What's My Motivation?

by Michael Simkins

As a boy, Michael Simkins always wanted to be someone. While his friends were out getting laid and stoned, he was tucked up at home dreaming of his name in lights, of holding an audience rapt, of perhaps becoming a TV heart-throb, or having someone, anyone, ask for his autograph in the supermarket. This is the story of an obsessive pursuit of acting fame. It is a life marked by occasional hard-fought successes and routine helpings of ritual scout hut Gilbert and Sullivan, dodgy rock operas, sewage farm theatre workshop, Christmas panto hell, straight-to-video film flops, leading roles in Crimewatch reconstructions and dressing up as a chicken to advertise TV dinners. It is a hilarious tale of turgid theatre, tights, trusses and tonsil tennis with Timothy Spall.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Theatre, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Neal Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

An acting memoir which starts in the same RADA class as Timothy Spall and finishes with acting tips from Anthony Perkins on one of his last films. The book is somewhat disappointing though; I think because in every anecdote the author casts himself as the grovelling and/or lecherous and/or idiotic fall guy. If humour is the puncturing of dignity, then dignity must be there to start with.

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny, detailed and easy read. Michael Simkins tells us the story of almost every actor's professional journey; from first conceiving the desire to become an actor, to the infatuation with reaching the top, he shares with us the struggles, crippling fears of inadequacy, sleepless nights, fights, flings, long hours, failures, money problems, and everything else that comes with choosing to puruse a career as an actor. If that sounds gloomy, don't fear; the negatives are equally balanced with funny stories, sarcasm and wit, the odd success -- financially, romantically and professionally, and a happy ending or two.

If you're considering acting, are an actor or just want a funny, easy and interesting read, try this.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books about acting and the industry
recommended by Spotlight staff.

Time spent sitting with a book is never wasted. It’s a chance to relax, contemplate, and absorb information entirely at your own pace. When we have time on our hands it’s also an opportunity to branch out and learn more about any number of topics.

There is a vast array of fantastic stories to learn from, be they from fellow performers, teachers, theatre-makers or people who can shine a light on what happens behind the scenes. We've read quite a few of them so we thought we'd share some of our book recommendations with you! Not only are these titles a great read, but you may also learn something that could help your career too.

Books by Performers

1. Character Breakdown by Zawe Ashton
2. Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life by Michael Caine
3. Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston
4. Behind the Scenes by Judi Dench
5. What's My Motivation? by Michael Simkins
6. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Behind the Scenes Books

1. Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre by Nicholas Hytner
2. Quentin Tarantino: Interviews
3. The True Adventures of the World's Greatest Stuntman: My Life as Indiana Jones, James Bond, Superman and Other Movies by Vic Armstrong

Books about Acting Techniques and Tips

1. Stella Adler: The Art of Acting by Howard Kissel
2. Presence: How to Use Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation by Patsy Rodenburg
3. Secrets of Performing Confidence: For Musicians, Singers, Actors and Dancers by Andrew Evans
4. A Life-coaching Approach to Screen Acting by Daniel Dresner
5. Surviving Hollywood: How to Ensure the Acting Industry Doesn't Chew You Up and Spit You Out by Julia Farino

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This the second book I've read by Michael Simkins and his exploits in the acting world and both have been very enjoyable and his stories about his life on Stage, TV and Film are sometimes laugh out loud.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really entertaining read written by a working actor describing his journey from RADA through repertory to the National Theatre. Some hilarious moments involving a bear and a chicken

[jonathan coulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my favourite books since I was 17, it’s not often that a book makes me laugh out loud.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and light read.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny view of being a regular journeyman actor, from RADA with some big names to dressing as a chicken ...

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Spall the plumber. Loved it

[Forthbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simkins writes in such an easy readable style and has all these great stories from the theatre and film world.