Out of Character: From Abigail's Party to Gavin and Stacey, and

A Waterstones Best Book of 2024 'Marriage to Mike Leigh, the minutiae of working on Gavin and Stacey : it's a tribute to her range that there's something here to interest everybody' Telegraph The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star. Candice Marie in Nuts in May . Beverly in Abigail's Party . Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice . Betty in Fat Friends . Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey - we can all name a beloved, iconic character brought to life by the magnificent Alison Steadman. Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison - ever the entertainer - would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an actual audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. By the time she left, her mind was made up: she was going to be an actress! If only she could conquer the onstage giggling ... Always pushing boundaries - reclining naked on a sofa in her first role, embracing groundbreaking female characters from day one - Alison has deservedly found acclaim and recognition, succeeding in her TV and theatre career while juggling family life - a difficult feat for any working mother, but particularly for an actress in the twentieth century. From the nervy Mrs Bennet to the robo-dancing Pam-el-aah, Alison has proved herself again and again to be a comedy genius. Here, with her distinctive warmth and humour, she vividly recalls all the must-read moments of a life spent in and out of character.