flashback

by David Barry

David Barry's autobiography spans almost five decades of theatre, film and television experience. As a 14 year old he toured Europe with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in one of the most prestigious post-war theatre tours. Vivien Leigh took a shine to him and he saw both sides of her close up. One minute she was sweetness and light, and the next she became a screaming harridan as she publicly berated Sir Laurence. In his early twenties, he starred as Frankie Abbott in the hit television sitcoms Please, Sir! and Fenn Street Gang, and those days are recounted with great humour. Hilarious events unfold as he describes working with dodgy producers and touring with argumentative actors. His is a story that covers everything from the pitfalls of working in live television to performing with hard drinking actors. 'Imagine yourself travelling - as a member of the company - with a train-load of top stars to the great cities of Europe.' Daily Express

182 pages, paperback &e-book

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Steve Davies]

good look behind the curtain

Enjoyed the remembering of this well known actor.
Didn’t realise he was Welsh, so that was a bonus!
Glimpses of what goes on when touring plays was enlightening.
In places sad when he recounts what alcohol can do to those in the acting profession.
All in all a satisfying read.

[john churchman-conway]

Entertaining and funny

An engaging and frequently hilarious dual-narrative memoir from the 'jobbing' end of showbusiness. Worth buying for the Rodney Bewes stories alone.

[Timothy Pilgrim]

A great insight into the life of a young actor determined to succeed in his chosen profession. Years down the line he is still acting so I think it is safe to say he achieved his aim. It's a darned 'goodread' and conveys what it was like, funny, and difficult to put down.
Happily David is still with us, I met him recently at a book signing in Tonbridge, he is unassuming and still has a sense of humour, so it is safe to say this book really is 'him'. His best known role was Frankie Abbot in Please Sir and the Fen Street Gang, having met him one does wonder just how hard he had to try to betray this character!!!
Enjoy, I did.
Paul Rix [oldgeezer:]