What do you think?
Rate this book
You're Him, Aren't You?: An Autobiography
Paul Darrow's career has encompassed theater, television, and film. Famed for his portrayal of ruthless and calculating computer expert Kerr Avon in Terry Nation's science fiction series Blake's 7 , Darrow has also appeared in Coronation Street , Emergency Ward 10 , and many other productions—including two guest appearances in Doctor Who . Populated by familiar names and productions, this is Paul's own story of his life and career. It tells of his association with Blake's 7 —how he was cast, his experiences of making the show, what has happened since, and his memories of Terry Nation, the cast, and the crew. It also tells of his childhood, his time playing Elvis Presley, and his near miss with James Bond.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 22, 2015
Blake's 7, a low (ish) budget BBC TV show from the late 70s/early 80s holds terrific nostalgic value for me on two counts. I adored it as a child and again re-watching it during a three month drunken spell with housemates in my mid to late twenties. At the tail end of all this two of us went to a Blake's 7 convention with Gareth Thomas, Peter Tuddenham and Paul Darrow, which to this day remains one of the funniest weekends I've ever had.
Quite why it's taken me 9 years to discover Darrow's autobiography is beyond me but once discovered I did whittle through it in short order.
In truth Darrow isn't the greatest of writers but he has plenty of amusing stories to tell in what's a pleasant recollection of his life and career. His time on the show, memories of the cast, conventions and his aborted plan to get a sequel off the ground take up about half of the book and were by far the more interesting to me. Earlier chapters did seem to be little more than 'this is who I worked with, on what and when...and how lovely they all were'.
Towards the end he also starts to ponder on the popularity of the show and his character...noting that Avon is an unusual person to have as an inspiration/hero (being that he's a cold hearted bastard!) and these sections were fun to read too. To quote 'Doctor Who was for children of all ages whereas Blake's 7 was more for disturbed teens and adults'!
It's not the greatest autobiography ever written, there's no dirt dished or reputations sullied, no controversies or crossed words, but fans of Blake's 7 (and really, who else is likely to read this?!) should find it entertaining. Reading it 9 years on, there are some things which could do with updating (Darrow laments the fact that the complicated rights issues at the time will forever prevent a range of audio adventures...happily such have been running for a couple of years now. He also offhandedly mentions a promising young actor by the name of David Tennant towards the end!). Whether there'll ever be a revised edition or a sequel remains to be seen but as it stands this is a fine memento of the actor and indeed the show for which he's famous.
Quite why it's taken me 9 years to discover Darrow's autobiography is beyond me but once discovered I did whittle through it in short order.
In truth Darrow isn't the greatest of writers but he has plenty of amusing stories to tell in what's a pleasant recollection of his life and career. His time on the show, memories of the cast, conventions and his aborted plan to get a sequel off the ground take up about half of the book and were by far the more interesting to me. Earlier chapters did seem to be little more than 'this is who I worked with, on what and when...and how lovely they all were'.
Towards the end he also starts to ponder on the popularity of the show and his character...noting that Avon is an unusual person to have as an inspiration/hero (being that he's a cold hearted bastard!) and these sections were fun to read too. To quote 'Doctor Who was for children of all ages whereas Blake's 7 was more for disturbed teens and adults'!
It's not the greatest autobiography ever written, there's no dirt dished or reputations sullied, no controversies or crossed words, but fans of Blake's 7 (and really, who else is likely to read this?!) should find it entertaining. Reading it 9 years on, there are some things which could do with updating (Darrow laments the fact that the complicated rights issues at the time will forever prevent a range of audio adventures...happily such have been running for a couple of years now. He also offhandedly mentions a promising young actor by the name of David Tennant towards the end!). Whether there'll ever be a revised edition or a sequel remains to be seen but as it stands this is a fine memento of the actor and indeed the show for which he's famous.
April 7, 2021
This is a memoir, not a true autobiography - as so little of Paul's personal life is revealed - if you want to know the ins and outs of his marriage, his relationships with others and so on, you will not find it here. As far as I have been able to find, this marries well with Paul's public persona - he really does not talk personal - and good on him too.
He does tell a few interesting, fun stories about his time at school, about his father's experience immediately pre-WWII and his time in Repertory Theatre, sharing accommodation with other young actors and crew.
Most of the book is taken up with Paul's memories of his 4 years in Blake's 7, from his first interview to the last episode, and what a change it made to his acting career.
He does name-drop quite a bit - another reviewer complained about not knowing the names, but these were important acting personages in the time Paul entered the profession and he gives a lot of credit to those he met first hand.
Paul is delightfully positive about his memories. His negative comments are very few, and completely anonymous - none of those he had 'problems' with are named. His fleeting mentions of women he has dated are brief and positive with few identifying remarks. This is very refreshing in a time of 'tell all warts and all' biographies.
Paul is delighted to give praise and credit to the positive people he has met in his life and happy to identify THESE people. He talks a bit about the roles he has had post B7, and how much he enjoys the process of acting - how much applause and acclaim from the public matters, even more than that of his fellow actors.
I bought the audiobook from Big Finish during a recent sale. I loved listening to him read his own writing. His inflection and overtones truly enhance this. His dry ironic British wit also comes through very clearly in the audiobook.
He comes across as a basically modest man, who is delighted to find that his work is so appreciated. And he has come to terms with the fact that for many, many people he is Forever Avon, even though this lasted on TV only 4 years out of 40 working.
For Darrow, and or Blake's 7 fans, this is a no brainer purchase.
I am really glad Big Finish encouraged Paul to read and record this and recommend it to all Paul Darrow/Kerr Avon/Blake's 7 fans.
He does tell a few interesting, fun stories about his time at school, about his father's experience immediately pre-WWII and his time in Repertory Theatre, sharing accommodation with other young actors and crew.
Most of the book is taken up with Paul's memories of his 4 years in Blake's 7, from his first interview to the last episode, and what a change it made to his acting career.
He does name-drop quite a bit - another reviewer complained about not knowing the names, but these were important acting personages in the time Paul entered the profession and he gives a lot of credit to those he met first hand.
Paul is delightfully positive about his memories. His negative comments are very few, and completely anonymous - none of those he had 'problems' with are named. His fleeting mentions of women he has dated are brief and positive with few identifying remarks. This is very refreshing in a time of 'tell all warts and all' biographies.
Paul is delighted to give praise and credit to the positive people he has met in his life and happy to identify THESE people. He talks a bit about the roles he has had post B7, and how much he enjoys the process of acting - how much applause and acclaim from the public matters, even more than that of his fellow actors.
I bought the audiobook from Big Finish during a recent sale. I loved listening to him read his own writing. His inflection and overtones truly enhance this. His dry ironic British wit also comes through very clearly in the audiobook.
He comes across as a basically modest man, who is delighted to find that his work is so appreciated. And he has come to terms with the fact that for many, many people he is Forever Avon, even though this lasted on TV only 4 years out of 40 working.
For Darrow, and or Blake's 7 fans, this is a no brainer purchase.
I am really glad Big Finish encouraged Paul to read and record this and recommend it to all Paul Darrow/Kerr Avon/Blake's 7 fans.
August 19, 2009
Darrow’s autobiography, including a lot of stories from his years on Blakes 7. This is one of the rare cases where I wish I were listening to an audiobook rather than reading a dead tree book. The book is reasonably interesting, and there’s a lot of great anecdotes, but especially in the beginning, it’s a somewhat choppy read. If I were listening to it (preferably read by Darrow himself, of course!), I’d have enjoyed it much more.
And dear $DEITY, the font. This book was designed by someone desperate to cut down the number of signatures to save money; the font is tiny and hard for me to read, let alone someone who might have actually seen B7 in its original run.
Still, the one benefit of the bumpy structure is that it’s easy to read a couple pages, put the book down, and come back to it later — perfect bathroom reading. And some of the stories are fabulous, particularly some episodes in Darrow’s childhood that made me think of Miles Vorkosigan.
And dear $DEITY, the font. This book was designed by someone desperate to cut down the number of signatures to save money; the font is tiny and hard for me to read, let alone someone who might have actually seen B7 in its original run.
Still, the one benefit of the bumpy structure is that it’s easy to read a couple pages, put the book down, and come back to it later — perfect bathroom reading. And some of the stories are fabulous, particularly some episodes in Darrow’s childhood that made me think of Miles Vorkosigan.
May 7, 2025
Darrow is effortlessly charming company throughout, possessed of a dry, self-deprecating wit, but ultimately it’s rather bitty.
May 14, 2019
(Audiobook version reviewed)
This is a great book, however it was odd for me in a couple of ways. Blake's 7 was first produced and broadcast in the UK in the years when I was learning to crawl and make words. It is a hard series to describe to most people here in the US, but perhaps it could be said it was a lighter version of Dr Who of the time. But very different.
I can't easily find when it was first broadcast in the US, but that was the point in time that my mother became infatuated with the series. My early memories of going places as a wee lad, was going to Sci-Fi conventions in the midwest to meet the cast of Star Trek, Dr Who, and Blake's 7. As I got older and discovered computers and girls (in that order) Sci-Fi fandom was thrown to the side. I've always enjoyed good sci-fi but the participatory part of the fandom was no longer appealing.
A few years ago in a bit of nostalgia I re-watched the first half of Season 1. Enjoyed it, it held up pretty good (the FX were *never* good), but didn't grab me and I moved on to other shows. However when I recently saw a book written by Paul Darrow (one of the co-stars) I had to get it.
Again, its a great book. It was written in 2006 but was refreshed a half dozen years ago with an audiobook version read by Paul and a new afterward/bonus. Not much has changed in B7 world in the last decade so it hasn't aged at all. But it is odd for me. I've only ever knew Paul Darrow as Avon and I'm glad I got to meet the person behind Avon and get to know him via this book.
Apparently Paul is a *huge* theater guy. Its where his passion is, where his carreer has mainly been, and where his knowledge is deepest. I didn't know this and was great to find out. A big part of this book (being his memoir and all) is his time spent on the stage. Maybe had I known before that it would tilt so heavily this way I might have prioritized a little lower, but I'm glad I didn't. The 80% majority of the book is what the B7 fan wants. Details on working with all of the people, episode-by-episode recaps, a bit of the dirt on contracts and renewals etc. Not a lot of dished dirt, but Paul is a gentleman and you didn't really expect anything salacious did you?
My favorite part was hearing of his experiences going to the conventions in the US, and picturing 10-12 year old me at those very same places. So great to hear the other viewpoints (namely being an adult and the person on display).
For me this book helped me see why my mom got so worked up over this show, his character, and the intelligence behind it. Paul drips character and wit and it reflects very nicely in this book. Hearing it read by the man himself made it more the memorable. I hope there is more to be written by this great mind.
This is a great book, however it was odd for me in a couple of ways. Blake's 7 was first produced and broadcast in the UK in the years when I was learning to crawl and make words. It is a hard series to describe to most people here in the US, but perhaps it could be said it was a lighter version of Dr Who of the time. But very different.
I can't easily find when it was first broadcast in the US, but that was the point in time that my mother became infatuated with the series. My early memories of going places as a wee lad, was going to Sci-Fi conventions in the midwest to meet the cast of Star Trek, Dr Who, and Blake's 7. As I got older and discovered computers and girls (in that order) Sci-Fi fandom was thrown to the side. I've always enjoyed good sci-fi but the participatory part of the fandom was no longer appealing.
A few years ago in a bit of nostalgia I re-watched the first half of Season 1. Enjoyed it, it held up pretty good (the FX were *never* good), but didn't grab me and I moved on to other shows. However when I recently saw a book written by Paul Darrow (one of the co-stars) I had to get it.
Again, its a great book. It was written in 2006 but was refreshed a half dozen years ago with an audiobook version read by Paul and a new afterward/bonus. Not much has changed in B7 world in the last decade so it hasn't aged at all. But it is odd for me. I've only ever knew Paul Darrow as Avon and I'm glad I got to meet the person behind Avon and get to know him via this book.
Apparently Paul is a *huge* theater guy. Its where his passion is, where his carreer has mainly been, and where his knowledge is deepest. I didn't know this and was great to find out. A big part of this book (being his memoir and all) is his time spent on the stage. Maybe had I known before that it would tilt so heavily this way I might have prioritized a little lower, but I'm glad I didn't. The 80% majority of the book is what the B7 fan wants. Details on working with all of the people, episode-by-episode recaps, a bit of the dirt on contracts and renewals etc. Not a lot of dished dirt, but Paul is a gentleman and you didn't really expect anything salacious did you?
My favorite part was hearing of his experiences going to the conventions in the US, and picturing 10-12 year old me at those very same places. So great to hear the other viewpoints (namely being an adult and the person on display).
For me this book helped me see why my mom got so worked up over this show, his character, and the intelligence behind it. Paul drips character and wit and it reflects very nicely in this book. Hearing it read by the man himself made it more the memorable. I hope there is more to be written by this great mind.
September 6, 2020
Well now, I really rather enjoyed that.
Paul Darrow. What a great guy. I could listen to his stories forever. And I probably will. If you’re reading this review, you’re probably a Blake’s 7 fan. Like me, you might have wondered why you hadn’t read/listened to this book before, given it was published in 2006.
I’m just glad I read it now. I’m only sad I can’t write to the author and tell him how much of an influence he/Avon (they’re kind of indistinguishable in my mind) was on my childhood and - if I care to admit it - my adulthood too.
In his charming, silky, ever listenable, conversational style, Paul recounts his early life, his induction into acting, his many theatre and TV roles, and of course Blake 7.
There are some actors who come across as almost embarrassed by some of their most famous roles. Paul Darrow is one of those people who knows what the public want, and likes to please them. There’s no shortage of B7 anecdotes, Paul’s wider relationship with the series, his friendship with Terry nation, and his praise for fellow actors. It’s all told with good humour, wit and fun. It’s a shame he never did a volume two.
There’s not many characters who have such enduring popularity as Avon, and Paul is rightly proud (and yet also modest) about his work. I finished the book feeling like I’d just lost a dear friend. Silly, I know, but there it is.
Probably there isn’t a lot here for the non-Blake’s 7 fan, unless you just like listening to the memoirs of a kind and popular actor. In which case, you won’t be disappointed.
I’d definitely recommend the audiobook over the written word. Like Orac, it’s worth every penny.
Paul Darrow. What a great guy. I could listen to his stories forever. And I probably will. If you’re reading this review, you’re probably a Blake’s 7 fan. Like me, you might have wondered why you hadn’t read/listened to this book before, given it was published in 2006.
I’m just glad I read it now. I’m only sad I can’t write to the author and tell him how much of an influence he/Avon (they’re kind of indistinguishable in my mind) was on my childhood and - if I care to admit it - my adulthood too.
In his charming, silky, ever listenable, conversational style, Paul recounts his early life, his induction into acting, his many theatre and TV roles, and of course Blake 7.
There are some actors who come across as almost embarrassed by some of their most famous roles. Paul Darrow is one of those people who knows what the public want, and likes to please them. There’s no shortage of B7 anecdotes, Paul’s wider relationship with the series, his friendship with Terry nation, and his praise for fellow actors. It’s all told with good humour, wit and fun. It’s a shame he never did a volume two.
There’s not many characters who have such enduring popularity as Avon, and Paul is rightly proud (and yet also modest) about his work. I finished the book feeling like I’d just lost a dear friend. Silly, I know, but there it is.
Probably there isn’t a lot here for the non-Blake’s 7 fan, unless you just like listening to the memoirs of a kind and popular actor. In which case, you won’t be disappointed.
I’d definitely recommend the audiobook over the written word. Like Orac, it’s worth every penny.
January 25, 2018
Firstly I must start by admitting I listened to the audiobook read by the author which is responsible for at least one full star in this review. Darrow brings his story to life in a way only he could. There's lots on Blake's 7 here and his warmness for Avon comes through. He is quite an enigma. Both humble and egotistical. Likeable and unlikeable. Self deprecating and grandiose. But what else would you expect from the man who played Kerr Avon so well? An enjoyable listen but perhaps less enjoyable to read without Darrow's fantastic reading abilities.
February 24, 2020
Never a big fan of blakes 7 I read this autobiography without any preconceptions,I found an interesting read with just the right amount of cynicism.i got the impression that even though he embraced the show he didnt always see eye to eye with other members of the cast.he admitted that directors could not shake off the idea of being Avon so were reluctant to cast him.unlike Leonard Nimoy and William shatter who went through a phase(no pun intended)of not wanting to be recognised for their characters in star trek.eventually changing their mind when big money and films came knocking.
February 18, 2018
Simply glorious reading by Paul Darrow of his autobiography.
It meanders somewhat but Paul is immensely entertaining, lending his reading a ‘Clive James like’ wry quality.
It meanders somewhat but Paul is immensely entertaining, lending his reading a ‘Clive James like’ wry quality.
January 12, 2020
Cracking read from Mr Darrow. Very interesting.
January 4, 2023
Fabulous man
April 10, 2025
Brilliantly entertaining.
November 18, 2021
This isn't a well-written autobiography. It isn't particularly insightful. It's reticent rather than revelatory. It's circumspect rather than indiscreet. It's kind rather than cruel. It could easily have been dull and boring and probably is if you're not a Blake's 7 fan. However, I found the book entertaining.
I got the impression Paul Darrow didn't think too highly of Blake's 7 but was long reconciled to the fact that Avon was going to be the role he will be remembered for and was grateful to the programme for the popularity it brought him. He is frequently funny. He quotes bad reviews: "Paul Darrow is an actor to watch. But not in this play". He imagines his obituary: "Avon won't be calling anymore". And, of course, "You're Him, Aren't You?" is the best title of a showbiz autobiography ever.
I got the impression Paul Darrow didn't think too highly of Blake's 7 but was long reconciled to the fact that Avon was going to be the role he will be remembered for and was grateful to the programme for the popularity it brought him. He is frequently funny. He quotes bad reviews: "Paul Darrow is an actor to watch. But not in this play". He imagines his obituary: "Avon won't be calling anymore". And, of course, "You're Him, Aren't You?" is the best title of a showbiz autobiography ever.
Read
November 5, 2016I have enjoyed reading this book, both in paper and audio. Having Paul read it in his beautiful voice, and with his emphasis, the memoir is enhanced.
I know that other reviewers have mentioned his dropping of names, many they don't know, but it must be remembered when Paul began his career and therefore the importance of many of these people. His comments of many of them are great fun.
The description of Paul's adventures as a schoolboy are greatly enjoyable and interesting.
Then the description of his entry to acting and his early career, before Blake's 7.
There is a LARGE section describing the 4 years of filming Blakes 7 - the episodes, his colleagues, the producers and editors. Very interesting.
I particularly like the way Paul talks about people he has spent time with. He happily compliments those he admires by name, but any criticism is anonymous - he is not prepared to sledge people and this is refreshing. He also does not build himself up at the expense of others. This fits well with the way Paul presents in videos of his appearances at interviews and conferences, a fact I find very comforting since I have become a trifle obsessed with his career over the last several months.
He mentions his wife only a few times, and keeps his personal life basically personal and private.
I recommend this book as well worth reading if you enjoy Blake's 7 and would like to know more about the background of this series.
I know that other reviewers have mentioned his dropping of names, many they don't know, but it must be remembered when Paul began his career and therefore the importance of many of these people. His comments of many of them are great fun.
The description of Paul's adventures as a schoolboy are greatly enjoyable and interesting.
Then the description of his entry to acting and his early career, before Blake's 7.
There is a LARGE section describing the 4 years of filming Blakes 7 - the episodes, his colleagues, the producers and editors. Very interesting.
I particularly like the way Paul talks about people he has spent time with. He happily compliments those he admires by name, but any criticism is anonymous - he is not prepared to sledge people and this is refreshing. He also does not build himself up at the expense of others. This fits well with the way Paul presents in videos of his appearances at interviews and conferences, a fact I find very comforting since I have become a trifle obsessed with his career over the last several months.
He mentions his wife only a few times, and keeps his personal life basically personal and private.
I recommend this book as well worth reading if you enjoy Blake's 7 and would like to know more about the background of this series.
February 24, 2013
A name dropping memoir, but a good one. I love watching the character of Avon, and Darrow doesn't shy away from the reason he's famous. He loves being associated with the character.
Darrow does seem to be exactly the opposite of his famous persona, and his voice works here because of that. He comes off as someone you wouldn't mind inviting for dinner. The book is full of name-dropping stories.
He spends about half the book talking about his acting career in general and the other half about Blakes 7 specifically. This includes a lengthy section about the 52 Blakes 7 episodes one by one. It's a great read if you like Blakes 7 or if you have any interest in British theater.
It could do with a new edition, though. Darrow spends some white space talking about his relation to Doctor Who. This section was written just as Doctor Who was coming back onto our screens. Because of this he talks about working with David Tennant, "star of Cassanova." Oops. David Tennant was great in Cassanova, but it's far from the first thing brought up these days, isn't it?
Yes, he has connections to Doctor Who on every level. Maybe, as we inch towards another attempted Blakes 7 revival, we might see a new edition. Are you reading this, Mr. Darrow?
Darrow does seem to be exactly the opposite of his famous persona, and his voice works here because of that. He comes off as someone you wouldn't mind inviting for dinner. The book is full of name-dropping stories.
He spends about half the book talking about his acting career in general and the other half about Blakes 7 specifically. This includes a lengthy section about the 52 Blakes 7 episodes one by one. It's a great read if you like Blakes 7 or if you have any interest in British theater.
It could do with a new edition, though. Darrow spends some white space talking about his relation to Doctor Who. This section was written just as Doctor Who was coming back onto our screens. Because of this he talks about working with David Tennant, "star of Cassanova." Oops. David Tennant was great in Cassanova, but it's far from the first thing brought up these days, isn't it?
Yes, he has connections to Doctor Who on every level. Maybe, as we inch towards another attempted Blakes 7 revival, we might see a new edition. Are you reading this, Mr. Darrow?
March 11, 2015
Paul Darrow's awesome performance as Avon in Blake's 7 makes him forever a legend. Bringing Shakespearean menace and cracking dialogue into space, it was a role that could only have happened in a BBC production and makes him a national treasure. This memoir does not live up to the promise in many ways: he comes across as somewhat pampered, admittedly right-wing (it doesn't tick my boxes) and a bit vain at times. Most criminally though, the writing is poor: flat, repetitive and lacking in style.
On the whole the punches are pulled - he loves almost everyone he works with or at least wants to keep on their good sides. It can read a bit like a DVD extra from a US sitcom: Gee, when I heard I would be working with Gary/Larry/Carrie I was real stoked, etc. On the one occasion he does not like someone he alludes to so much that almost all of the reading is between the lines and you are left wondering what the real truth is or even, whether he is just being a bit crass by slating this producer in print:"He's never produced anything of worth,"etc.
A shame - you are better off watching him act that reading his autobiography.
Please note - any quotes are paraphrasings, not actual renderings. I wanted to give the flavour, not the taste.
On the whole the punches are pulled - he loves almost everyone he works with or at least wants to keep on their good sides. It can read a bit like a DVD extra from a US sitcom: Gee, when I heard I would be working with Gary/Larry/Carrie I was real stoked, etc. On the one occasion he does not like someone he alludes to so much that almost all of the reading is between the lines and you are left wondering what the real truth is or even, whether he is just being a bit crass by slating this producer in print:"He's never produced anything of worth,"etc.
A shame - you are better off watching him act that reading his autobiography.
Please note - any quotes are paraphrasings, not actual renderings. I wanted to give the flavour, not the taste.
May 11, 2018
Full disclosure: I could listen to almost anything read by Paul Darrow, also known as Kerr Avon in Blake's 7. I'm currently listening to Lucifer, which is good in places, but looooooooong. It doesn't matter how long, with a voice like this. I suspect that, were I to be reading this on paper, (a mistake I made with Who On Earth Is Tom Baker? An Autobiography which suffers similar criticism) I'd find fault with the jumpy narrative, the similarity of the stories, but as an audio book I just revel in the silky tones of Paul reminiscing about his career in theatre. He comes across as a charming, generous spirited fellow, and being a fully signed up sci-fi nerd I love to hear about the behind the scenes of a tv show beloved in my childhood, and even more so now, with its audiodrama renaissance at Big Finish. A lovely treat, though to a rather specialised audience, I imagine.
January 11, 2016
OK, I know it this is only for fans of the British 1980's low budget TV Sci-Fi show Blake's 7.
Nevertheless I am a huge fan of Kerr Avon, Paul Darrow's character, and his autobiography shows him to be a kind, good humoured thoroughly nice chap. A very quick read with a fair few laughs and, as he admits, the requisite amount of name dropping.
Thoroughly enjoyable, although it could do with an update given Mr Darrow's recent illness and the relative success of the 'Big Finish' audio continuation of the series.
If you haven't seen Blake's 7 - you really should seek it out. Ignore the shaky scenery and consider the remarkably dark and intelligent nature of the series in the context of it's time. My daughter got this book for herself having discovered the joys of this series with only minimal help from me, and having met Paul Darrow at Conventions.
Nevertheless I am a huge fan of Kerr Avon, Paul Darrow's character, and his autobiography shows him to be a kind, good humoured thoroughly nice chap. A very quick read with a fair few laughs and, as he admits, the requisite amount of name dropping.
Thoroughly enjoyable, although it could do with an update given Mr Darrow's recent illness and the relative success of the 'Big Finish' audio continuation of the series.
If you haven't seen Blake's 7 - you really should seek it out. Ignore the shaky scenery and consider the remarkably dark and intelligent nature of the series in the context of it's time. My daughter got this book for herself having discovered the joys of this series with only minimal help from me, and having met Paul Darrow at Conventions.
December 21, 2022
Mr Darrow does like to name drop! He's ever so kind to fellow actors, and he doesn't dish the dirt. At all!
That aside, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Better still as I listened to the audiobook version read by Mr Darrow with his gorgeous, sonorous voice. Had I read the book I might have found it a bit dull. As it was, listening to him tell his own story was a lot of fun. He's very self-deprecating and made me laugh out loud several times throughout the book. Luckily I was in the car whilst listening to this audiobook, so I didn't look like a complete weirdo!
What I found fascinating was that he was such a thespian. Much more of a theatre actor then a tv star. I do wish I'd had the chance to see him tread the boards.
Definite must for Blake's 7 fans!
That aside, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Better still as I listened to the audiobook version read by Mr Darrow with his gorgeous, sonorous voice. Had I read the book I might have found it a bit dull. As it was, listening to him tell his own story was a lot of fun. He's very self-deprecating and made me laugh out loud several times throughout the book. Luckily I was in the car whilst listening to this audiobook, so I didn't look like a complete weirdo!
What I found fascinating was that he was such a thespian. Much more of a theatre actor then a tv star. I do wish I'd had the chance to see him tread the boards.
Definite must for Blake's 7 fans!
February 17, 2014
The memoir of Paul Darrow, who played Avon in the brilliant 1980s cult science fiction series Blakes 7. It's a pretty funny book; totally self-obsessed, totally luvvie, totally namedroppy, public-school-boy-turns-actor memoirs of the English touring theatre scene, Blakes 7, etc. Featuring a ton of actors, producers, directors, writers and BBC execs who I've never heard of. Seductive in its enthusiasm. Some good B7 filming anecdotes, although less than I'd think. This book could just as well be called "Having An Amusing Conversation with Paul Darrow So You Don't Have To."
December 6, 2015
A lighthearted autobiography from the actor who played Avon in BBC's Blake's 7. Lots of fun anecdotes and name dropping in conversational style from a man who is as good at speaking live at the sci-fi conference circuit as he is playing in Shakespeare plays.
July 28, 2007
Darrow's not a brilliant writer, but he has a lot of interesting things to say.
May 16, 2014
An excellent memoir of the Blakes 7 TV show. I read this straight through in a couple of hours. Very funny and very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews