Book review: BEGINNERS TO THE STAGE, PLEASE - Stewart Arnott
In Beginners to the Stage, Please: Secrets of Life Backstage in London’s Magical West End, Stewart Arnott regales us with the tantalising tales that he’s collected over a lifetime of working in the theatre industry. This book invites you behind the curtain to experience the day to day of theatre life, from the lights, to stage door, to scenery, to castings, to opening nights and beyond.
A mix of memoir and ‘behind the scenes’ fact file, the book talks us through Stewart’s career whilst dishing the dirt on the goings on from all of the shows that he’s worked on over the years. Stewart’s passion and intensity for his craft is clear, and that shines through on every page.
The book is, at times, very technical, occasionally dipping into complex detail about backstage processes, which can be hard to follow. However, these sections are tempered with comedic character dissections, as the book is packed to the rafters with famous names and the comings and goings of a showbiz life.
For those of us who visit the theatre regularly, it’s a real eye opener into the 101 things that go on behind the scenes at any one time, and really captures the effort which is poured into every show from every cast and crew member to deliver maximum enjoyment to the audience.
If you are a theatre fan, work in the theatre, or enjoy a celebrity tale or two, then you’ll really enjoy Beginners to the Stage, Please, though the tale of Craig Revel Horwood urinating into a wardrobe may stay with you for longer than you’d like..!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier