An Actor's Alphabet: An A to Z of Some Stuff I've Learnt and Some Stuff I'm Still Learning

by Julie Hesmondhalgh

In this candid and empowering A to Z of being an actor, Julie Hesmondhalgh draws on her decades of experience on stage and screen – including in massively popular television shows such as Broadchurch, Happy Valley and Coronation Street – to lift the lid on the realities of life in today's industry, and show you how to navigate it.
She shares practical advice on preparing for roles (don't be afraid of looking like a dick), managing the ups and downs of your career (and how to be out of work without losing your mind), dealing with failure (and success), not constantly comparing yourself to others (bloody hard, but try), looking after your mental health, and the power of knowing when to say 'no'.
Passionate about the arts, she makes a compelling case for their importance to society, but also calls out the industry on where it continues to fall short – including a clear-eyed assessment of what needs to change to make it safer and healthier, more accessible and inclusive.
Written with refreshing honesty and self-deprecating humour, An Actor's Alphabet is a book for anyone who dreams of becoming an actor, wants to be a better one, or just wants to learn what being one is really like.
'Endearingly honest, funny and eye-opening. I loved it!' Francesca Martinez
'Like its author, this book is brimming with wisdom, intelligence, empathy and humanity... An absolute must!' Maxine Peake
'This is the best book on acting and being an actor I've read… Julie Hesmondhalgh is the mentor/best friend/guide we all need in these troubled times' Paul Chahidi
'A must-read, whether you've been on the artist's journey for years or are just starting out' Shobna Gulati
'This book is bold, brash, sincere and angry. It regrets nothing and questions everything… Treasure it like we should treasure Julie' Jack Thorne
'A generous gift to actors, full of honesty, hope and wit. There is loads of tangible advice, not just for acting but for life' Anna Jordan
'Julie's book is honest, challenging and helpful. A great read' Andy Nyman

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2022

Reviews

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book. While I have no doubt that it will be of great benefit and very useful to actors and aspiring actors, you really do not need to be an actor to gain immense benefit (and joy!) from reading this excellent A to Z by the inestimable Julie Hesmondhalgh. It is simply superb. The book is full of practical advice, hints on self-help and life lessons, all delivered in a straightforward and bold way that makes you sit up and take notice. Hesmondhalgh is just a great person. One of those life enhancers that you need to surround yourself with in whatever field you happen to be working (or playing) in. She cares, she loves, she helps, she's passionate, she's angry, she questions, she supports, she shares, she gives and she keeps on giving. She's great! Having met her on a recent trip to Newcastle to promote this book, I can vouch for the fact that she is as approachable in real life as she comes across in this book. When I finished the book, it inspired me to look into the many organisations and groups she plugs and to read some of the books she recommends. I cannot recommend An Actor's Alphabet too highly and whether you are an actor, an aspiring actor or performer, or whether you are neither, do yourself a massive favour and get a copy of this book and read it. It's packed with advice for life and the way we live and work today. I guarantee that having read the book, you will feel enriched and enthused for having done so. We really need more Julie Hesmondhalghs in the world. It would certainly be a better, fairer and happier place if we did! Go Julie!

[Jen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning. Made even more special by listening to the audiobook version, read so perfectly by Julie herself.
I’m not an actor and I wondered if there might be parts of this that wouldn’t apply to me but no, it is all so relevant and important. Her kindness and allyship shines through the pages and I could just listen to her words and thoughts forever.
This book is for anyone and I suspect that if everyone read it, the world would be a much better place.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously helpful and encouraging read for all performers professional or amateur. I found the chapter on jealousy incredibly helpful both in terms that I wasn’t alone in my struggle but in reframing thoughts about myself and others.

[Sophie Fagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book. Honest, funny, authentic, inspiring words full of passion and heart. One I will dipping back into for years to come.

[Laura Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book has left me feeling so very hopeful ✨ definitely will be dipping into it throughout the years.

[Louise Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just wonderful. Heartfelt, inspiring, funny and honest.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all actors! Full of real talk, advice, anecdotes, and more. This book is the gift that keeps on giving!

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good guide to acting but also to life. Some of it was a little preachy for my personal taste but well worth a read.

[Bailey Dowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, joyful and very candid. Easy read leaving the reader inspired.

[Rhuddem Gwelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10* I would. A lovely lovely book. I'm going to recommend it to my theatre group. If you have the slightest interest in acting, theatre, telly, film or culture, READ IT!

[Frog Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this at the start of the year, thoroughly enjoyed it.