And June Whitfield - Hardcover

Whitfield, June

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0593045823 ISBN 13: 9780593045824

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2000

Synopsis

In a 56-year career spanning "Take It From Here" to "Absolutely Fabulous," June Whitfield's presence in a show has always been a hallmark of quality. She writes perceptively about the great comics she has known in her long professional life, and views the changing fashions in television.

About this title

Review

Lacking the self-confidence to take herself seriously as an actress, June Whitfield developed "a kind of aversion to heavy, serious roles" so concentrated on comedy instead. Whitfield figured that since the audience was going to laugh at her anyway, she might as well appear in things that were intended to be funny. And so began a comedic career that has seen the Queen Mum of mirth appear in some of the funniest series ever made; such as the Carry On films, Hancock, Steptoe and Son and Absolutely Fabulous.

Encouraged by her mother, Whitfield pursued a career on the stage at an early age and was learning to sing, dance and play the piano by the time she was three. After a "comfortable and uneventful" childhood, Whitfield successfully auditioned for a place at RADA and went on to work in London's West End with such luminary luvvies as Noel Coward and John Gielgud. But it was in comedy that Whifield was to make her name, most notably in the long-running television sitcom Terry and June. Her name became so indelibly linked with that of her co-star, Terry Scott, that many people thought they were actually husband and wife. Once, while dining out with her spouse, someone asked Whitfield where her husband was. "Right here," she replied. "Not that one, the real one", said the fan. And June Whitfield charts the longevous career of an enduring character actress who, while transcending the times, has worked alongside some of the best-known names in British comedy. "The nearest thing I had to a career plan was to keep on working", writes Whifield. And at 75 it seems this seriously funny actress has no intention of stopping. --Christopher Kelly

Review

An apt title for the memoirs of one of the most popular and successful comediennes and actresses in post-war Britain. June Whitfield has never been a headliner in radio, TV or the theatre, but she has always been a professional, dependable and extremely funny supporting character actress in an amazing sequence of broadcast series and stage productions spanning over 50 years. From the unforgettable portrayal of "Eth" to Dick Bentley's "Ron" in Take It From Here to the droll, imperturbable performance as Jennifer Saunders' mum in Absolutely Fabulous, Whitfield's characterisations have been many and varied and inevitably successful. She has worked with the cream of British comedy including Arthur Askey, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Bob Monkhouse, Ronnie Barker, Dick Emery, Julian Clary and Roy Hudd. She has also maintained an admirable personal life as wife and mother amidst the non-stop work. The book appears to mark Whitfield's 75th birthday, a major serialization has been negotiated and she will be undertaking a full-scale author tour to back what should be a high-selling title in the pre-Christmas market.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593045823
• ISBN 13: 9780593045824
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304