Book excerpt: This practical handbook takes us on a step-by-step journey from pre-production through the rehearsal process, followed by focused advice on each genre from comedy to tragedy, Shakespeare to new plays and musicals. Special chapters offer strategies for dealing with difficult actors, working with producers and taking on the job of an Artistic Director. An indispensable guide to a director’s craft, packed full of advice and peppered with priceless anecdotes about the highs and the lows of a lifetime’s work in the theatre.