Paul Clayton has been an actor for almost forty years, a career spanning roles in Peep Show, Doctor Who, Wolf Hall, Hollyoaks and more. As his new book The Working Actor is published, he reflects on how it all started, what it takes to keep going, and how you can make it, too… In my … Continue reading ‘Getting there, doing it, and making a living out of it’: Paul Clayton on being a Working Actor
Acting Books
Facing the Fear: Bella Merlin on overcoming stage fright
Stage fright afflicts many actors, and has the power to drive you away from the stage for months, years, or even a lifetime. In her new book, Facing the Fear: An Actor's Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright, performer, author and teacher Bella Merlin shows you how to meet the challenge – or simply how to … Continue reading Facing the Fear: Bella Merlin on overcoming stage fright
Actions: The 60-Second Challenge
We gave an actor a copy of our Actions: The Actors' Thesaurus app to see how many ways he could deliver the same line: 'Do you want a cup of tea?' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohbh3bo5HDA What are 'actions'? Actors need actions. You cannot act moods. You need to be doing something with every line. You need an aim … Continue reading Actions: The 60-Second Challenge
Louise Dearman and Mark Evans on their Secrets of Stage Success
Louise Dearman (Wicked, Cats, Evita) and Mark Evans (Ghost, The Book of Mormon) are two of the biggest musical-theatre stars working today. As they launch their new book Secrets of Stage Success - answering all your questions on how to follow in their footsteps - they recall some key moments in their glittering careers... I … Continue reading Louise Dearman and Mark Evans on their Secrets of Stage Success
West End Producer: ‘Let’s talk about panto’
Ho ho ho, dears, ho ho ho. Taken from his book Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting, theatre impresario and Twitter phenomenon West End Producer gives you the lowdown on the festive theatrical staple that is pantomime, and tells you how to survive one... Once a year a great theatrical tradition is practised … Continue reading West End Producer: ‘Let’s talk about panto’
Michael Palin: Monty Python as it happened
The inspiring Monty Python at Work is Michael Palin's intimate, behind-the-scenes account of the conception and making of the legendary group's shows, films, books and albums, drawn from his published diaries. Here, the author explains what writer-performers can learn from the book - and read further for extracts from the beginning of the Python journey. … Continue reading Michael Palin: Monty Python as it happened
West End Producer: ‘The secret to first-night presents’
In this second extract from his new book Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting, theatre impresario and Twitter phenomenon West End Producer lifts the lid on the thing that can make or break any actor's career: the first-night present. Many people in the industry get their priorities all wrong. As soon as they get offered a … Continue reading West End Producer: ‘The secret to first-night presents’
West End Producer: ‘Auditioning from my side of the table’
With his striking good looks, sharp wit and genuine love of the industry, theatrical impresario and anonymous Twitter phenomenon West End Producer has taken the theatre world by storm, amassing a devoted following. As his book Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting is published, here's an extract to whet your appetite, dears. The … Continue reading West End Producer: ‘Auditioning from my side of the table’
Mike Alfreds: ‘The play is not the thing’ – actors and storytelling in theatre
A legendary theatre director with over 200 productions to his name, over his long career Mike Alfreds has garnered a reputation as a true performance pioneer. As his new book Then What Happens? is published, the revered Shared Experience founder reflects on how stories are told on stage, and how actors, not plays, lie at the … Continue reading Mike Alfreds: ‘The play is not the thing’ – actors and storytelling in theatre
Paul Clayton: Ghostbusters, bananas and paying the bills – welcome to the world of corporate acting
In addition to his appearances on stage, film and in popular TV shows such as Peep Show, Coronation Street and Him & Her, Paul Clayton is also a veteran of the corporate acting circuit, with over 1400 credits to his name. As his new book So You Want To Be A Corporate Actor? is published, … Continue reading Paul Clayton: Ghostbusters, bananas and paying the bills – welcome to the world of corporate acting
The Prompt Book 