Book Review: BACKSTAGE CONFIDENTIAL - SECRETS OF A STAGEHAND, Eden Phillips

Known as a lyricist, actor and producer, Eden Phillips stared his career as a stagehand in West End theatres. His new book, Backstage Confidential, is a behind-the-scenes look at the work he did, the different roles he has had both on and off stage, and the endless stories these have generated. The book is a very easy read, with a chatty tone making it feel as though he could be in front of you having a conversation with the energy and love that comes from talking about a hobby and passion.

While mostly anecdotal stories of his time in the industry, there are also some interesting facts about the theatres and shows, which help to break up the stories. His stories are mostly from his early years in the industry so are focussed on the shows and stars from the 1960's-70's, which are not always as well known now and may be lost on younger readers. It is also definitely intended for those who have an awareness of backstage theatre or an awareness of how it works; Phillips is careful to explain any technical terminology so that anyone is able to enjoy the book.

The chapters in the book are laid out in an unusual way as they are not chronological. Instead, they are split by the different venues at which Phillips worked. Although this means there are jumps in time, it works well and allows a continuity in a different way than expected.

However, throughout the book, the excessive name dropping does become a bit tiresome. While it is always interesting to hear of work with Cameron Macintosh or Dame Judi Dench, the more obscure names that only die-hard theatre fans would recognise, or reels of names from a particular production become a little tedious. While there is no doubt that Phillips has had an extrordinary life, intersecting so many of the theatre world, it sometimes feels like filler for the chapters. Evidence being chapter 15 being titled '(More) Name Drops'.

An unexpected delight in the book are the illustrations for each chapter of the theatres that the memories are set in. Drawn by Melissa Roskell, the artwork is beautiful and helps bring to life the settings and grandeur of these buildings that the cast and crew are lucky enough to work in.

Overall, it is a great book to get a behind-the-scenes look at the shows and the goings on of theatre in the 60's & 70's.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Frances Tate

Backstage Confidential: Secrets of a Stagehand is now available to purchase in paperback here.