Michael Green (5) (1927–2018)

A Coarse Actor is one who knows the lines, but not the order in which they come. Or who knows everybody else's lines better than their own. Which means, no matter how few lines those might be, they end up taped to the inside of a sheild, or written inside a handy cigarette case.

Anyone who's participated in amateur theatre will groan with recognition at Green's observations. The importance of having a plan for when every gun onstage refuses to fire (a spot of impromptu karate was my show more solution). The curse of having to play Touchstone. The bash-bash-bash-skewer-under-the-arm stage combat routine. Rereading this book after 20 years was a delight. It's a product of its time, but bad acting is eternal. show less

An enthralling selection of anecdotes from Green's early career working on a series of provincial newspapers in the early post-war years before he eventually graduated to Fleet Street, and his subsequent success as author of the "Coarse" anthology (The Art of Coarse Cricket, The Art of Coarse Rugby, The Art of Coarse Acting etc).
There are some delightful incidental insights into the post-war privations that the nation suffered on into the early 1950s, and some marvellous descriptions of life show more the the English Midlands. show less

There have been three editions of this book so far - the original, published in 1968; the second revised edition, published in 1980 (Arrow); and the third edition, published by Samuel French in 1994.

For my money, the second revised edition is the one you should invest in - and I mean "invest in", as anyone who's participated in amateur dramatics will want this as a permanent addition to their collection. The anecdotes are brilliant, Green's style rapier-sharp and the insights absolutely show more spot-on - in fact, I dare you to read this and not be crying with mirth within twenty minutes. A comic classic! show less

if you were to mix Pepys diary with Fielding's 'Tom Jones',then add a touch of Monty Python,you would get the feeling of 'Squire Haggard's Journal'.
Written by Michael Green,the author of that wonderfully funny series of books which include 'The Art of Coarse (sic) Acting'.
Amos Haggard and his hapless son Roderick embark on a series of adventures which involve whores,duels and escapades of all sorts.
On their travels through France,Italy and Germany they are chased by irate husbands and bandit show more chiefs. In fact (if you are in the right mood) this is a thoroughly enjoyable romp,and great fun. show less