In this engaging audiobook, listeners are invited to explore the life and career of Sir Derek Jacobi, one of Britain’s most distinguished actors. Known for his roles on stage, screen, and television, Jacobi shares his journey from a working-class childhood in Leytonstone, London, to becoming an acclaimed actor. He recalls his early performances, including draping himself in his mother’s wedding veil as a child, his impressive debut at seven, and playing Hamlet at the Edinburgh festival at just 18. He earned a scholarship to Cambridge and joined Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Throughout this audiobook, Jacobi offers listeners insights into his experiences portraying a diverse array of characters, from I, Claudius to Hitler in Inside the Third Reich, and Francis Bacon in Love Is The Devil. With a focus on his numerous Shakespearean roles, he provides a funny, warm, and honest perspective on the world of acting. This unique version combines his reflections on the heights of fame with intimate off-stage moments, making it more than just a record of his career.