Playing Under the Piano

From Downton to Darkest Peru

De: Hugh Bonneville

Narrado por: Hugh Bonneville

A moving, laugh-out-loud memoir from one of today’s best-loved British actors, whose credits include Downton Abbey, Notting Hill, and Paddington.

From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh Bonneville creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert De Niro’s right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Bonneville also writes with poignancy about his father’s dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service emerged only after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames, or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.

©2022 Hugh Bonneville (P)2022 Random House Audio

Surprisingly funny!

What a charming memoir! At times very funny and at times very very touching. I really enjoyed this listen!

Excellent

Well Done kept me awake so must be good. The telling of different stages of his life was very interesting

As I’d hoped the author to be

Hilarious, pathos and entertaining as hell. A wonderful listen and glimpse into the life of a talented actor.

Great fun

What a beautiful memoir about the life of Mr. Bonneville. A testament to his upbringing and the parents who raised him. Enjoyably amusing and very well read.

A Must Buy

I have told all my friends to buy this book. Bonneville presents a wonderful account of his life & work. You will not be disappointed with a single word!

Decent read…

I mostly connected with and appreciated the loving chapters about his family, but have to be honest, the early career stories of theatre life were dry, I tuned a lot of that out. I appreciated how Hugh read, very natural. If you’re looking for many stories on Downton Abbey, you’ll be disappointed, there’s only a smattering of stories, but it did make me want to watch DA, so i binge watched all 6 seasons and both movies, just after reading. :)

Nicely done

Interesting to hear an actor narrating his own story. At times the dramatic rise and fall of the story line led the narration to be barely audible. It’s always intriguing to hear about someone’s journey. Good job, Hugh, for sticking it out. Not easy to write nor read such a tome.

Witty and Warm

This is one of the books you don't want to end...because it is as if the author is telling you his stories in person. Mr. Bonneville shares his successes and failures in equal, humorous measure. He has a way with words, to be sure. Thoroughly enjoyable, especially for theatre people who will appreciate all of the backstage stories, live theatre mishaps, and audition nightmares.

A wonderful story, and a delightful performance.

This book will make you laugh, a lot, and cry just a little. It seems a bit short on Downton, but long on the experience. Mr. Bonneville seems like your favorite neighbor down the street.

Gentle humor

That Hugh’s story was told with humbleness. Also enjoy him on PBS. Acting is risk taking.