As often happens, life took Celia Imrie on a different path than she intended.
Being told twice she was “too large” to be a ballet dancer, she instead began working as a tea-girl and gopher for theatres. In time, she was offered minor roles, leading to ones of greater significance. Hence, during a long career, she saw the human side of many theatrical greats, such as John Gielgud, Judi Dench and Glenda Jackson.
This book will delight those who enjoy reading anecdotes about such celebrities.
One of these addresses the fairness and generosity of Ms. Jackson. During the run of a stage play or the making of a film, it was protocol for major stars to eat in the most elegant restaurants, while minor actors and the crew were expected to subsist on the basics. Glenda Jackson would have none of that; cast and crew dined as a group, with complete equality.
Celia Imrie also discusses her various illnesses and accidents, including her attack by a shark on what she thought to be a wonderfully deserted beach. In addition, she discusses her choice to have a child without a relationship or marriage, who she succeeded in bringing up on her own.
This memoir has its bright, happy moments along with some deeply poignant ones.
