Sherrin's Year

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Ned Sherrin is arguably the foremost authority
on the 'British Stage' today. We're lucky to have
him with us, long may he continue. Apart from
being the producer, director and writer of many
a fine play and musical he's an extremely likeable
chap, and comes over as such as host of his
acclaimed, long running, radio programme Loose
Ends. Not many interviewers can quiz a guest and
at the same time retain a friendliness towards them
and boost their confidence in the way that Ned does.

Getting back to the theatre Ned has an encyclopaedic
knowledge of theatrical history and the personalities
therein, ie Noel Coward, Beatrice Lilly, et al. This
knowledge enriches even the most youthful newcomer
to the genre. Live performance (even the Karaoke I
watched in my local pub tonight) has a human warmth
that can surprise and touch you as film, TV and record
rarely can. But it has to be a talented performer and
Ned has an uncanny knack of un-earthing these.

If you're in love with the Theatre and live performance
- even if it's only to help the tipsy barmaid to serve
drinks at the interval in the gods - you'll love this book.
If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the
Footlights - Ned's the man to take you there.
To coast through the year with Ned is to have an
entertaining, civilised and enriching experience. (And
judging by the number of good restaurants opposite
the stage doors he vacates, put a couple of inches under
the cummerbund). - "I toyed with a bantam egg and a
delicious lamb's brains pâté." - his descriptions of
meals would leave Lloyd Grossman searching for
superlatives.

I found his week-by-week description of how he directed
toured, and finally got onto the West End stage the 1995
play 'A Passionate Woman' (starring Stephanie Cole and
Neil Morrissey) thrilling. His trawl around South Africa
on holiday, less so.

To follow Ned on his well-heeled path makes a nice
break from our working-class lives. Some great cracks
in 'ere: think back to '95 - While touring 'A Passionate
Woman' Ned is interviewed by Mrs. Merton on her
TV chat show: "...and her sharpest shaft was when
I talked about buses pulling up outside 'A Passionate
Woman'. 'Yes, Ned, but is there anyone in them?'
The only answer was 'Not during the performance, dear,
They're all inside the theatre."

To sum up: this insight into the lives of talented and
famous people is tantalising, and shows how hard they
have to work to stay in their chosen field. Yet while
living a 'high-life' Ned doesn't come across as right-wing
or snobbish. If you enjoyed 'Writing Home' by Alan Bennett,
I can strongly recommend 'Sherrin's Year'. I find Ned a
warm, engaging, writer (like Bennett), his slightly gossipy
style (like Bennett) makes for a very enjoyable and cosy read.
Plus (as I say) lots of great jokes/anecdotes and insights into
theatre/showbiz life.

This is self-indulgent rubbish (1/2 people found this helpful)

.......................... Mr. Sherrin certainly has a talent for self-aggrandisement, and perhaps he thinks hanging around with talent wil create some kind of osmotic effect. This book rambles through a year of trivial, dull irrelevence in the margins of show business. A parade of second-rate projects talked up and of liitle passing interest and even less merit. Avoid

Ned Sherrin

Reader Reviews:

A Civilised Read (1/1 people found this helpful)

This is self-indulgent rubbish (1/2 people found this helpful)

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