Forgotten plays

In The Guardian, Philip Hensher asks why theatres have such a restricted repertoire.

At present, most theatres seem to exist on a diet that alternates between the established classic and taking a punt on the occasional "novelty" that, once seen, will disappear. Whenever a new production of something rarely staged surfaces, like the Sheffield Romans in Britain, it's worth applauding it. But there ought to be some means, particularly in the subsidised theatre, to back up the undoubtedly adventurous spirit that so many artistic directors feel unable to indulge.

At the moment, wherever you go, all the theatres largely seem to be putting on the same plays.