While I grew up being an avid fan of all forms of entertainment in particular in relation to musicals this memoir proved to be an average read. It solely focused on British theatre and maybe if there were other forms of theatre mentioned and discussed I may have given this one a higher rating but due to this along with the slow pace of the memoir it proved challenging to read.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this memoir.

Backstage Confidential reveals what theater was like back in the 1960s and 1970s. The explanations are clear for any non-technical theater folks, so you aren't wondering about fly galleries or prop rooms while reading the stories. The stories are roughly grouped by venue and production though there's overlap between them. Reading this felt like sitting down in the pub with someone long retired from the industry who is recounting their days. It's a great reminder that the West End has hosted more than large musicals and that in the industry was once much more loose in many ways. Eden Phillips includes several examples of this as well as how it was easier to rub elbows with the famous cast and getting hired simply by showing up at the stage door.

The world of the theater has changed over the decades but the stories still feel familiar. This book will find appreciation among West End fans, technical theater folks who toed the line of crossing over to performing, and fans of British actors from the 1960s and 1970s of both screen and stage.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

As someone who enjoys theatre, I was really looking forward to this memoir and was hoping for more behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes from life backstage. There are certainly glimpses into that world, and it's clear the author has a genuine passion for the theatre and its history. Unfortunately, this one just didn't hold my attention. I found it slower and more detailed than I was expecting, and I never became fully invested in the stories being told. I think readers with a strong interest in British theatre history will likely appreciate it more than I did, but it ultimately wasn't the right fit for me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to check it out!

Eden Philiips writes with such love and passion for theatre - detailed encounters with actors, performance anecdotes and snippets of gossip that the book felt like a real insider look into the theatre of his youth. I particularly enjoyed the introductions to the theatre for each chapter, how they changed names over the years or who they were named after. As someone who passes these theatres daily, I now feel a little more informed on my walk.
For a reader who has a healthy interest in theatre, this book is a really pleasant and fun read.
The tales move quickly and don't get too bogged down in history or back story.

a fun nostalgic read and who knew so much drinking went on! That was a great eye opener.

A summary of his time working backstage, onstage and well...presage of different theatrical productions, Eden Phillips has written an informative memoir that was an enjoyable read.

Although unfamiliar with some of the key players in the story, I really enjoyed Phillips' journey through backstage to front stage and then writing as a lyricist. From the back of this book, I've listened to some of the recordings he mentions too and enjoyed them too! The book is well written, flows easily and isn't a taxing read.

One for thespians, musical lovers and those who just like a nice tale!

It followed English theater, and thus a lot of productions that I wasn't at all familiar with. It is definitely informative, and really no fault of the author that I wasn't that engaged with it.

Backstage Confidential is a delightful memoir that offers a fascinating glimpse into a side of theatre that audiences rarely get to see. Rather than focusing solely on the stars in the spotlight, Eden Phillips takes readers behind the curtain and into the world of the people who keep productions running night after night.

Beginning his career as a teenage flyman and eventually becoming London's youngest head flyman, Phillips shares his journey through the theatre world with warmth, humor, and genuine affection for the craft. His writing style is wonderfully conversational, making it feel as though you're sitting down with him over a cup of tea while he recounts stories from a remarkable career.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its collection of anecdotes about the legendary actors, directors, and productions Phillips encountered along the way. Theatre lovers will enjoy reading about figures such as Sir John Gielgud, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Noël Coward, and many others. While this isn't a tell-all memoir filled with scandal, it doesn't need to be. Instead, it provides an engaging and often charming look at the personalities, challenges, and camaraderie that exist behind the scenes.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the technical side of theatre production. Phillips brings the backstage world to life, highlighting the skill, teamwork, and dedication required to make a performance appear effortless to the audience.

This is an easy, entertaining read filled with nostalgia, theatrical history, and genuine love for the stage. Whether you're a devoted theatre enthusiast or simply curious about what happens beyond the footlights, Backstage Confidential offers an enjoyable and insightful journey through a golden era of British theatre.

My thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guild for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Backstage Confidential is the memoir of Eden Phillips where the reader is taken on a tour of theatres & plays the author was involved with. Starting out backstage as a 'flyman', a job that keeps a show running, Phillips becomes the youngest ever head flyman before his career takes a different path into acting, writing, & publishing.

Featuring snippets about actors such as Sir John Gielgud, Richard Briers, Dame Judi Dench (I never knew she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret in the West End), & Sir Ian McKellen amongst others. There’s nothing particularly scandalous here but plenty of anecdotes on working with stage actors & directors. The author writes as if he & the reader are having a chat over a cup of tea. An easy-going read.

SUMMARY:
Research: N/A
Writing Style: Good - Writes as if the author & reader are having a chat over a cup of tea.
Enjoyment Level: Moderately High - There’s nothing particularly scandalous here, just plenty of anecdotes on working with stage actors & directors.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, The Book Guild, for the opportunity to read an ARC.