Who's My Bottom?

by Christopher Gillett

"Very funny, painfully honest, and invariably true. A real insight into a working opera singer’s life." - Nicholas Hytner. "The descriptions of rehearsals are very funny." - Ian Hislop. "It's no exaggeration to say that Who's My Bottom? made me laugh out loud, abruptly and in public places, many times--and brought tears to my eyes at others." - Steven Blier. "LOVED it. It was a terrific, can't put it down read. It arrived two days ago and is already dog eared! I loved his style of writing and his frankness and honesty were both refreshing and beguiling. Great." - Graham Clark "I loved it..I Iaughed till I cried...and I think you are a bloody genius!" - Susan Bullock. "Terrific. By turns hilarious and touching." - Clive Bayley

134 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2011

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this memoir of an opera singer who is not world famous but has managed to maintain a European career as a "character" tenor. Gillett is witty, and he knows how to tell a good story. He also mixes in sad details (his mother's death, the breakup of his marriage) in a way that conveys the sadness without seeking pity. He gives a window into the world of the working singer who is always concerned with getting the next job, even as he frequently taxes himself with travel and little sleep in order to work the one (usually, two) jobs he currently holds.

As someone who doesn't work in that world, I would have liked a better understanding of how the compensation works. Singers are only paid for performances, and they usually have to pay their own travel, room, and board. So what do the pay scales look like? How does someone make a living doing this?

Some of my favorite stories involved Gillett's experience with Kleiber (who sounds great), and Tan Dun (who doesn't).

I appreciate that he moved through his own timeline, instead of following a rigid chronological approach, but, at times, I got lost in where I was in Gillett's career. I also would have liked to better understand his career. He appears to do a lot of Britten and other modern opera, but I don't know if that's because what was available to him as a performer or because he got a reputation for specializing in it. But he also indicates that he sang a number of Cosi Fan Tutte, but he doesn't say who he plays; one assumes Ferrando, but this is a singer who bemoans that he never gets to sing the romantic lead. According to Glydebourne's website, he's sung Ferrando a number of times, but I guess that performance history doesn't support his overall story.

Still, this is an entertaining and illuminating memoir that gives a window onto a little known world.

[Natalya Romaniw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m actually working with Chris at the moment! He’s my Triquet in Eugene Onegin for Scottish Opera. When I first met him, he’d mentioned to me that he’d written not only one but two books. I’ve just read this one and will very swiftly be onto the next...a very talented man who sits in rehearsal, very quietly absorbing everyone’s behaviour. I’d love to see a paragraph of what he thinks of all of us in this process! Fab book. Couldn’t put it down.

[Sally Mouzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book; it is absolutely terrific! I am in the opera world, and I can say he truly captures the foibles of our world perfectly. His writing style is delightful, and he maintains great good humur throughout.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at how utterly funny and to the point this work is. I laughed. I was amazed. I was taken aback. Mostly, I laughed, for I got the humor and the truth behind every story.

This work was written and published by my second cousin's husband. It is worth the read.

Really.

💥 Recommended
🟣Read via Kindle version.

[Ivis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously real description of life as an opera singer in Europe today. Chris Gillett, a public school and Cambridge-educated tenor, ended up specializing in the role of "Flute" in Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream (hence the question, "Who's my Bottom?" (this time). This short but witty book is an account of his life onstage. If you've ever wondered what it was REALLY like for a 'jobbing singer' this is the place to look. His tweets, @cjgillett are good as well.

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of amusing backstage anecdotes showing what the real life of a professional opera singer looks like.Short version: it isn't pretty, glamorous or fun. So why do people do it? Because they love to sing, to perform, to bring the beauty. When all the moving parts come together, it's glorious. Most the time, however, it's a slog. You know, just like your job.

Gillett is articulate, intelligent, and entertaining. I liked this book a lot.

[Mon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious.