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Out of Character

From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, and everything in between

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Out of Character

By: Alison Steadman
Narrated by: Alison Steadman
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About this listen

A Waterstones Best Book of 2024

'Marriage to Mike Leigh, the minutiae of working on Gavin and Stacey: it's a tribute to her range that there's something here to interest everybody' Telegraph

The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star.

Candice Marie in Nuts in May. Beverly in Abigail’s Party. Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Betty in Fat Friends. Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey – we can all name a beloved, iconic character brought to life by the magnificent Alison Steadman.

Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison – ever the entertainer – would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an actual audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. By the time she left, her mind was made up: she was going to be an actress! If only she could conquer the onstage giggling …

Always pushing boundaries – reclining naked on a sofa in her first role, embracing groundbreaking female characters from day one – Alison has deservedly found acclaim and recognition, succeeding in her TV and theatre career while juggling family life – a difficult feat for any working mother, but particularly for an actress in the twentieth century.

From the nervy Mrs Bennet to the robo-dancing Pam-el-aah, Alison has proved herself again and again to be a comedy genius. Here, with her distinctive warmth and humour, she vividly recalls all the must-read moments of a life spent in and out of character.

©2024 Alison Steadman (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Acting & Auditioning Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Women Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Feel-Good Celebrity Thought-Provoking

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Entertaining, poignant and insightful

Alison is honest and straight talking. She provides so many insights into her craft and perspectives of a woman growing up in the 60’s and 70’s and how unfortunately things take so much time to change.

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Be more Alison

Some woman….great life ❤️ she has played all the roles, that have become postcards memories of my life ……

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Brilliantly written, beautifully read by the author

A great listen and insight into the acting world. I loved Alison’s descriptions of her childhood, her family, her career and even the journey home from work on a TV set. I was hooked (rather like watching anything that Alison is in)! Listening to the audiobook brought her most famous characters to life once again but with the insight of how they came to be. Great stuff.

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Inspiration and soul

I loved every second of this beautiful story, so cleverly written. A true gift, thank you Alison. I take away a pinch of your grit and a massive dose of the force of creativity. I keep on going a little bit easier.

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Warmth & Humour

Really interesting recollections of her family and long career told by her in a manner that you feel she is just telling it to a friend. Really enjoyed it

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Thank you Alison

What a wonderful story & to Alison for sharing her life, loves & characters to us. I’ve always been a huge fan, now even more so!

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Fabulous

So enjoyed listening to alison telling me all about her journey into acting and i’m so glad she did!! Lifted my spirits immensely 😁 love this lady so much ❤️ can’t wait to see pamela at Christmas. Well done Alison

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Alisons honesty

What a great audible. Alison Steadman is such a great actress and story teller. I love anything she is in. A national treasure.

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My Heroine did not disappoint..

Always loved Alison since my Dad introduced me to her in Abigail’s Party. He was a big fan of hers & fortunately I have his impeccable taste too. The book not only highlights her wonderful talent but what a warm, kind hearted woman she is. I highly recommend the Audible version by Alison herself as ‘ Nobody does it better ‘! Thanks for sharing Alison.

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love Alison Steadman

Ihave been a fan since Life is Sweet. It was wonderful hearing all about her career.

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1 person found this helpful