The Theatre of Dreams

“I met the man who orchestrated my downfall in a Soho nightclub. He began his attack bearing a benign smile and two glasses of champagne.”

Reader Reviews

“a true pleasure to read from first page to last….I challenge anyone to read this book and not become completely enthralled with these characters. The character development in this book was just simply stellar!”

“This is a highly enjoyable book with just the right balance of all the elements needed to make it a satisfyingly great read. it really does deserve 5 big shiny, glittery stars!”

Official Blurb

Musical theatre actress Tara Wakely is down on her luck and in desperate need of a job. When octogenarian Kitty Keaton invites her to take over the running of her former dance academy in the old-fashioned resort of Hookes Bay, Tara thinks she’s found her guardian angel. However, it soon becomes apparent Kitty is being far from benevolent as Tara becomes unwittingly embroiled in the old lady’s elaborate plot to save her family’s derelict seaside pavilion. When Tara finds herself falling for Dominic, the dedicated conservationist who shares Kitty’s passion, if not her motives, for restoring the old seafront theatre, she realises saving the pavilion could provide the chance to salvage her career. But only if she can pull off the performance of a life-time…

The Theatre of Dreams was first published by Crooked Cat books in August 2018. In July 2021 the ebook was given a fantastic new cover by designed Berni Stevens. The paperback is only available in limited supply – contact me directly for details.

Inspiration Behind The Story

Inspiration for the story was partly derived from the Art Deco Lee Tower entertainment complex which used to sit on the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire.  Constructed in 1935 and designed by renowned architects Yates, Cook & Derbyshire, the vast building became a white elephant almost immediately before being demolished by the local council in 1971. The site is now a car-park. Discovering the story of the Tower and its sad demise prompted me to ask the question – why wasn’t more done to save the historic complex and so the idea for a novel was born.

There are two videos on You Tube which show the Lee Tower in all its glory, and its very sad demise.

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Feature in the Portsmouth News June 2018

Buying link:

https://https://www.amazon.co.uk/Theatre-Dreams-Rosie-Travers-ebook/dp/B084C5753Y/