The Dresser takes place behind the scenes in a provincial theatre in Britain during the Blitz in World War II. The story revolves around the eccentric and deteriorating actor, Sir, and his steadfast and loyal dresser, Norman. As the war rages on outside, the drama within the theater becomes equally intense as Sir struggles to maintain his sanity and composure. The audience also gets to see the “backstage” egos, tenderness, bitterness and confidences that are generally not on view. The play is poignant and sad, but laced with humor throughout, and gives us an idea of what it was like for actors who continued to play Shakespeare in the face of wartime air-raids.