Julie Hesmondhalgh: A Working Diary

by Julie Hesmondhalgh

Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh's working diary begins in November 2016 at the end of a full and exciting year of theatre-making with her company, Take Back. The company is a northern-based collective creating immediate script-in-hand responses to social and political events (of which there were many in 2016). Her work with Take Back fell between filming the third series of Broadchurch for ITV and starring in the award-winning play Wit at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.



She kicks off as she prepares to start rehearsals for Mike Leigh's epic film about the Peterloo Massacre of 1819; visits schools and colleges representing Arts Emergency - an organisation set up to promote opportunities for young working-class actors; and awaits news of a possible London transfer of Wit.

The book takes in Hesmondhalgh's unique experiences of working in film, theatre, TV and radio drama, and through the ups and downs of life as a working actor and producer, while balancing family life. The events described throughout take place against the backdrop of the huge political change and upheaval as Britain votes in favour of Brexit and Donald Trump is elected as US president.

Throughout, Julie Hesmondhalgh considers the impact and challenges of starting a brand new chapter of her career after 16 years in Coronation Street; growing older as a woman in an industry preoccupied by youth and appearance; working with a legend of British film making; running a company; being a parent; experiencing first-hand the huge changes and pressures in the creative industries and arts education; and the lesser-known aspects of an actor's life post-production and publicity. All the while, she attempts to pass on any knowledge or experiences she might have accrued to people starting out in the business in this fascinating year-long journal.

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2019

Reviews

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book. An inspiring book. A life-affirming book. An optimistic book. And an absolute must-read book. Actor, activist, producer and all-round good egg Julie Hesmondhalgh charts a year in her life working in TV, film and on stage with gusto, humour and empathy. As someone who “gives a shit” about the world around her, Hesmondhalgh’s account never flinches from telling things as they are and always points out the injustices in the world in which she works - but crucially she highlights solutions too. She is intimately involved in delivering those solutions too, with her brilliant work for Arts Emergency being a particular highlight. I defy anyone who reads this book not to come away inspired and determined to do something to make the world a better place. Julie Hesmondhalgh is a force of nature and we we’d more people like her in the arts. I’m so glad I read this book - and so will you be too, so read it as soon as you can!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a working diary, really enjoyed this. Julie comes across as honest with her own doubts which is very reassuring and fascinating to hear about all of the things she does outside of her tv work