In the post-war period, theatre provided an important critique of the way in which British society engaged with issues of the politics of gender and sexuality. "Sex on Stage" examines how British playwrights, actors, and directors brought women's sexuality and gay and lesbian issues to the cutting-edge of drama after World War II.Through a close reading of playwrights, such as John Osborne, Harold Pinter, and Terence Rattigan, alongside accounts of their sociopolitical context and public reception, Andrew Wyllie reveals that this more progressive age was also been one of reactionary statements and industry-wide anxiety. With its full treatment of this important aspect of British theatrical history and the intense relationship between theatre, gender politics and society, "Sex on the Stage" will appeal to academics and students of gender studies and cultural studies alike.This book brings together a range of material extending from plays dealing with gender issues from both women's and from men's perspectives, as well as gay and lesbian works. It provides critical accounts of canonical texts, as well as some more neglected plays. It combines close reading of plays with descriptions of the theoretical and socio-political context of their first productions and subsequent reception.