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Things I Couldn't Tell My Mother
There was a lot that we kept from my mother. My dad would say to me as a teenager "Don't tell your mother." We couldn't face the disapproval.
Sue Johnston always seemed to be disappointing her mother. As a girl she never stayed clean and tidy like her cousins. As she grew older, she spent all her piano lesson money on drinks for her mates down at the pub, and when she discovered The Cavern she was never at home. The final straw was when Sue left her steady job at a St. Helen's factory to try her hand at that unsteadiest of jobs: acting.
Yet when Sue was bringing up her own child alone, her mother was always there to help. And playing her much-loved characters Sheila Grant in Waking the Dead and Barbara in The Royle Family- although her mum wouldn't say she was proud as such, she certainly seemed to approve. And in her mother's final months, it was Sue she needed by her side.
The relationship with your mother is perhaps the most precious and fraught of any woman's life. When she began writing, Sue set out to record 'all the big things, and all the small things. Everything I wanted to tell my mother but felt I never could'. The result is a warm, poignant and often very funny memoir by one of Britain's favourite actresses.
Sue Johnston always seemed to be disappointing her mother. As a girl she never stayed clean and tidy like her cousins. As she grew older, she spent all her piano lesson money on drinks for her mates down at the pub, and when she discovered The Cavern she was never at home. The final straw was when Sue left her steady job at a St. Helen's factory to try her hand at that unsteadiest of jobs: acting.
Yet when Sue was bringing up her own child alone, her mother was always there to help. And playing her much-loved characters Sheila Grant in Waking the Dead and Barbara in The Royle Family- although her mum wouldn't say she was proud as such, she certainly seemed to approve. And in her mother's final months, it was Sue she needed by her side.
The relationship with your mother is perhaps the most precious and fraught of any woman's life. When she began writing, Sue set out to record 'all the big things, and all the small things. Everything I wanted to tell my mother but felt I never could'. The result is a warm, poignant and often very funny memoir by one of Britain's favourite actresses.
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First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 24, 2020
Excellent got this from the library well written recommend
August 18, 2017
I picked this book up on holiday. I have known Sue as an actress for a few years. Appearing in things like Brookside, Waking the Dead and Medics amongst other things. She is an actress of vast range. Tv Soap Operas, Crime shows and comedy etc. I enjoyed this book immensely. It's full of humour, pathos and stories about well known people in the same business as Sue. But the part of the narrative that appealed to me was her relationship with her parents and their relationship with each other. Though Sue has a large extended family I feel that being an only child has given her the drive and determination to be a success in her chosen profession. This was a good read and I would recommend it. A worthy 4 stars.
April 21, 2014
The only things I was really expecting from Sue Johnston's autobiography were that it would be funny in parts, have some insights into the TV worlds of Brookie, The Royales, being Grace in Waking the Dead and from the title `Things I Couldn't Tell My Mother' I hazarded a guess that either Sue had some skeletons in her cupboard or her relationship with her mother might be a fraught one. Indeed it is the latter and really if I was to say Sue's book is about anything then it would really be about the difficult relationship they shared. This was much more interesting than any gossip of any TV set could have in store.
There are of course the tales of the television work that Sue has done, and I will admit I wanted a little more than the snippets we got, but there is a huge amount of stuff in store for anyone picking up this book, and I don't just mean the stories of her mother. Sue struggled to find what she wanted to do after her childhood, which sounded wonderful, and after a stint at the Tax Office she found herself hanging out at The Cavern in Liverpool with The Beatles and working for Brian Epstein's company where she discovered `The Hippy Hippy Shake'. We look at her two marriages, being a single working mother (and the struggles that could bring) as well as her political involvement with the Labour Party and how she protested and rallied for the miners and gay rights. Sue Johnston is a woman with a lot more going on than just being a wonderful actress who has become a national treasure.
There are of course the tales of the television work that Sue has done, and I will admit I wanted a little more than the snippets we got, but there is a huge amount of stuff in store for anyone picking up this book, and I don't just mean the stories of her mother. Sue struggled to find what she wanted to do after her childhood, which sounded wonderful, and after a stint at the Tax Office she found herself hanging out at The Cavern in Liverpool with The Beatles and working for Brian Epstein's company where she discovered `The Hippy Hippy Shake'. We look at her two marriages, being a single working mother (and the struggles that could bring) as well as her political involvement with the Labour Party and how she protested and rallied for the miners and gay rights. Sue Johnston is a woman with a lot more going on than just being a wonderful actress who has become a national treasure.
November 19, 2011
Things I Couldn't Tell My Mother published by Ebury Press is Sue Johnston's memoir and it's a warm and honest read. You can almost hear Sue's voice as she tells of her childhood, her relationship with her parents, her marriages and her career. What struck me the most is the fact that Sue has stayed 'real' throughout her career, despite the success and the fame and the OBE, she never strayed far from her roots and never lost that no nonsense attitude or her belief in social justice.
Sue's relationship with her Mother is a theme that runs throughout the book, they loved each other, of that there is no doubt, but it was never an easy love. Sue never felt that her Mother was proud of what she did and knew deep down that if she had married a plumber, stayed at home and had two kids, her Mother would have been happier.
Despite this, their relationship was strong and her recollection of their last days together is very moving.
This is not a showbiz gossipy type of memoir, although Sue has many famous friends, this is a story about a real woman, who achieved her dream and has stayed through to herself.
Sue's relationship with her Mother is a theme that runs throughout the book, they loved each other, of that there is no doubt, but it was never an easy love. Sue never felt that her Mother was proud of what she did and knew deep down that if she had married a plumber, stayed at home and had two kids, her Mother would have been happier.
Despite this, their relationship was strong and her recollection of their last days together is very moving.
This is not a showbiz gossipy type of memoir, although Sue has many famous friends, this is a story about a real woman, who achieved her dream and has stayed through to herself.
November 30, 2019
Rubbish, name dropping from end to end
May 8, 2018
It is always fascinating to read about the real person behind the actor who is normally seen only as the character(s) they are portraying. Acting puts up a façade although actors draw on real life to help them in their craft. Sue Johnston certainly has a lot of life experiences to draw on. Her story is one of brutal honesty about the highs and lows of her life, the poignant pain she experienced in her family and relationships and the hardships she had to suppress from public view. A wonderful tale of mother/daughter relationships and all the baggage that carries with it. Not a story to read if you want to be uplifted but certainly worth a read if you want to learn how she slowly came to terms with all that life threw at her.
That is what I find so good about reading (auto)biographies. They give you a true insight into the real lives of people we may only see superficially. I have written my own story and I know how difficult it must be for authors like Sue to commit their innermost lives to the printed word for all the world to see.
That is what I find so good about reading (auto)biographies. They give you a true insight into the real lives of people we may only see superficially. I have written my own story and I know how difficult it must be for authors like Sue to commit their innermost lives to the printed word for all the world to see.
March 27, 2025
This is a wonderful book! It’s been so nice to get to know Sue Johnston a little better, in particular her singular desire to become an actress. That was all she wanted, and, boy, has she ever had success with that!
I was surprised to learn of some of her more personal experiences. I love how modest she is, and I could tell she doesn’t necessarily believe that she is the best actress in the world. There’s no edge to her. She sounds warm and genuine. A bit of a people-pleaser by nature, and I could definitely relate to that.
I really enjoyed the parts where she wrote about her roles of Barbara Royle and Sheila Grant. Her relationship with Ricky Tomlinson is clearly one she cherishes.
The times she wrote about her son, Joel, were when she soundest most proud. You could almost hear the smile in her voice as she wrote about all of the joy being his mother has brought her.
What a truly lovely, talented lady!
I was surprised to learn of some of her more personal experiences. I love how modest she is, and I could tell she doesn’t necessarily believe that she is the best actress in the world. There’s no edge to her. She sounds warm and genuine. A bit of a people-pleaser by nature, and I could definitely relate to that.
I really enjoyed the parts where she wrote about her roles of Barbara Royle and Sheila Grant. Her relationship with Ricky Tomlinson is clearly one she cherishes.
The times she wrote about her son, Joel, were when she soundest most proud. You could almost hear the smile in her voice as she wrote about all of the joy being his mother has brought her.
What a truly lovely, talented lady!
November 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio book and was surprised at his posh “Sheila Grant” spoke.
It was lovely to hear Sue’s recollections of her Mums wartime memories, my parents grew up in Cheshire too and there were quite a few similarities that made me smile.
It was very interesting to hear the background of being selected to be in Brookside, I loved early Brookside. A lovely, relaxing book.
It was lovely to hear Sue’s recollections of her Mums wartime memories, my parents grew up in Cheshire too and there were quite a few similarities that made me smile.
It was very interesting to hear the background of being selected to be in Brookside, I loved early Brookside. A lovely, relaxing book.
June 29, 2017
Very easy to read autobiography that's not just stuffed full of dates. Didn't realise Sue had suffered depression & and bulimia. Book comes across with the same warmth that she does. Thumbs up from me.
October 2, 2017
Great book. Really enjoyed it.
April 24, 2018
I liked the first part of this book, about her childhood, but when she got to acting she didn't really explain what it was like and it became dull.
October 16, 2018
Found this book amongst my mum's belongings as we were clearing her house after she passed away, lovely insight into the private side of a public figure
June 6, 2021
I love sue and this was a good book
March 8, 2022
Another very interesting book about Sue Johnston's life up till now. Fascinating read.
March 20, 2022
Bending the truth
Very good to read about the real Sue Johnston. We don't always tell our parents everything, to prevent them worrying about us.
Very good to read about the real Sue Johnston. We don't always tell our parents everything, to prevent them worrying about us.
December 31, 2023
The gold standard of memoir. At times shocking, moving and heartrending. With the central focus the author’s complicated relationship with her mother (who never expressed pride in her daughter’s success) the memoir never loses its poignance and grip. P
November 7, 2024
Beautifully written (might be bias as I love Sue, The Beatles, The Royle Family and Brookside) but a true national treasure!
May 12, 2025
Good to read about her life. Nice reading about the cavern, The Beatles and around Liverpool. I think afew topics that people might be going through too. interesting read.
September 5, 2011
It's a must for a Sue Johnston-fan - and I am one. But apart from the fannish value, I've always found the stories Sue Johnston has to tell quite interesting - growing up in the North, hanging out with The Beatles, training in London, working all over the place (in TIE and later on telly), a lifelong LFC fan --- you don't get a greater wealth of story material.
Above all though, it is stories of a woman who has done almost all (and many of those things not exactly smart), has tried it all and been convinced to have to do this and that, before she's realized who she is and that she's good that way.
In telling her story - and describing the relationship with her mother - I believe every reader (no matter the gender) will find things that he/she can relate to.
Apart from all that, it is warmly written, will make you laugh, shake your head, maybe shed a tear or two.
As far as autobiographies go - a very worthy read. Loved it!
Above all though, it is stories of a woman who has done almost all (and many of those things not exactly smart), has tried it all and been convinced to have to do this and that, before she's realized who she is and that she's good that way.
In telling her story - and describing the relationship with her mother - I believe every reader (no matter the gender) will find things that he/she can relate to.
Apart from all that, it is warmly written, will make you laugh, shake your head, maybe shed a tear or two.
As far as autobiographies go - a very worthy read. Loved it!
December 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this book and picked it up due to being a huge Waking the Dead fan and wanting to learn more about the actress who played Grace in the series.
I know this book was for me when in the opening pages Sue spoke about how, after losing her mother, she still gets the urge to pick up the phone and call her about something that she has read or seen before realising that her mother is dead - this too still happens to me and it just drew me in.
The book is well written and a fairly easy read with a good insight into her life. She has met some amazing people throughout her career which makes this book very interesting. I love the way she is so candid about her relationship with her mother as at times it could not have been easy to write about.
I would highly recommend this book.
I know this book was for me when in the opening pages Sue spoke about how, after losing her mother, she still gets the urge to pick up the phone and call her about something that she has read or seen before realising that her mother is dead - this too still happens to me and it just drew me in.
The book is well written and a fairly easy read with a good insight into her life. She has met some amazing people throughout her career which makes this book very interesting. I love the way she is so candid about her relationship with her mother as at times it could not have been easy to write about.
I would highly recommend this book.
January 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Sue seems to have a Love/ indifference relationship with her mother. Sur tried her best to get her mother to admit she was proud of her but her mother found it hard to say. I found the book very enlightening and the various nights/ dinner times she had in 'The Cavern' were very amusing but poignant. It seems that until she had her son she was on a very much well trodden road on the boards of a lot of different theatres and the ones during the miners strike found me remembering the time as well. I thoroughly reccomend this book to anyone at all as it is very easy to read and stays with you and I found myself agreeing that I too often go to pick up a phone to tell my mum something and then remember she isn't there.
March 24, 2013
Love Sue Johnston and think she is one of our finest actresses. I got this book when I took my mum to an afternoon tea with Sue Johnston at Houghton Towers when the book was first published. This isn't my usual cup of tea but as it's been on my bookshelf for ages thought I best get it read. Easy and interesting to read, I flew through the pages as Sue recounts her memories of what has been a pretty remarkable life through the good times and not so good times. Sue Johnston, is obviously a warm, fun, caring and brave woman - who has many a good tale to tell too.
April 27, 2015
This was a really enjoyable, interesting read , Sue tells in her own words the struggles she's had in her life , that she kept to herself and her relationship with her parents, and also her heartache at losing them, and losing friends , She talks of her relationships , her son Joel and how proud she is of him , and of course her acting career, from plays to well known TV shows, and also her passion for Liverpool FC . What comes across in the book is what a lovely emotional , but down to earth Sue Johnston must be :D
September 8, 2011
I loved this book. It's brutally honest and open without going into gossipy details or tell-all proportions. Sue writes with warmth and humor and you get a real sense of the person behind the words. I was a fan of Sue's before reading this book, but my admiration and respect for the woman has grown tenfold after reading this book.
A definite must for all fans and others, too.
A definite must for all fans and others, too.
November 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It is interesting and funny with some very poignant moments. I loved the way everything was referenced back to the mother daughter relationship which is often tricky. Good luck to Sue in the future.
December 31, 2011
I couldn't put this book down. Sue Johnston tells her life story and of her relationship with her mother. It made me laugh and also cry and was so beautifully written. A must for anyone who follows sue's career.
October 27, 2011
This book was exactly how i thought it would be , easy to read uncomplicated and most of all down to earth , bit of a teary eye when Sue is talking about losing her Mother , all in all a very good read . . .
January 9, 2013
I have always enjoyed watching Sue Johnston. I enjoyed this book. I did not watch some of the programmes she mentions, but others I have enjoyed. She is a very versatile actress.
Her relationship with her mother, Margaret, was not always an easy one, but she loved her very much.
Her relationship with her mother, Margaret, was not always an easy one, but she loved her very much.
August 31, 2013
Not great. I was told it was a good autobio, but it lacked passion and feeling. Ok so her mum was disapproving, I suspect many mums can be, maybe?
I found this book just reeled off the facts in turn and I felt it was lacking in depth.
I found this book just reeled off the facts in turn and I felt it was lacking in depth.
February 18, 2015
Well seeing I've never heard of her, live in the south, don't like football, soaps or vote labour and bought the audio book on a whim it was an enjoyable listen. I usually like biographies and this one didn't disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews