Sam Mendes and Simon Russell Beale have forged one of the most successful working partnerships in contemporary theatre history. Across twenty years and eight productions their collaboration has evolved, matured and keeps thriving through their work on stage; six Shakespeare and two Chekhov plays form their common body of work so far.

Mark Leipacher's correspondence with Mendes and Beale and his thorough research into archival material on their collaborations, offers the reader a detailed account of the productions and, uniquely, Mendes' and Beale's own observations on their method of work and on the discoveries they made in each of the plays. How do moments of magic on stage arise in the rehearsal room? Catching the Light, full of anecdotes and gems of knowledge, is an indispensable read for actors, directors, students and anyone who loves the theatre.

Features a foreword from Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of the Old Vic.

Mark Leipacher is not only a director (Richard 111 and Medea), but he is also an actor and roles have included Lady Macbeth in an all-male production. This is his first book.