The Sheridan Morley Prize for Theatre Biography will be awarded to one of the shortlisted publications on 5 March. Perhaps unsurprisingly, two feature the National Theatre since the prize recognises publications which came out in the Theatre's fiftieth anniversary year.
The three in the running are:
- Michael Blakemore for Stage Blood which covers the turbulent early years of the National Theatre
- Michael Simkins for The Rules Of Acting in which he shares the hard–won wisdom of a jobbing actor, and
- Philip Zeigler for Olivier. A biography of the greatest stage actor of the twentieth century and Hollywood superstar who became the founding Director of the National Theatre.
The prize, given to honour Sheridan Morley’s career as an author, is awarded for the best biography, autobiography or diary in theatre or show business. The judging panel comprises theatrical and literary practitioners.