The classic story of seven children with a longing to be on stage: the inspiration for actors from Maggie Smith to Eileen Atkins

'An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor' --Eileen Atkins

'And now,' said Nigel, 'the big event. The play, which has got to be exciting.''And serious,' added Vicky.'And colourful,' put in Sandra.'And emotional,' said Lyn.'But not sloppy,' urged Bulldog.

What starts as a game during the holidays soon transforms the four girls – Lyn, Sandra, Vicky and Maddy – and three boys – Bulldog, Nigel and Jeremy – into the Blue Door Theatre Company, producing everything from scripts and sets to music and costumes. They are also learning that the show must go on, even in the face of their arch-enemy, Mrs Potter-Smith, a disapproving local institution.

But what a show it will be for them all...

Pamela Brown (1924–1989) was a British writer, actor and television producer. She was just fourteen when she started writing her first book, and the town of Fenchester in the book is inspired by her home town of Colchester. During the Second World War, she went to live in Wales, so The Swish of the Curtain was not published until 1941, when she was sixteen. She used the earnings from the books to train at RADA, and became an actor and a producer of children's television programmes.