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  • The Happy Hoofer

  • By: Celia Imrie
  • Narrated by: Celia Imrie
  • Length: 11 hrs
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (726 ratings)

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The Happy Hoofer

By: Celia Imrie
Narrated by: Celia Imrie
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Summary

One of our best-loved actresses, Celia Imrie would rather have been a dancer. As a child she planned to join the Royal Ballet and marry Rudolf Nureyev. Now she has become one of our finest and funniest performers, on stage, TV and screen - adored for her roles in 'Acorn Antiques' and 'dinnerladies', as well as films including 'Calendar Girls' and 'Nanny McPhee'.

In her hugely entertaining autobiography, Celia Imrie recounts a life hurtling (not always intentionally) into adventures both on stage and off. Whether it's finding herself on stage with half the scenery stuck to her cardigan, or being kidnapped on her way to location, she somehow emerges from the chaos that can lie in her wake almost unscathed.

Acting, she admits, is a mad, chaotic profession and it is her refreshing honesty, sense of mischief, fun and almost unruffled determination in the face of it all that makes this autobiography a never-ending delight.

©2011 Celia Imrie (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about The Happy Hoofer

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly Enjoyable

I have always loved Celia in the many and diverse roles she has played. This warm and witty memoir reflects the breadth of her talent, intellect and kindness. Love Ya X

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A most enjoyable book

Didn't want it to end. Celia reads this beautifully and her voice is a joy to listen to. She's had a colourful life, and it's the most enjoyable book. I'm going to read it again. She's a lovely lady, great actress, surely a Damehood isn't far off.
Thoroughly recommended this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

LOVE HER

Really lovely and surprising story from an amazing actress and truly wonderful woman. Must read for fans

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable....

A really good read....interesting all the behind the film's, tv and theatre rolls.......
And not forgetting Ceila's personal life story....

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

What a wonder and interesting Woman


Celia is an amazing human being. She enjoys life to the full with truthfulness and honesty.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Up and down

Frank and charming until you get to the overly long and detailed description of a holiday in Sweden. With horrifically bad “comedy” Swedish accents and the phrases “half-breed Eskimo” and “primitive Sami people” it gets unpleasant and downright offensive. But otherwise worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow what a story!

It is read beautifully of course by Celia and what a fascinating life. Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

An interesting read

An interesting read probably not what one would expect. Although I am a fan I hadn't realized the breadth of Celias acting, most impressive.
I felt that the narration became rather tired, particularly when describing recovering from the pulmonary embolisms. Having suffered the same thing I can completely sympathise.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Real and touching

What did you like most about The Happy Hoofer?

I liked Celia's honesty

What did you like best about this story?

The references to Guildford and Hartley Wintney where Celia's family lived, as I did.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Where Celia seemed to get arrested so many times??

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and cry.

Any additional comments?

A very real, honest and down to earth account of someone making their way in the world.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

excellent story

great story but would have liked more details on Celia's childhood defo a great buy

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