In 1991, Michael Billington celebrated twenty years as a drama critic for The Guardian. One Night Stands is his own selection from his writings over that period -- a period of immense turmoil, controversy, and achievement in the theatre.

In this book, Billington records his instant judgment on the important first nights of two decades. But he also offers his long-term reflections on women dramatists, British musicals, multiculturalism, Shakespearean acting, and the increasing influence of European directors like Peter Stein. We see the origin of some of Broadway's biggest hits and we see what happens when U.S. productions transfer to London.