Out of Character cover art

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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What listeners say about Out of Character

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    4 out of 5 stars

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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Outstanding

I loved this book! Alison is so warm, real and writes so beautifully. I wish it didn't have to end. Brilliant

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Beautiful and excellent!!

Loved this. Feel like I've really got to know Alison Steadman! Have loved the roles she's played and it's great to see how it all began and developed. A great listen!!

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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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Wonderful

Thoroughly enjoyable;
Honest funny, entertaining picture of the life of the actress behind all the characters we know and love.

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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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The sincerete

There's nothing to dislike & what I did like is how very honest she is about every aspect of her life.

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