The Ghost Theatre
The Ghost Theatre by Mat Osman, published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in May 2023, is a 304-page work of fiction that intertwines historical elements with magical realism. Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan London, the narrative follows Shay, a messenger-girl and hawk trainer, and Nonesuch, a prominent figure in the city’s child theatre scene. Together, they establish The Ghost Theatre, a troupe that stages enchanting performances in the hidden corners of the city, igniting rebellion among outcasts while navigating the tumultuous environment of a city plagued by turmoil.
Readers will find a richly woven tale that explores themes of love, betrayal, and ambition as Shay and Nonesuch’s relationship evolves amidst the chaos of their surroundings. The story delves into the vibrant yet gritty life of Elizabethan London, capturing the essence of its child theatres and the struggles of its inhabitants. As their fame grows, the duo becomes entangled in the intrigues of the Elizabethan court, revealing the precarious nature of their aspirations. The Ghost Theatre presents a captivating exploration of dreams and the inevitable consequences that accompany them.
Official synopsis Publisher
BOOK OF THE YEAR – EVENING STANDARD, THE OBSERVER and THE TIMES
‘Beautifully written and completely convincing’ Observer
‘An excellent novel – riotous and abundant, full of vivid, dirty life’ Guardian
‘Osman brings the underworld of Elizabethan London to life’ Sandra Newman, author of Julia
On a rooftop in Elizabethan London two worlds collide. Shay is a messenger-girl and trainer of hawks who sees the future in the patterns of birds. Nonesuch is the dark star of the city’s fabled child theatre scene, as famous as royalty yet lowly as a beggar.
Together they create The Ghost Theatre: a troupe staging magical plays in London’s hidden corners. As their hallucinatory performances incite rebellion among the city’s outcasts, the pair’s relationship sparks and burns against a backdrop of the plague and a London in flames. Their growing fame sweeps them up into the black web of the Elizabethan court, where Shay and Nonesuch discover that if they fly too high, a fall is sure to come…
Fantastical and captivating, The Ghost Theatre charts the rise and dramatic destruction of a dream born from love and torn apart by betrayal.
‘Wildly inventive and full of fantastical elements jostling alongside gritty realism’ The Times
‘Rich and evocative with shades of Angela Carter’ Ever Dundas
‘A story of rebellion and magic, of mysticism and broken love in the streets and theatres and rooftops of Elizabethan London. Beautifully written, delicate and sad. I’m still haunted by it’ Mariana Enriquez
‘Brings the underworld of Elizabethan London to life with its child theatres, rioting apprentices and anarchic world, its jumble of squalor and glamour… larger-than-life heroes raise child rebellions; pursue exalted, treacherous love affairs… Glorious!’ Sandra Newman
‘Hauntingly beautiful … Thrilling and thought-provoking’ Independent
Readers LOVE The Ghost Theatre
‘An incredible novel that completely transported me’
‘Mat Osman is a magical writer’
‘One of those books you find yourself thinking about long after the final page’
‘A captivating and brilliant novel’
‘Mesmerising… I didn’t want it to end’
‘A magical flight across Elizabethan England’
‘An enthralling read from beginning to end’
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