On the Stage and Off: The Brief Career of a Would-be Actor (Annotated)

£11.60

Unique Elements

Historical Context from the 19th Century as Bonus Material

Jerome K. Jerome, an English author and humorist, wrote “On the Stage and Off,” which was published in 1891. He gained recognition for his amusing travelogue, “Three Men on a Boat.” Despite being declined by the British Army due to his age when World War I broke out, Jerome remained determined to assist and volunteered to drive an ambulance for the French Army.

“On the Stage and Off” is a semi-fictionalized biography where the narrator recounts his less-than-glorious experiences in the seedy world of late Victorian theater. Jerome drew from his own early endeavors as an aspiring actor to create this work. The book provides a captivating glimpse into the daily life of a struggling actor, filled with dirty theaters, inebriated performers, and dubious managers. Jerome’s witty and wry style permeates the narrative, with self-deprecating jokes and a generally amiable tone. He even shares a poignant story of a fellow actor’s tragic descent into madness.

Readers will thoroughly enjoy this captivating book, which is both engaging and easy to read. It comes highly recommended, offering a delightful exploration of the theater world through Jerome’s unique perspective.