Theatre Quarterly Archive

Contains material used in the publication of Theatre Quarterly, Theatre Facts, and Theatre Checklist, including contributor's draft articles, corrected galley and page proofs, artwork for articles and covers, photographs featured in the journal as well as others, press-cuttings, printed ephemera for promotions, correspondence, and index cards.

Information and image files, not matched to individual issues, hold photographs, correspondence, printed ephemera, etc. and mainly relate to theatres and theatre groups.

Administrative documentation of TQ is limited to subscription ledgers, VAT submissions, address cards, general correspondence with the editors, and a receipt book. A UEA registry file [BL 35; now TQ 3/4] documents UEA's support, in particular that arising from the School of English and American Studies.

Printed ephemera and correspondence of the European Theatre Co-ordinate, of which Michel Julian was senior partner, and Michel Julian Productions are also included. Much of this relates to European theatre, and international youth theatre groups.

Other draft publications include: Other spaces by Colin Chambers, 1980; and The Royal Shakespeare Company 1978: a complete record of the year's work, compiled by Simon Trussler, both published by TQ; as well as papers from the Conference on the nineteenth-century British theatre, held at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 10-12 May 1974.

Theatre Quarterly [TQ], vol. 1, no. 1, 1971 - vol. 10, no. 10, 1981 was conceived by and for those working in the theatre. The first editors were: Roger Hudson, Catherine Itzen, and Simon Trussler and the journal was based in London.

An important regular feature was Theatrefacts, an international record of important productions, events, and changes in theatre personnel. Theatre Facts began its own separate publication in February 1974, being issued simultaneously with TQ. Thus Theatre Facts 1 appeared at the same time as TQ vol. 4, no 13.

Theatre Checklist, another reference source underpinning feature articles, also began separate publication with TQ's 13th issue.

Towards the end of 1973 TQ's agreement with Eyre Methuen was broken. The magazine became independent and was owned by its three editors. Facing financial difficulties they appealed for help. Assistance was provided by the Arts Council and in June 1974 the University of East Anglia's School of English and American Studies [EAS] began negotiations which culminated in the provision of office space; the provision of a part-time secretary (jointly funded by EAS and other schools); and the provision of a travel grant to ensure an editorial presence at the University.

By 1980 Theatre Quarterly Publication was in serious financial difficulty and was facing liquidation. By the time that TQ ceased publication in 1981 after its 40th issue, Simon Trussler was Editor and Michel Julian was Managing Editor. The Arts Council withdrew its funding. The journal was continued as New Theatre Quarterly vol. 1, 1985-, under the Editorship of Simon Trussler.

TQ material is primarily grouped according to issue number. Thus all material relating to any particular issue is kept together. Theatre Facts and Theatre Checklist form discrete files after they became separate publications in February 1974.

• Series TQ/1 Pre-publication material
• Series TQ/2 Information and image files
• Series TQ/3 General papers and administration
• Series TQ/4 Other publications and organisations

Other than where a specific access restriction is noted, the collection is open for consultation in the Archives Department during its advertised opening hours.

Reproductions can be supplied in hard copy or digital format subject to physical condition and the terms of deposit. A charge is made for this service. Copyright restrictions may apply and the advice of the Archives department should be sought for any use of reproductions other than personal research

A memorandum of agreement was signed on 2 April 1975 [TQ/3/4] stating that the TQ's archive would be deposited on long-term loan in the UEA Library. In 1978 the terms relating to the archives were clarified. The loan to UEA was to consist of the archive of TQ itself, and of European Theatre Co-ordinate (ETC). [Notes for meeting between the Librarian and the Editor of TQ, 26th January 1978]. The archives of TQ and ETC remained at UEA after the winding-up of TQ.

A set of Theatre Quarterly journal is held within the University Library for consultation with this archive. The Library also holds issues of Theatre Facts and Theatre Checklist.