A memoir of theatrical life and much more by Tim Pigott-Smith, one of the best known and most prodigiously talented actors of his generation.
From his appearance as Ronald Merrick in the television adaptation of The Jewel in the Crown to his recent role in the hit play King Charles III, Tim Pigott-Smith has been recognised as one of Britain’s most loved contemporary actors. On stage his work encompassed the Bristol Old Vic, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, West End and Broadway. He acted with Jeremy Irons, Charles Dance, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, Peggy Ashcroft and Judi Dench and collaborated with a host of famous directors, from his late friend Howard Davies, to John Huston and Peter Hall.
In his memoir, Do You Know Who I Am?, Pigott-Smith describes the actor’s craft with witty anecdotes and fascinating insight. He recalls his childhood and early beginnings in the paint shop at the RSC Stratford, the life of a jobbing actor in 1960s and 70s London, strange meetings with glamorous Hollywood producers, filming a football match with Pelé in Hungary, the epic Indian saga of The Jewel in the Crown and more recent projects such as Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III, first performed at the Almeida Theatre and later transferred to Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End, Broadway and to film.
What is the story of Judi Dench and the black glove? What was it like to visit Michael Caine’s LA mansion? How does one produce the character of the complex and unforgettable Corporal Merrick? Humorously written, warm, engaging and accompanied by black and white photographs, Do You Know Who I Am? is an entertaining memoir from one of our great acting talents.
Tim Pigott-Smith died in April 2017, shortly before this book was published, having passed final proofs for press.
By:
Tim Pigott-Smith
Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 153mm,
Weight: 658g
ISBN: 9781472934246
ISBN 10: 1472934245
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 01 May 2017
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Illustrations 1 A Skeleton in the Cupboard 2 Shakespeare's Birthplace 3 Shakespeare's School 4 The Right Direction 5 The Real Thing 6 At Last 7 The RSC, Stratford 8 The RSC, London 9 Washington DC 10 The Big Apple 11 Backwards a Bit 12 Sideways 13 Upwards a Bit 14 The TV Club 15 Escape 16 Finding Merrick 17 Being Merrick 18 After Merrick 19 Dame Peg 20 The Bitter Smell of Success 21 Back to the Theatre 22 The Black Glove 23 Compass 24 The Chief 25 Endgame 26 Stepping Stones 27 Further Steps 28 A King on Broadway 29 Do You Know Who I Am? Index
Tim Pigott-Smith was trained at Bristol University and the Bristol Old Vic. In a career spanning nearly fifty years, he has appeared in countless films and theatre productions including - most recently in the West End - Enron, Educating Rita and King Charles III.
Reviews for Do You Know Who I Am?: A Memoir
Charming and engrossing ... This is a memoir that young actors should read to understand the graft needed to succeed. Pigott-Smith writes how he acts: with precision and panache. * Sunday Times * Exquisitely written ... Tim was such a remarkable man and a remarkable actor. Now it is clear he was a remarkable writer too. * Dame Judi Dench *
