Synopses & Reviews
Leading actor Peter Bowles invites us backstage in the West End and on tour to witness the job of acting as it really is. Behind The Curtain is based on his own career as a stage and TV actor for over 55 years. Full of wit, anecdotes, tales and life advice for the budding actor.
Synopsis
Peter Bowles, one of the UK's favorite actors, offers an in-depth look behind the scenes of his 55-year career.
Synopsis
Peter Bowles invites us backstage to witness the job of acting as it really is. This is a warm-hearted look at the lived experience of a jobbing actor - and a survival guide to anyone thinking of entering this most emotionally gruelling of industries.
Behind the Curtain is the inside scoop on 'the profession'as told by a master raconteur - one who has trodden the boards in the West End for five decades. Armed with an array of classic anecdotes, Bowles shares some of the infamous ad-libs, opening night disasters and dressingroom dramas that he has been party to over the years. Full of sage advice about the pitfalls of celebrity and thefluctuating fortunes of an actor - and his own journey fromTV stardom to the labour exchange and back again.
With tales of some biggest personalities in the historyof showbiz such as Michael Gambon, Noel Coward, Rex Harrison, Laurence Olivier & John Gielgud, this is a book that captures the acting professionin all its eccentric glory.
About the Author
Peter Bowles has trod some of the most famous boards in the business, from Shakespeare on Broadway in 1956, to Sheridans
The Rivals at London's Haymarket in 2011. Among his many varied roles, Peter has been critically acclaimed for his masterful performances; including his deeply moving portrayal of Crocker Harris in Peter Halls recent production of Terence Rattigans
The Browning Version, his West End success in Molieres
The School for Wives, and his terrifying portrayal of an East End gangster in
Gangster No. 1. Peter also became nationally famous for his part as businessman Richard DeVere in the TV series
To the Manor Born.