Flashback

An Actor's Life

5 hr 38 min · Included with membership

David Barry's autobiography spans almost five decades of theatre, film and television experience. As a 14-year-old he toured Europe with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, in one of the most prestigious post-war theatre tours. Vivien Leigh took a shine to him and he saw both sides of her complex character first hand. One minute she was sweetness and light, and the next she became a screaming harridan as she publicly berated Sir Laurence. In his early twenties, he starred as Frankie Abbott in Please, Sir! and Fenn Street Gang, and those days are recounted with great humour. Hilarious events unfold as he describes working with dodgy producers and argumentative actors. His is a story that covers everything from the pitfalls of working in live television to performing with hard drinking actors.