Stage Mum

by Lisa Gee

A book for every parent who has thought about encouraging — or pushing — their child towards stage, television or celluloid; for every grown-up who wanted to audition and wasn’t allowed to, and for anyone interested in the consequences when showbiz happens to nice, ordinary people.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2008

Reviews

[Ms Joanne]

I love The Sound of Music, watched the 'Maria' shows and of course went to see the production at the London Palladium. Several years ago I read an excerpt of this online, and it was on the to-read list (which is very long and I've forgotten most of them).
The author, Lisa Gee reminds me of the way I write, and how I would if I was ever in this position (and I can't imagine I would - my daughter shows zero enthusiasm for anything like this) - but also, how much your life goes on hold for your child when doing something like this.
It's a quick read, I enjoyed it, and would recommend if you have a child who wants to be on stage, and you've no idea what it involves as a parent.

[Sharon]

Great book, that not only tells the tale of Lisa's journey as a new 'stage mum', but also goes into detail of what it is really like to have a child start out and be a child performer.

I liked the behind the scenes details of the routines and regulations, and that the truthof the matter is, it is not all glamour and joy, especially for the parents who do most of the running around and having to put up with all types of set backs and run arounds while their child gets the glory.

It will certainly make up think twice about putting your child on the stage.

[Alannah]

As a performer myself it was interesting to see how it affects parents and family, considering I have experienced it first hand with my own.
I found myself thinking about my mum when I was reading and can imagine some of the content going through her head.
Very insightful and well written and researched:) I fell in love with Dora and her antics :)