David Barry's autobiography spans almost five decades of theatre, film and television experience. As a 14 year old he toured Europe with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in one of the most prestigious post-war theatre tours. Vivien Leigh took a shine to him and he saw both sides of her close up. One minute she was sweetness and light, and the next she became a screaming harridan as she publicly berated Sir Laurence. In his early twenties, he starred as Frankie Abbott in the hit television sitcoms Please, Sir! and Fenn Street Gang, and those days are recounted with great humour. Hilarious events unfold as he describes working with dodgy producers and touring with argumentative actors. His is a story that covers everything from the pitfalls of working in live television to performing with hard drinking actors. 'Imagine yourself travelling - as a member of the company - with a train-load of top stars to the great cities of Europe.' Daily Express
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Take a moment and have a think of what you were doing when you were a fourteen year old. Well for child actor Meurig Wyn Jones, later to be known as David Barry
the year of 1957 was to become a magical part of this young actors career. Having auditioned and successfully got the part in the production ' Titus Andronicus ' this young
actor was about to engage in a six week tour around such places as Paris, Venice, Belgrade, Zagreb, Vienna ans Warsaw with actors Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.
This autobiography by David Barry is set in a series of flash backs from the time he spent on tour with Rodney Bewes and Gareth Hunt back in 1998. From these flash backs
David Barry opens a door showing us the real sides to many of the actors and actresses he has worked with. From the mentioned above to the people who acted in
Please Sir! and the Fenn Street Gang where David Barry played Frankie Abbott in the hit television shows. An actors life for me? i'm not to sure, for this autobiography shows that it's not always plain sailing and acting can take its toll. Depression, the abuse of alcohol just to get you through the day, terrible mood swings seem to be almost the norm.
To equal this there are also some very funny and happy times had by all and this is why people enjoy the acting experience and both sides are shown within the pages of the book.
If you are interested in treading the boards so to speak this book is a good eye opener to what life can be like. An enjoyable read indeed.
the year of 1957 was to become a magical part of this young actors career. Having auditioned and successfully got the part in the production ' Titus Andronicus ' this young
actor was about to engage in a six week tour around such places as Paris, Venice, Belgrade, Zagreb, Vienna ans Warsaw with actors Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.
This autobiography by David Barry is set in a series of flash backs from the time he spent on tour with Rodney Bewes and Gareth Hunt back in 1998. From these flash backs
David Barry opens a door showing us the real sides to many of the actors and actresses he has worked with. From the mentioned above to the people who acted in
Please Sir! and the Fenn Street Gang where David Barry played Frankie Abbott in the hit television shows. An actors life for me? i'm not to sure, for this autobiography shows that it's not always plain sailing and acting can take its toll. Depression, the abuse of alcohol just to get you through the day, terrible mood swings seem to be almost the norm.
To equal this there are also some very funny and happy times had by all and this is why people enjoy the acting experience and both sides are shown within the pages of the book.
If you are interested in treading the boards so to speak this book is a good eye opener to what life can be like. An enjoyable read indeed.
By whoareyou
Format:Paperback
I only really knew of David Barry from Please Sir and The Fenn Street Gang, two shows that I love.
So I bought David's autobiography to learn more about those shows and the actor who played the childlike Frankie Abbott.
I learnt so much. To think that as a 14 year old he toured Eastern Europe and The Soviet Union with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, absolutely incredible, amazing, terrifying. He played Shakespeare and seriously dramatic roles.
And then came the possible curse of fame and Please Sir. I was very much interested in his post Please Sir work writing, producing and directing with Malcolm McFee, his work in Pantos, a specialised genre not given the credit it deserves.
Its also a very honest autobiography, telling of the pitfalls and hard graft that is the acting industry, the eccentric and often annoying characters you are often forced to work with during a shows run.
It is very well written. I liked the way it was set out almost in diary form rather than the usual chronological way. It made me want more and to ask Mr Barry questions about such and such show or person.
A most enjoyable read for any fan of his work or of the acting industry.
So I bought David's autobiography to learn more about those shows and the actor who played the childlike Frankie Abbott.
I learnt so much. To think that as a 14 year old he toured Eastern Europe and The Soviet Union with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, absolutely incredible, amazing, terrifying. He played Shakespeare and seriously dramatic roles.
And then came the possible curse of fame and Please Sir. I was very much interested in his post Please Sir work writing, producing and directing with Malcolm McFee, his work in Pantos, a specialised genre not given the credit it deserves.
Its also a very honest autobiography, telling of the pitfalls and hard graft that is the acting industry, the eccentric and often annoying characters you are often forced to work with during a shows run.
It is very well written. I liked the way it was set out almost in diary form rather than the usual chronological way. It made me want more and to ask Mr Barry questions about such and such show or person.
A most enjoyable read for any fan of his work or of the acting industry.
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
