Audio book narrated by Brian Cox.
Published 28th October 2021 by Quercus.
From the cover:
The long-awaited memoir by movie and theatre legend Brian Cox.From Titus Andronicus with the RSC to media magnate Logan Roy in HBO's Succession, Brian Cox has made his name as an actor of unparalleled distinction and versatility. We know him on screen, but few know of his extraordinary life story.
Growing up in Dundee, Scotland, Cox lost his father when he was just eight years old and was brought up by his three elder sisters in the aftermath of his mother's nervous breakdowns and ultimate hospitalisation. After joining the Dundee Repertory Theatre at the age of 15, you could say the rest is history - but that is to overlook the enormous graft that has gone into the making of the legend we know today.
This is a rags-to-riches life story like no other - a seminal autobiography that both captures Cox's distinctive voice and his very soul. Rich in emotion and meaning, with plenty of laughs along the way.
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I love a memoir, and am particularly partial to ones from members of the acting profession. When this autobiography by veteran of stage and screen Brian Cox came up on my radar, I knew this would be for me - and how right I was.
There is something particularly lovely about a memoir read by the author, especially if they are in the acting profession, so my first choice is always to listen to the audio book when available - I highly recommend this if audio books are your bag, because only the author knows the right emphasis to place on their own words when describing episodes from their life, and in my experience this really makes a difference in understanding what makes them tick.
Brian's is such a wonderfully rich and varied life. His account begins with his birth in Dundee, and follows his personal and professional lives in detail. He doesn't shy away from delving into both the happy and the sad events that have shaped him into the man he has become, celebrating his success in his own self-effacing way and being frank and candid about his own shortcomings too.
I am more familiar with Brian from his screen and television roles, so it was really interesting to hear all about his love for acting on the stage and he gives a comprehensive account of the productions he has been privileged, or otherwise, to have been a part of and shares a lot of information about his acting process too. Similarly he has a lot to say about his screen and TV experiences, which give an intriguing glimpse at what goes on behind the cameras.
Brian's narration style is relaxed and natural, almost as if you are part of a cosy 'in conversation' with him which I really enjoyed - the pauses, the palpable emotion, the little asides, the humour all contribute towards creating a real feel of intimacy - and there are so many anecdotes too, many of which made me laugh out loud.
I can honestly say that this is the best memoir from an actor that I have ever listened to - and I have listened to great many over the years - possibly the best title for an acting autobiography too. I was genuinely sorry to reach the end of this one and anything that follows is going to have some big shoes to fill. Brian Cox, you are a legend!
Putting the Rabbit in the Hat is available to buy now in hard cover, ebook and audio formats.
About the author:
Cox first came to attention in the early 1970s with performances in numerous television films. His first big break was as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter (1986). The film was not overly successful at the box office, although Cox's career prospects and popularity continued to develop. Through the 1990s, he appeared in nearly 20 films and television series, as well as making numerous television guest appearances. More recently, Cox has had roles in some major films, including The Corruptor (1999), The Ring (2002) and X2: X-Men United (2003). He was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2003 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama.
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