Andy Mullaney
Like looking through the magical curtains of the theatre, Stewart’s book is almost encyclopaedic in its generous delivery of knowledge, stories, anecdotes, and the humility of a career that spans well over four decades. Reading every page, I get the sense that the awestruck teenager never left the man he became. To have a career that fulfils your dreams, hopes, ambitions, and so much more is truly a celebration, and that comes through constantly. I described the early pages of this book as invitational, almost as if you are given a free ticket to step into his world, a world he describes with thoughtfulness and real consideration for the reader. Yes, there are technical passages, but everything is explained clearly and never in a patronising way, which would have been easy to do for someone so technically gifted. The gossip is there too, and it carries that wonderful sense of “I’m going to tell you this, but don’t tell anyone else,” which keeps you hooked from page to page. Above all else it is Stewart’s humility that makes this book so special. Rarely do you find pages that carry such a constant nod to those who went before him and gave him so much. Want a career in the theatre? Read this. Love the theatre? Read this. Want to understand those mysterious jobs that appear in every programme? Read this. Need to know what it takes to survive in this industry? Read this. And finally, if you just want a true life story that will lift your spirits and make you feel better about the world, read this. Deserving of its five stars, this book should sit proudly on many bookshelves, a fine invitation to the theatre.
