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As Luck Would Have It
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
- Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
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As Luck Would Have It
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Summary
Star of stage, screen and television, and one of only two people to be awarded two Knighthoods, Sir Derek Jacobi is one of Britain’s most distinguished actors.
‘If you want to be an actor, don’t. If you need to be an actor, do.’
The world of theatre could not have been further from Derek’s childhood: an only child, born in Leytonstone, London. With his father a department store manager father and his mother a secretary, his was very much a working class background. But nonetheless Derek always knew he was going to be an actor, and he remembers clearly the first time he was in costume – draping himself in his mother’s glorious wedding veil as he paraded up and down the Essex Road with his friends.
A few short years later, at the age of seven, Derek made his acting debut, playing both lead roles in a local library production of The Prince and the Swineherd. By the age of 18 Derek was playing Hamlet (his most famed role) at the Edinburgh festival. He won a scholarship to Cambridge, where he studied and acted alongside other future acting greats including Ian McKellen. His talent was quickly recognised and in 1963 he was invited to become one of the first members of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre.
Often admired for his willingness to grapple with even the most dislikeable of characters, Derek Jacobi has worked continuously throughout his career, starring in roles ranging from the lead in I, Claudius to Hitler in Inside the Third Reich and Francis Bacon in the controversial Love Is The Devil. But it is his numerous Shakespearean roles that have gained him worldwide recognition.
This book is, however, much more than a career record. Funny, warm and honest, Jacobi brings us his insider’s view on the world of acting. From a simple childhood in the East End to the height of fame on stage and screen, Derek recalls his journey in full: from the beginnings of his childhood dreams to the legendary productions, the renowned stars and the intimate off-stage moments.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Miss cep
- 03-06-24
wonderful actor, wonderful man.
Such a delicate, enthralling insight into the life of one of my long time favourite actors
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mark H
- 04-10-15
A well written and very well read autobiography
This is a well written book and Jacobi reads it himself so, as you would expect, it is very well narrated. It is evenly paced and covers his whole life. His sexuality is referred to in appropriate ways throughout the book, but it does not dominate and it is not related in a ‘kiss and tell’ manner. After listening to the autobiography, I concluded that Sir Derek takes a considered and well balanced view of almost everything and I like him. If I was to be critical, then I felt that I did not gain enough insights into some of his really well known pieces of work, such as I Claudius and Cadfael. I believe that the reason is that these works were a relatively small part of Jacobi’s output (much of which was theatrical). Overall, I am glad that I bought this book, although I may not listen again soon. It may be uncharitable, but it is a ‘workman like’ rather than bravura piece of literature.
If you are interested in the theatre, Derek Jacobi and autobiographies then you should enjoy this book.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter
- 20-12-15
Great!
Witty, interesting, well written and read by Derek himself with passion. Loved it and was disappointed when it finished!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Booklover
- 22-01-15
Wonderful!
As long term Derek Jacobi fan I'd have to say, I could listen to him read ANYTHING. But foe a very strange change in Mr J's voice about 3/4s of the way through the reading I'd have given it 6 stars.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- crimson
- 15-10-20
Ideal listening for a drear autumn evening.
Essential listening for theatre fans missing the stage.Jacobi is everything you expect .He is honest engaging and chatty.He drops names like nobody's business but each one is a little play in itself.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kirstine
- 06-02-15
A lucky life told by a lovely man
I first noticed this fine actor in the series ‘I Claudius' and have enjoyed his performances on screen and stage ever since and was interested to hear about his life and work. He has done a prodigious number of performances and was never out of work from his earliest days. No wonder as he’s a versatile actor who can portray many parts. I never cease to be amazed at how actors put themselves through such torments of emotion and fear over performing on stage. It’s obviously a calling that Derek felt even as a young boy. He has had a lucky life in some ways with a loving and happy childhood and recognition of his talents by the likes of Lawrence Olivier and yet he has had crises of insecurity about his abilities. The book is full of fascinating anecdotes and gossip about his fellow actors and directors, but like the man none of it is spiteful or scurrilous.
I enjoyed listening to his remarkable life and getting background information about some of the productions I’ve seen. He has a lovely voice that adds to the pleasure of listening to his story.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lee
- 05-03-24
An honest account of a life well lived.
This book is excellent and I’ll miss it now it’s finished. Derek tells his story warts and all and the fun he’s had along the way. I didn’t realise he is so serious, self doubting , critical of himself. I loved the telling of the story …well worth my credit.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr. T. J. Baker
- 21-10-15
A classic performance
What made the experience of listening to As Luck Would Have It the most enjoyable?
an insight to such a talented man
Who was your favorite character and why?
Deek Jacobi of course
What does Derek Jacobi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
you would not have heard that wonderful voice
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
the period when he lost his father and when he found love with his husband
Any additional comments?
I have always admired him as an actor, now I like him as a man
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tina Townend
- 23-11-20
Thank you Sir Derek
I have always enjoyed the performances by Derek Jacobi, my first contact was watching I Claudius on TV with my parents , then several other TV performances in the following years. and I must admit there are very few actors I would particularly like to meet and talk to, but without doubt Sir Derek is and has been the only one on my list. I found this book to be an interesting insight and fascinating listen into the life of this wonderful actor. I found myself relating very easily to several things that have happened to him along his journey, especially the loss of his parents and indeed his father. So thank you Sir Derek for all fun and Drama your performances have given me. God bless you Sir.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Anthony
- 31-05-21
A little bit over my head.
I did enjoy it but at times found it a tad on the boring side.
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