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My Name Is Not Wigs
An enthralling journey through time, fashion and theatreland: from hairdressing student in the early 1960s to theatrical wig creator for the biggest shows of our time over five decades. My Name Is Not Wigs is the ultimate read for fans of witty behind-the-curtains memoirs, especially those with a penchant for the bright lights of stage and screen: tears and accolades aplenty!
Angela’s parents wanted a different life for their daughter—after an "unpredictable lifestyle" as dancers and performers themselves—encouraging a career in hairdressing instead of the ‘business of show’. But the creative gene cannot be quelled, and Angela soon became intrigued by the art of wig-making and the history of hairstyling. After swapping scissors for antiques, fate played its part, when Angela discovered a dusty, old book of wigs and hairstyles from the 18th century. After years of uncertainty, she was certain of her purpose in life. Angela secured a job in a London theatre, taking her on a new and exciting path to becoming the go-to wig designer in theatreland and Broadway; creating wigs for Spitting Image, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Graduate, Witches of Eastwick, Jesus Christ Superstar, La Boheme and Mary Poppins to name a few; at institutions such as Madame Tussauds in London and Amsterdam, The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and The Royal National Theatre on more than 100 shows; touring the world; and working alongside many of the biggest names in acting including Joan Collins, Celia Imrie, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
Angela’s parents wanted a different life for their daughter—after an "unpredictable lifestyle" as dancers and performers themselves—encouraging a career in hairdressing instead of the ‘business of show’. But the creative gene cannot be quelled, and Angela soon became intrigued by the art of wig-making and the history of hairstyling. After swapping scissors for antiques, fate played its part, when Angela discovered a dusty, old book of wigs and hairstyles from the 18th century. After years of uncertainty, she was certain of her purpose in life. Angela secured a job in a London theatre, taking her on a new and exciting path to becoming the go-to wig designer in theatreland and Broadway; creating wigs for Spitting Image, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Graduate, Witches of Eastwick, Jesus Christ Superstar, La Boheme and Mary Poppins to name a few; at institutions such as Madame Tussauds in London and Amsterdam, The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and The Royal National Theatre on more than 100 shows; touring the world; and working alongside many of the biggest names in acting including Joan Collins, Celia Imrie, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2021
The world of theatre is fascinating but the focus always tends to be on the actors, the writers, the composers or the directors. Very little light is shone on those that really make a show work. Those who work behind the scenes. In her fascinating memoir My Name is Not Wigs, Angela Cobbin reveals the ins and outs of the wig department in some of our best loved shows.
Angela’s autobiography takes you from her humble beginnings of training in a hair salon to becoming a celebrated and sought after wig artist across the world and media platforms. Her diligence and dedication to her craft leap off every page.
The lovely thing about My Name is Not Wigs is that it doesn’t feel too heavy on the craft. Whilst we can tell Angela Cobbin is good at what she does and she does bring in technical detail into her narrative we are not bogged down with information that we can’t understand. It is actually quite the opposite. We are told in a way that does make the world of wig-making seem understandable.
However, my favourite thing about My Name is Not Wigs was that it felt conversational. It felt like I had sat down with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while and was enjoying a catch up with her. Angela Cobbin’s writing makes you feel like you are privy to her world because you already have an established relationship. It really made My Name is Not Wigs an enjoyable read.
My Name is Not Wigs…Or the Day I Thought Pavarotti was a Stage Hand by Angela Cobbin is available now.
Angela’s autobiography takes you from her humble beginnings of training in a hair salon to becoming a celebrated and sought after wig artist across the world and media platforms. Her diligence and dedication to her craft leap off every page.
The lovely thing about My Name is Not Wigs is that it doesn’t feel too heavy on the craft. Whilst we can tell Angela Cobbin is good at what she does and she does bring in technical detail into her narrative we are not bogged down with information that we can’t understand. It is actually quite the opposite. We are told in a way that does make the world of wig-making seem understandable.
However, my favourite thing about My Name is Not Wigs was that it felt conversational. It felt like I had sat down with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while and was enjoying a catch up with her. Angela Cobbin’s writing makes you feel like you are privy to her world because you already have an established relationship. It really made My Name is Not Wigs an enjoyable read.
My Name is Not Wigs…Or the Day I Thought Pavarotti was a Stage Hand by Angela Cobbin is available now.
September 29, 2021
Angela Cobbin has had a remarkable career creating and dressing wigs for operatic and theatrical productions, films and TV shows, and in this book she shares her experiences. It may not be too engrossing for a wider audience but for theatre lovers it is a treat. Ms. Cobbin met Luciano Pavarotti and provided wigs for many living legends like Judi Dench or Ian McKellen. She worked with David Lean! Her anecdotes are interesting and make these huge personalities seem more human. She has a great sense of humor, and reading this memoir is like spending an afternoon with the coolest friend. I worked in theatrical productions for years and my hubby is still in the business, so I understood much of what was going on. The author makes it approachable enough though, that even if I knew nothing about the subject I would have been able to follow. I truly enjoyed this read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brown Dog Books!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Brown Dog Books!
Read
November 23, 2021Though this memoir is geared towards theatre enthusiasts - which I'll admit I'm not - I found the writing to be very accessible and considerate of readers who have little to no theatre knowledge or experience.
It gave me a good insight into the intricacies of the hairdressing & wig-making industry without being overwhelmed. I also found myself chuckling away at some of the stories Angela Cobbin shared from her journey and enjoyed her sense of humour.
I will remember this book on my next visit to Madame Tussauds and will gaze on the waxworks with a new found appreciation for the work that goes into making and styling the wigs!
* review for book tour organised by Literally PR
It gave me a good insight into the intricacies of the hairdressing & wig-making industry without being overwhelmed. I also found myself chuckling away at some of the stories Angela Cobbin shared from her journey and enjoyed her sense of humour.
I will remember this book on my next visit to Madame Tussauds and will gaze on the waxworks with a new found appreciation for the work that goes into making and styling the wigs!
* review for book tour organised by Literally PR
January 12, 2022
This is a great read for anyone who has an interest in the theatre, and anyone who doesn’t.
Angela Cobbin is a conversational, witty writer and her story is filled with interesting memories, which I found fascinating to read.
From her early life as an apprentice hairdresser in Brighton all the way through to her extremely successful career as one of the leading wig designers of the theatre, she tells her story humbly and humorously.
Angelas story gives an insight into a side of the theatre not everyone gets to see, it’s a real treat, I read the book almost in one sitting, I just kept turning the pages.
Angela Cobbin is a conversational, witty writer and her story is filled with interesting memories, which I found fascinating to read.
From her early life as an apprentice hairdresser in Brighton all the way through to her extremely successful career as one of the leading wig designers of the theatre, she tells her story humbly and humorously.
Angelas story gives an insight into a side of the theatre not everyone gets to see, it’s a real treat, I read the book almost in one sitting, I just kept turning the pages.
November 14, 2021
Angela Cobbin is such an inspiring woman, so I was thrilled to be invited on this book tour. She's worked on so many of my favorite musicals! This was a quick read, but it'll definitely stick with me for a while. She has such an amazing sense of humor as well, and it felt like I was reading a book written by a close friend.
I was expecting a bit more from her work on the musicals, but it was still a really interesting read! I was a bit lost when it came to talking about her work, but it was a lot more understandable than I was expecting; I caught on pretty quickly!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via LitPR in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a bit more from her work on the musicals, but it was still a really interesting read! I was a bit lost when it came to talking about her work, but it was a lot more understandable than I was expecting; I caught on pretty quickly!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via LitPR in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
review to follow
November 11, 2021
I liked this, but for me there wasn't enough from the musicals! I thought the author spent more time working on the musicals which was the area I was most interested in
November 22, 2021
A fascinating read about a very interesting person. I'll admit to being totally ignorant about theatrical wig making but don't let that put you off this very enjoyable read. I highly recommend.
December 29, 2021
Being a huge theatre fan, finding out what happens behind the scenes has always inspired me. Therefore reading Angela Cobbin's story as a hair and wig designer on stage. I was so inspired and captivated by her story, a brilliant read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews