Arguments With England

by Michael Blakemore

Now recognized as one of today's greatest theater directors and winner of two Tony Awards-and director of this season's most acclaimed play, Democracy , by his frequent collaborator Michael Frayn-Michael Blakemore followed a unique path to success. In this book, he discusses his boyhood in Australia and his start in England as an actor-his life changed by a tour of Titus Andronicus with Laurence Olivier at the height of his powers-and continuing up to his first success as a director with A Day in the Death of Joe Egg . In recounting his early life, Blakemore provides "a pitch-perfect account of dreaming youth, driven, frustrated, and eventually deepened by a realistic love of the theatre" (David Hare).

Genres: Theatre

416 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2004

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to the most vivid book about theatre life I have ever read. A candid, detailed and compelling narrative about how an actor struggles to get recognition in a foreign country, what the theatre scene in the UK was like to break into in the 1950s and early 60s. All this through the eyes of a gifted, witty Australian writer who takes you into his confidence in an extraordinary way and really speaks openly about his own failings and failures as well as his successes. Its gratifying to know he ended up as an artistic director of the National Theatre later in life. Highly recommended.

[Lloyd Masel]

It needed a brave Australian to try and buck the conservative British theatre system. This one succeeded. His story is gripping with guts and determination. In addition to being an outstanding director, a fine writer.

[Jeff Howells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently read Blakemore's memoir of his time at the National Theatre, I've now caught up with this earlier book which covers his years as an actor (travelling from Australia, studying at RADA, acting in Rep). Although I was more interested in the NT period covered in the later book, this is actually more enjoyable. To be honest he comes across as a bit of a sh1t...having a number of affairs behind the back of the woman who would become his wife. We also discover the reasons why he intensely disliked Peter Hall - it wasn't professional, it was personal. Although over the two books I came to loathe him, this is a good read if you are interested in post war theatre.

[Marie Fouhey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Stage Blood but still quite interesting, especially on the subject of the roles he played as an actor and how he approached them. He is quite candid on the difficulties he had working as an actor in various repertory companies and also on his friendships and those he disagreed with either professionally or personally. From his own telling he must have made a poor husband. The book really comes alive when he discusses directing which is what he loves to do.

[JHS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a short stint assisting Blakemore for a play that never ended up seeing the light of day. And even in his old age I found him remarkably brilliant that I immediately saw him as a mentor. Years later I picked up this book.
The openness of Michael's writing (whilst beautifully well moulded) gave me an appreciation to the monumental director he would eventually become. I appreciated his struggles and shuddered at his shortcomings, but admired his almost matter-of-fact nature.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a lot more than I expected. Had loved his later book Stage Blood, but while this is less of a thriller it's extremely well written, and lots of insights into culture of the 50s and 60s, his messy love life and life in general! Would recommend!