Arnold Wesker

Wesker was among a small group of writers who rejuvenated British theatre in the 1950’s; his later work did not find the same level of success. He met Lessing through her theatre work, thought her stunningly beautiful, and remained a friend. He admitted a soft spot for fellow-dramatist Osborne, went to jail with Logue, took Lennon bagels, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and met and influenced the young Soyinka through their affiliation with the Royal Court theatre. He visited MacDiarmid (his girlfriend cutting the poet’s hair), but said that hearing him reading his work publicly was the worst experience of his life.