia Donaldson
'Budding thespians will adore this' - The Times
'The tales... have stood the test of time... will charm readers new and old, young and not so young. Bravo Pushkin Press for bringing them back' - Good Schools Guide
Pamela Brown (1924-1989) was a British writer, actor and television producer. She was just fourteen when she started writing her first book, and the town of Fenchester in the book is inspired by her home town of Colchester. During the Second World War, she went to live in Wales, so The Swish of the Curtain was not published until 1941, when she was sixteen. She used the earnings from the books to train at RADA, and became an actor and a producer of children's television programmes.
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'I wanted to act before I read this book, and afterwards there was no stopping me' Maggie Smith'An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor' Eileen AtkinsIn the quiet town of Fenchester, seven children dream of the stage.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Swish of the Curtain and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Swish of the Curtain features in the following genres: Classic Literature, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Drama / Performing Arts, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Swish of the Curtain was written by Pamela Brown and published by Pushkin Children's Books an imprint of Pushkin Press
The Swish of the Curtain has 332 pages
Yes it is part of Pushkin Children's Classics series
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.
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