A new book gives a snapshot of theatre in the 20th century, from Gielgud to Miller. Laura Davis meets its author

Miller, whose work The Crucible was influenced by the McCarthy Witch Hunts, believed he was targeted because his marriage to Marilyn Monroe, from 1956-61, had increased his public profile.

“Had I not done that, they would never have thought of me,” he said of their engagement.

“Once I became famous as her possible husband, this was a great possibility for publicity.

“My lawyer received a message from the chairman of the Committee, saying that if it could be arranged that he could have a photograph taken with Marilyn, he would cancel the whole hearing.”

A much gentler form of restriction affected the theatres in Britain, where the Lord Chamberlain was fulfilling his role as Master of the Revels, or in other words the official censor.

Eyre experienced his hand when staging John McGrath’s Events While Guarding the Bofor’s Gun in 1966. Various words, including some swearing and “the late King George VI”, were banned from the play.

Talking Theatre includes an interview with Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Johnston MC, who was the last person to carry out the now defunct role.

“Censorship really did affect theatres because it inhibited their choice and it inhibited writers and what theatres commissioned,” explains Eyre.

“He was an interesting man – cheery, rather gentle, and obviously embarrassed about the role he played.

“He’d been in the army and then went to work in the Queen’s household, so that was part of his duties.”

Sadly, many of those who shared their memories of the theatre 10 years ago have since passed away.

In some ways, the book doubles as a tribute to those, including Sir John Gielgud, John Johnston, Harold Pinter and Arthur Miller, who are no longer here.

“That in itself justifies doing the book,” says Eyre, softly.

SIR Richard Eyre: Talking Theatre with Emma Lucia Hands takes place tomorrow at Grosvenor Museum, Chester. Tickets £7.50, 0845 241 7868.