Out of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, and everything in between

by Alison Steadman

A Waterstones Best Book of 2024 'Marriage to Mike Leigh, the minutiae of working on Gavin and Stacey: it's a tribute to her range that there's something here to interest everybody' Telegraph

The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star.

Candice Marie in Nuts in May. Beverly in Abigail’s Party. Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Betty in Fat Friends. Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey – we can all name a beloved, iconic character brought to life by the magnificent Alison Steadman.

Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison – ever the entertainer – would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an actual audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. By the time she left, her mind was made she was going to be an actress! If only she could conquer the onstage giggling …

Always pushing boundaries – reclining naked on a sofa in her first role, embracing groundbreaking female characters from day one – Alison has deservedly found acclaim and recognition, succeeding in her TV and theatre career while juggling family life – a difficult feat for any working mother, but particularly for an actress in the twentieth century.

From the nervy Mrs Bennet to the robo-dancing Pam-el-aah, Alison has proved herself again and again to be a comedy genius. Here, with her distinctive warmth and humour, she vividly recalls all the must-read moments of a life spent in and out of character.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography Memoir, British Literature

Audible Audio

Published October 10, 2024

Reviews

[Lynn Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I chose to listen to this autobiography of Alison Steadman and I am so so happy that I did. Listening to this felt like I was listening to a friend. Alison’s delivery was phenomenal and hearing her bring some of her old characters to life was just wonderful. I learnt a lot about this lady’s life, but the key thing I learnt was just how hard she has worked. I think we are often quick to assume that celebrities have it all, but my god, Alison has really worked for her money. Alison bravely opens up about some incredibly difficult and dangerous situations she has sadly had to experience, as well as her relationship with grief. My favourite part was of course, the Gavin and Stacey chapter. The way she spoke of James and Ruth so highly in both Fat Friends and Gavin and Stacey was really heartwarming ❤️ I loved this so much and will always love everything Alison stars in!

[Toby Sutton-Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with most people in the UK, I bloody love Alison Steadman and so I was quite excited when I got this for Christmas. Our Pamelar has certainly led an interesting life, this was a real page turner. My main criticism (and this is arguably the best criticism to have) I was disappointed at how short it was, I wished there was more!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting autobiography of the actress and her upbringing in Liverpool and does some up with some funny stories

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star 🌟 - PAMELLAAAAAAAA absolutely loved !! First audiobook of the year 5 stars, such a brilliant insight into her life and brilliant listening to her read it! Love love love

[Amanda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this memoir from Alison Steadman. Great actress and seems like a lovely lady. Listen to it as well, if you can 🥰

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely such a lovely lady inside and out.

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I’ve loved Alison in Fat Friends and Gavin & Stacey, but wow… this autobiography is so much more than that! 💛 Hearing her story—from her childhood, to her early career, to the many parts of her life—made me feel like I really got to know her. She comes across as genuinely warm, funny, and completely down-to-earth, exactly like you’d hope from someone you’ve adored on screen for years. I loved learning about the highs, the lows, and all the little moments in between that shaped her career and life. 📖✨

If you’re a fan of her work, or just enjoy memoirs full of heart, honesty, and a touch of humour, this one’s a must-read. I honestly finished it feeling inspired and like I’d spent time with a friend I wish I’d met years ago. 🫶

#OutOfCharacter #AlisonSteadman #Autobiography #Memoir #InspiringReads

[Leanne Prangnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly a lovely read. I have known of a lot of Alison Steadman's TV work but have only seen a couple of her later shows- and loved them!
It was very interesting to learn more about her, her family and her upbringing. It was also enlightening to have an insight into her professional work and her methods.
The voice she writes with is calm and considered which makes for an easy read that feels like you're learning about the life of a friend, from a friend.

[Brooke Watton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Listened to it on audio and it was an absolute delight hearing all the different characters and accents that Alison can do! Loved hearing about her early life, parents and childhood. And loved hearing about all the different roles she's played. I have only watched her in G&S but now I want to watch everything that she's ever been in because she is an absolute delight! I'm not a memoir person, but this was fab!

[Leora Taratula-Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting but not enthralling

[Lisa]

I love her but this was just okay, in my opinion

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t know anything about acting or theatre, that combined with the joy of Alison steadman was a good book. Loved the behind the scenes of her role as Mrs Bennett!

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're expecting a tell-all kind of celebrity book with confessions etc this book isn't for you.
She just tells her story of early childhood & how she became an actress. Having seen her in quite a few tv shows/films I really enjoyed it.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fabulous memoir by one of the UK’s most beloved actresses chronicling her life and career, this is a wonderfully warm and personal account of Alison’s life and times, loved it!

[Debra Govier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison gives us a clear picture of her life as a child in Liverpool in the 1940s and 50s, and how she came to realize that her love of drama might be something she could make a living from.
It was lovely to read how supportive her parents were, when in those days most parents wouldn't have considered it a proper career.
Alison describes how she gets inside all the characters she plays, which makes them all so real.
I haven't seen a lot of her work, but after reading her book, I will make the effort to watch her when I can.

[Katie Loves Kitty cats · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love her in so many things, but this autobiography felt very surface level. Alison comes across as a very lovely person but I had to skim read parts as lots of little anecdotes & stories were a little bland. Also disappointed she didn't talk about Shirley Valentine.

[StrictlySue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve grown up with characters played by Alison Steadman, from Beverley in Abigail’s Party to Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, through to Pamela Shipman in Gavin and Stacey so I was looking forward to reading her memoirs. I was not disappointed! Alison’s voice comes through loud and clear - it’s like listening to a friend’s life story - shocking and sad in parts, but mostly filled with the determination to become an actress, a massive sense of humour, anxiety, fun, nakedness (!!) and loyalty. I hadn’t realised how much Alison had been at the forefront of the rise of actresses in this country, pushing boundaries and striving to put strong female characters front and centre. Alison is a true National Treasure!

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Character by Alison Steadman is a complete joy from start to finish. Known for her outstanding career on stage and screen, Steadman proves here that her talent extends effortlessly onto the page. What I loved most was how warm, witty, and utterly heartfelt this book is – it feels like sitting down with an old friend who has story after story to tell.

The novel follows a cast of wonderfully observed characters who feel so real, it’s as if you could bump into them in your local café. Steadman writes with sharp humour and keen insight, but also with a tenderness that makes you genuinely care about the people on the page. There’s something so authentic about the way she captures human relationships, flaws and all, and it’s clear that her lifetime in theatre and television has given her a deep understanding of character and nuance.

The writing is snappy, full of life, and filled with moments that make you both laugh and reflect. It’s one of those rare books that entertains you while quietly tugging at your heart. The pacing is excellent too – I especially loved the mix of shorter, brisker chapters alongside longer, more reflective passages. It keeps the flow dynamic and makes it impossible to put down.

Alison Steadman has given us a novel that is as vivid and memorable as any of her performances. For fans of character-driven storytelling with humour, warmth, and plenty of heart, Out of Character is an absolute must-read. I adored every page and will be recommending it widely.

[Paul Forster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am afraid I was very disappointed by this memoir. I love Alison Steadman and she has had an outstanding career so I was looking forward to reading about her life, but she is so vague about so much stuff. She had a very happy and stable childhood, she can't help that but she holds back so much about her adult life she may as well have not bothered. She admits she is quite a private person, fair enough, but then why bother? There aren't really that many funny anecdotes about life as a jobbing actor, or indiscreet comments on her fellow thespians, and this is so frustrating, especially when you see all the people she has worked with. OK you don't need to be like Miriam Margoyles but I have read plenty of other actor's memoirs that still served up some really interesting insights about their personality and some frank and honest comments of their experiences. She does include for two horrendous experiences with predatory men, but for some reason they just jarred and seemed out of place amongst the rest of the stuff, although I fully appreciate the impact these must have had on Alison and it is nothing but admirable that she chose to share. Overall a great missed opportunity.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful memoir into the life of a humble actress; how truly loving your craft gives you opportunities rather than wishing to be famous. So fascinating how foundations in improvisation and theatre, namely Shakespeare and plays, can give you the skills for TV and radio. I love how this focused upon parts of Alison’s life unknown to me…I first enjoyed watching ‘Pride and Prejudice’ on the BBC and even as a teenager, her character portrayal was so etched into my memory that later enjoying her roles as ‘Pamalaaaa’ in Gavin & Stacey or ‘Sue Jessop’ in Here we go…have been testimony to how Alison can tune in to ‘isms’ and portray a role. I feel lucky I was able to hear her speak recently at a literary festival and recall tales, such as those in the book, with nostalgia.

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently watched the 2024 "Gavin & Stacey" Christmas Special (through a haze of tears - dear God, I love that show!), so of course when I saw an autobiography of Alison Steadman, I had to pick it up.

She is amazing! I haven't seen all the shows/roles she's done, but I admired her in "Life is sweet", and "Pride and Prejudice", and I would give an arm and a leg to be able to watch the infamous "Abigail's party" again one day. So overall, it was pleasant and interesting to hear about her life and career, and I fully admire her as one of Britain's very greatest actresses (she says she is an actress, not an actor).

[Laura Spira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of autobiographies, especially those of celebrities, but i'm a fan of Alison Steadman so I decided to read this and enjoyed it. It's not the glossy sort of book that drops names all over the place to boost the author's standing. This is very much Alison talking about her working life, rather than the personal, and provides an excellent insight into the art of the actor. She is honest about her lack of confidence - we tend to assume that actors are all confident extroverts but I'm sure there must be many who also struggle back in the dressing room. She is also honest about other darker moments in her life but overall this is a positive, happy story.

[Elizabeth Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir. Alison speaks about her childhood in Liverpool and her career, all the different roles she has played and how she becomes that character. She has a steady, calm voice. She touches upon some personal things, her father being adopted, her aunt Mary, but not everything - her divorce for example. However, I do respect the want of privacy and whilst some memoirs would spill the beans on these sorts of things, this does not. She is measured and respectful how she deals with some sensitive issues - for example, her father’s adoption, the unwanted advances of men, a horrible director and for this, I have a lot of respect for her.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humbling memoir written by one of Britain’s beloved actresses.

I really enjoyed getting to know Alison. I didn’t realise how long her career has been and how many things she has acted in, from plays, films and of course tv.

What I particularly liked about this memoir was the absence of name dropping. In so many memoirs, the constant name dropping is overkill, but there is no name dropping in this book whatsoever, which was refreshing.

I also liked the section on Gavin & Stacey… three steaks Pam… oh my Christ!

[Sarah Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible not to like this lady. She's had an amazing career and seems to live life for the most part seeing the funny side , one of her biggest problems bei ng uncontrollable fits of giggles whilst being filmed ! She's a hard grafter, an early chapter described her dawn starts at 4.00am something to get to be on set in make up for before 6am. Then she works a 10 to 12 hours day and then a long drive home. Its an easy read but full of feel good factor and lifts you out the gloom of early January (when 8 read it).

[Fictionatnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison Steadman’s Out of Character is an absolute treat, especially in audiobook form. Narrated by Steadman herself, it feels like sitting down for a chat with an old friend. Warm, funny, and full of great stories. She takes us through her life, from growing up in post-war Liverpool to becoming one of Britain’s most beloved actresses (Abigail’s Party, Gavin & Stacey, and so much more). Her storytelling is effortless, and you can hear the passion in her voice. If you love British TV, theatre, or just a good memoir, this one’s a must-listen.

[Elaine Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading about Alison’s childhood and her career. References to how she created the characters she has played and how she felt about them were really interesting. It left me wanting to watch things I’ve not seen and rewatch some of those that I have. Alison’s voice could be heard in my mind all the way through the book and I have gained great admiration for her work ethic, and a better understanding of how improvising works. Sorry I couldn’t give a 4 - which maybe it deserved but I felt it was a little too conversational although this would be great as an audiobook.

[N.S. Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir, which was a funny and charming read. I really appreciated Alison's explorations of her approach to acting and why she loves it. There were some incidents which badly affected her but she has not let them hold her back in her career. I did feel that, compared to other actors' memoirs which I've read, not so much seemed to happen in this one and there was some repetition. It's a good read though and I recommend it.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Audiobook for me and I enjoyed this. It was a really interesting story of Alison's life and career.

I will only ever think of Alison as Pam, I've seen her in a few things but Gavin and Stacey is my absolute favourite and I love Pam. The section about Gavin and Stacey was only small but it was my favourite part of the book and the one I most looked forward to.

It was interesting to read about her life growing up and how she came to do the career she did, she has had some great jobs and worked with some amazing names and led a very eventful life. Very enjoyable read.

[Joanne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Alison Steadman in everything she does, and this book is no exception. It’s delightful to hear her stories but what impressed me so much was the detail and effort that goes into to her characters. No wonder she is such an outstanding actress. Not been given the recognition she deserves, should be a dame I think! If I’m feeling sad then anything with Alison in cheers me up and I doubt I am alone in that.