Release: February 22, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently published
Source: LoveBooks Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle
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“Namedropping in the Wings” is a light-hearted memoir of a young stage manager who became the first Theatre Sound Designer. His rise to the top of his profession covers thirty years of theatre history . The book is full of personal anecdotes, with many illustrious names like Bing Crosby, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, to name but a few.
When just 18, David Collison secured a job at the Arts Theatre Club in London .Here the artistic director, Peter Hall, was just beginning to make a name for himself. When Peter Hall moved into the commercial theatre, he employed David on productions including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Along with a young lighting designer, Richard Pilbrow, David built a recording studio in Covent Garden. They began creating sound effects for an increasing number of clients,. These included the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the new National Theatre Company under Laurence Olivier.
“Namedropping in the Wings” will appeal to anybody who enjoys reading about celebrities and show business.
About the Author:
David Collison’s career began in 1955 as an ASM at the Arts Theatre Club in London . Peter Hall, the artistic director discovered that David had a particular aptitude for spot-cueing sound effects on 78 rpm discs. This led to an interest in recording sound effects . He eventually became the first Sound Designer in the theatre. In 1962, he received a poster credit for sound.
Moreover, during the 1970s and 1980s, he was sound designer on more than sixty musicals in London’s West End, including Fiddler on the Roof, Blitz, etc.
He was also Sound Designer for the Royal Shakespeare Company under Sir Peter Hall and for the National Theatre Company under Sir Laurence Olivier. As a consultant, he designed permanent sound systems for many theatres and concert halls in the UK and around the world.
Namedropping in the Wings Review:
“Namedropping in the Wings” is a lovely, light-hearted memoir that dazzled me and took me back to the golden days of theatre, and I loved reading it!
Firstly, I felt this book was so refreshing because of its theme. Most of the memoirs that I read recently focus on hard-hitting topics that are very serious. Hence, it was delightful to read a book about the author’s role in the life of the theatre and how he survived in the industry when it was gaining recognition.
I adored the way the author told the story. He narrates his life with such a charm and flair that I felt reading a story tale. The author transports you back to when celebrities like Orson Wells, Benjamin Britten, and Ginger Rogers we all prominent. Each chapter has something new that the author experiences that made the book fascinating. Many moments were memorable for me, like the author working with Ginger Rogers, The Exhibition for Shakespeare’s birthday, and opening the National Theatre. The author also brings the backdrop of the theatre to life with the details, from Broadway to Las Vegas. On a side note, I adored Mum Jenkins and her role in the author’s life by treating him with respect.
However, that isn’t to say that this book is only sunshine and rainbows. The author also talks about the fluctuating life of the theatre, and its ups and downs, where they had to face debt at times. It was interesting to see how the author tackled all these situations.
Overall, if you want to read a different memoir that is breezy and charming, please do check out “Namedropping in the Wings.”
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Namedropping in the Wings by David Collison Blog Tour hosted by LoveBooks Tours.
