A long (618-page) and slow-moving book. Although the publisher's blurb describes it as `the story of a touring theatre company', the characters who will combine to form the company do not come together until page 242. ( )

Set in England during the 1920s, "The Good Companions" follows the adventures, antics and disappointments of a troupe of thespians as they sing, dance, drink and squabble their way from theatre to theatre.

I saw a play of this book at the Theatre by the lake in Keswick a few years ago.