I Never Had A Proper Jobis a charming memoir which covers many subjects: the Catholic Churchs power over society; corporal punishment in schools; poverty; war-time rationing; and the general innocence of children at the time. However; it avoids falling into the category of yet another biography set in Old Dublin for it is told from the unique perspective of a boy who wants to be an actor. Such a decision challenges everything he is taught including the course set out for his solid job. Delving into the world of Theatre and Drama; Cassin recalls the actors and stars of his time; he records the fit-up touring days; running a tiny theatre club in Baggot Street; Dublin; and a 200-seater; the 37 Theatre Club in OConnell Street before the fire authorities and then a business firm ejected him. While the harsh reality of the Dublin of the time is ever-present;I Never Had A Proper Jobexplores an alternative side of it in the Arts scene at work. Not all his stories are from the theatre. This is the story of Barry Cassin; the child; man; husband and father. He recalls his youth; his parents; and particularly his wife; Nancy; who failed totally to turn him into a farmer. The result is a delightful and entertaining read. A must-have for not only theatre and culture aficionados; but those interested in a way of living long-gone.
#2356981 in eBooks 2014-08-07 2014-08-07File Name: B00LBHH77K
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. FUN AND GAMESBy MOVIE MAVENTerry Johnson is one of the finest playwrights working today. If he is not as well known in the USA as he is in his native England; it is just that his plays have not travelled to Broadway where; I believe; they would be instant "new classics."DEAD FUNNY is a brilliant dissection of two rotting marriages; friends who come together in the fan club theyve created for the British "low" comedians who create laughter by pretending to be silly; sex-starved clowns. Perhaps the American equivalent would be Rodney Dangerfield; Lou Costello; Red Skelton or todays Adam Sandler...not the brainy; quick-witted stand-ups like Seinfeld or Joy Behar.Its a memorial service for Benny Hill which provides the setting for DEAD FUNNY. The hosts; Eleanor and Richard; a 30-something husband and wife who have long ago substituted excoriating wit for affection and their friends; Lisa and Nick; who seemingly have a happy; fulfilled family life; joined by their older; buffoonish friend; Brian for an evening of fun and games.This is a terribly funny; sad; bitter; hysterical; shocking play which deserves as big an audience in this country as it had in London during its long and very successful run. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
