Abacus Playing Under the Piano Comedy gold Sunday Times From Downton to Darkest Peru.

by Hugh Bonneville

Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro's right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father's dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Adult

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anyone who doesn’t absolutely adore Hugh Bonneville? I know they say you shouldn’t meet the people you admire but I’d love to meet him. And by spending time with his autobiography, it’s like I know him.

I’m always amazed in a memoir how people can remember things from their past, even down to conversations they had, and Hugh does that brilliantly, providing us with anecdotes about his time on the stage and the who’s who of colleagues.

The majority of us will know him from his TV and movie work, and wouldn’t necessarily have had the luxury of seeing him on stage, so it was fascinating to hear about that side of his career and his progress to the big screen.

I love the little secrets and backstage gossip he gives us, not only from the theatre but from some of his best loved works including W1A, Downton Abbey, Monument Men and Paddington. It gives the readers something to take away and gives them something extra to think about when watching them.

I know this sounds contradictory but go with it. Whilst I’m aware the whole point of an autobiography is to talk about yourself, but I find a lot of them to be self centred, rather than talk about their life for information sakes, they do it to show off. But Hugh’s didn’t feel like that. It felt like chatting to a friend.

It’s very natural and not stilted in any way. It flits and floats from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, from theatre to TV and to film, in and out, back and forth, and whereas this might have been confusing, it wasn’t even thought about. It just flowed so well.

I love additions of photographs in biographies, and I instantly go to them first before I read any of it, and he’s chosen some good ones that just flow so well with the prose.

I find memoirs are either very, very good and well accomplished, or are a bit…..meh, a bit okay. This was definitely in the first category. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone, whether you’re a fan of his or not (but, quite frankly, I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t be).

It’s funny and interesting, entertaining, and a fascinating insight into his personal and professional life. You can see how passionate he is about his craft. He’s honest, baring the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. Overall it’s very funny. Funnier than I expect a memoir to be. He’s self deprecating, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and manages to find love and light and humour in everything he does.

[Felix Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful man. Probably the best Autobiography of an Actor I’ve read. Moving and funny :)

[Sally Hetherington OAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read autobiographies. If I were to guess, I read one a year at most. But Hugh Bonneville has brought so much joy into my life over the years, first through Notting Hill as a teenager, then Downton Abbey when I was living in Cambodia and needing comfort, then through the backlog of tv shows and movies I devoured through the pandemic (if you haven’t yet watched W1A, go look for it now). So, I knew I just had to read this account of his life.

It didn’t disappoint.

Hugh’s writing style and self-deprecating sense of humour shine through in this book, with lots of amazing name dropping and behind-the-scenes looks at productions he has worked on. I particularly liked hearing about *that* bloody scene in season six of Downton Abbey.

A big thank you to Hachette Australia for my gifted copy.

[Deity World · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I enjoy reading about how actors get into show business I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Some parts were humorous memories and some weren’t. As for Hugh as a person I find him quite arrogant and aggressive please note there is quite a lot of swearing in this book including the C word which I do not appreciate. I’m a huge fan of downtown abbey and Notting Hill is one of my favourite movies so I will always remember him that way.

[Louise Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, without doubt, an utterly delightful book in the best possible non-sentimental way. It's a book where you feel that Hugh Bonneville, very much in the style of his Twenty Twelve/W1A character Ian Fletcher, is actually telling you his life story - and a glorious experience it is, too.

Bonneville's story isn't necessarily cosy, but it does have a "feel-good" factor. I loved his stories of backstage life at the RSC and the National, his encounters with American TV pilots, thankless auditions, and the vagaries of an actor's life. What he makes *very* clear is just how hard an actor's life *is* in its early stages, and that sometimes not even extraordinarily hard work will bring longed for results; disappointments and let-downs are always part of any actor's life.

What's best about this book is Bonneville's easy, chatty style, and his knack for telling a good story well; stories such as his meetings with Raquel Welch (she sounds genuinely divine), Bill Murray, and every well-known British thesp you can think of. The cast of characters also includes Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Iain Glen, Anthony Sher - well, you get the idea. One of my favourite stories is from his time at the RSC, when he shared a house with Holby City's Guy Henry; on Sunday mornings Bonneville would do the potatoes and then read the papers, whilst Henry prepared a huge roast dinner.

Obviously, Hugh's descriptions of life working on Downton Abbey and the Paddington films are currently of most interest - these are fascinating and informative, and clearly show that he had a ball working on them. What's equally nice is his obvious pleasure at meeting up with old friends on new jobs; yes, he name-drops, but there aren't any 'clangs'!

This is a warm, frank, compassionate and moving book, such as when Hugh talks about the deaths of his elder brother and mother; but it is also full of life and vigour, and is frequently hilarious: some moments are laugh out loud funny, retold in Bonneville's dry, self-deprecating manner. I'd love to read more from him.

Playing Under The Piano (the title's explained near the start) is book-ended by Bonneville keeping vigil over his father, who is dying from dementia. I defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the end of the final chapter.

Hugh Bonneville comes across as a likeable, funny, caring, and hard-working man, and it's a joy spending time in his occasionally deadpan but genial company, hearing entertaining tales of triumph and disaster. A highly recommended read.

[Anthea Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I listened to it and Bonneville reads it beautifully. I loved how self deprecating and how funny. His story about his mother is a wonderful revelation and his descriptions of his father's decent into dementia - and then his death - is by turns devastating and beautiful. I'd like to sit down in the pub over a glass with Bonneville and listen to all his stories.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

More thoughts to follow but I've just finished listening to the audio book of this narrated by Hugh - and he does it wonderfully. Loved it.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though it took me forever to read this, I found it very good. If you enjoy thespian stories with humor this one delivers.

[David Dunlap · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are the rather interesting memoirs of the English actor now best known for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the 'Downton Abbey' series. I enjoyed the book -- Mr. Bonneville's wit and sense of humor pop out at the most delightfully unexpected moments! -- but not without some caveats. Taken as a whole, I found the earlier chapters 'hold together' better; the latter ones not only seem less strongly organized, but also seem to evidence a possible loss of interest in the material to be related (?). There is a surprising lack of detail about the 'Downton Abbey' period (perhaps another book on that subject is in the works?) -- and I was a bit disappointed by finding no mention of the 2002 BBC miniseries of 'Daniel Deronda,' where I first made his 'acquaintance.' Still, if the reader has any interest in the theater, I believe he/she will be especially fascinated by the early chapters of this book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book an almost four. I wanted to read more about Hugh Bonneville since I am a fan of Downton Abbey. He writes of his childhood and finding early on his interest in acting. He shares about the many plays he has been in. Many Shakespearean plays. He writes about some other movies and tv shows he has been in and of course a bit on Downton Abbey. I wish he had shared a bit more about the show but good enough. I like to read memoirs and this was a good one. He keeps it "nice" with no mudslinging.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best memoirs that I have read. I truly enjoyed listening to the author read his own book and his humor was very entertaining. I would definitely recommend the audiobook rather than reading it.

[Chloe Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook, always find it really enjoyable listening to the author tell their own story, especially when it's someone as likable as Hugh Bonneville. Loved the stories he told of his life on stage and screen, and all the rest in between.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the pictures

[Michelle Cornelius · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF on page 71

I really tried with this book but I just couldn't get into it, I found his personality rather dull which disappointed me.

Maybe if I'd pushed through it would have got better but the content just didn't grab me.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This surprised me in a very good way. It's a brilliant, entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny at times, and moving memoir. I also found the parts about the acting craft extremely interesting. It was a delight to read and highly recommended.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this book,no. Hugh Bonneville is a likeable person, that didn’t change in my reading of this. But did this book need to be written,no. Yes he’s famous, but there was nothing remarkable in this book. Posh boy ends up in theatre. And the names!!! There’s even an index. This felt like a book that Hugh would reread when he’s old and chuckle to himself. His father has dementia so it did feel understandable he wanted to write it all down for when he might potentially forget.

[Amanda Jeffs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little memoir. If you love Downton Abbey and Notting hill, you will enjoy reading this. Takes you through interesting vignettes in Hughs life. Fun to get to know more about him.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

From his stage career to his roles in Notting Hill, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Paddington, The Hollow Crown, The Monuments Men, Iris, Mansfield Park and his iconic portrayal of the patriarch, Robert Crowley, in Downton Abbey, Hugh Bonneville has had a varied career and is still going strong. This memoir charts the path of an actor both professionally and personally on his journey. It is both humorous and emotional and the reader hopes more memoirs will be forthcoming as he continues his journey into the future. - BH.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

For years Hugh Bonneville has been a highly recognizable face on the British stage, film and TV screen but his skills aren't limited to acting. He's also written a highly readable and well-written memoir peppered with behind-the-scenes Downton Abbey tales while leading readers through his comfortable childhood, early theatre experience and world wide recognition as Lord Grantham in the beloved TV series. Bonneville shares amusing, hilarious and poignant stories about unrecognized encounters with big Hollywood stars, botched auditions, and how dampening his self-depcracating British personality scored a helicopter ride in California for a press junket. He also recounts the heart-breaking process of watching dementia claim his beloved father and learning the truth about his mother's part-time "filing job" after her death. Bonneville is a gifted writer and an apparently loving husband and father. So while little dirt is dished, the stories he tells of the actors he worked with, including between scenes chit-chat with Shirley MacLaine and Maggie Smith, are more fulfilling than most Hollywood tell-alls.

[Sara Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty at times and mostly full of dry British humor. He had quite a stage background in England and I found this journey and its stories fascinating. The Notting Hill chapter was my favorite and has some fun insights into production, as well as a Julia Roberts story about loyalty. If you’re coming for juicy Downton Abbey stories, maybe skip this one. There are maybe two chapters at the end that discuss the beloved show and only one or two things stick out to me as interesting. He mentions that the cast was very tight-lipped and allied with each other during filming, and that’s certainly still the case. As a self-proclaimed Anglophile, I always enjoy memoirs like these.

[Michele Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt especially care for this book. It read as an autobiography but I found it very slow moving and too much detail on certain theatrical experiences he encountered
I was just hoping it would have been more enjoyable to read

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was as delightful as I imagine Hugh Bonneville himself to be.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant! A highly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, especially with the audio read by the author.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! Hugh is charming and a wonderful mimic—get the audio!

[Amy Spour (bookish.contentment) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun listen to dip in and out of. Hugh Bonneville is a funny and engaging narrator too. The parts about Downton Abbey and Paddington were my favourite and I loved hearing about all the other cast and crew. Definitely one to listen to if you like Downton.

[Sheila Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which I read as an audiobook. It’s narrated by Hugh Bonneville himself which makes it much more authentic. I liked his writing and he has a fine turn of phrase, with some unexpectedly laugh out loud stories.

[Clare Kirwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This entertaining book has everything you’d want from an actor’s autobiography: early struggles, plenty of chuckles, interesting anecdotes about the workings of theatre and film, choice tidbits of celebrity name-dropping, and enough personal stuff to feel privileged to be confided in without feeling like an embarrassed interloper. I'd highly recommend the audio book as it is perfectly read by Hugh himself. The timescales move around a bit but overall very enjoyable.

[donna_ehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Hugh Bonneville is simply a delight as he tells the stories that make up his memoir. For they really are a series of stories rather than a very linear start-to-finish biography, and I think the overall book is the stronger for it. It's a format that clear plays to Hugh's strengths, both as a writer and narrator. It comes off as being very natural and flowing, much like Hugh's narration.

He talks a lot about the business side of acting as well as its logistics, which I found really interesting. From the way deals are made (or not, as the case may be) to the audition process to the day-to-day routine of being on a stage or film set. Learning about things like the different areas backstage in a theatre, the ways in which the actors get to the stage prior to their entrance into a play, that sort of thing. It was all vividly told and easy to imagine.

Speaking of theatre, a lot of the content is about his career on the stage which, you'll find out, was quite a few years before he got a start in film and television. It's a given that many, many British actors have roots in theatre and yet I still find myself surprised when I find out just how deep those roots go when it comes to actors I tend to associate with the screen. I simply had no idea he's always been a stage actor. His love for it comes through with every word he writes about it.

In terms of film, I was delighted with his recounting of working on Iris and specifically the fact that so many people couldn't believe two different actors were playing John Bayley (Hugh as the younger version, Jim Broadbent as the older). Because I myself couldn't believe it either when I saw it the first time! It's uncanny in still images and even more so when you're watching it. He also tells a marvelous story about Kate Winslet and how she delivered three different reactions/approaches to one scene in which she told Bayley/Broadbent about the men she's had in her life.

Hugh mixes the silly and the sombre with ease. He's experienced significant loss in his life and those reminiscences shimmer with love, emotion, and sometimes regret. His impersonations will bring the gossipy, behind-the-scenes bits to life and have you laughing.

This is a funny, self-deprecating, wonderfully told book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Bonneville, for me, comes across as such a lovely person! He's so well known and done so many things, this book was a delight to read. Written in his own unique style, the book showcases his career, taking in all his more well-known work through to some of the unknown. There is plenty of name dropping throughout, with stories and anecdotes from some of his showbiz acquaintances filling the pages. It's also a heartwarming and sometimes sad read with the author's story of his dad's dementia. This book certainly manages to have you laughing and crying throughout.

My favourite Hugh Bonneville character is Bernie in the Notting Hill, and the story of Bernie's character was great to read! The author is a true all-rounder, having done all genres of films and programs, making him the likeable actor that he is. A fun, light-hearted and interesting read - would recommend!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your interest in this book stems from your affection for Downton Abbey, be aware that Downtown Abbey is not discussed at any significant length until the last 15% of the book. Most of the book is devoted to his theater career. It is written for British audiences. There are a lot of words and phrases many American readers won't understand and lots of name-dropping of people largely unknown to the masses in America. Understandable I suppose. Less understandable is the poor organization and lack of transitions. You think you're following his story, then he ricochets to something completely unrelated.

The tone is often quaint and entertaining, but sometimes a little prissy for my taste. His frequent talk of pee and use of vulgar words always makes me think of an eight-year-old boy, not a refined gentleman I hoped to find. I guess that's just the Crawley character he plays.

Nonetheless, a very ambitious project with lots of details, maybe more than needed for the audience but good for passing down to his son, Felix, which he mentions in passing as a purpose of writing memoirs.

His memories of his family were, to me, by far the most touching and the best in their composition. Nigel was quite memorable.

All in all, if you aren't expecting a lot about Downton Abbey and you are curious about (or already know) the landscape of Hugh Bonneville's life, you will enjoy this book.