I am so excited to discuss this book with you. Being Bobs and Books, I rarely get to discuss the first part of my name whereas this encompasses both perfectly. Yay.
Toupee or not Toupee....
An enthralling journey through time, fashion and theatreland: from hairdressing student in the early 1960s to theatrical wig creator for the biggest shows of our time over five decades. My Name Is Not Wigs is the ultimate read for fans of witty behind-the-curtains memoirs, especially those with a penchant for the bright lights of stage and screen: tears and accolades aplenty!
Angela’s parents wanted a different life for their daughter—after an unpredictable lifestyle as dancers and performers themselves—encouraging a career in hairdressing instead of the ‘business of show’. But the creative gene cannot be quelled, and Angela soon became intrigued by the art of wig-making and the history of hairstyling. After swapping scissors for antiques, fate played its part, when Angela discovered a dusty, old book of wigs and hairstyles from the 18th century.
After years of uncertainty, she was certain of her purpose in life. Angela secured a job in a London theatre, taking her on a new and exciting path to becoming the go-to wig designer in theatreland and Broadway; creating wigs for Spitting Image, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Graduate, Witches of Eastwick, Jesus Christ Superstar, La Bohème and Mary Poppins to name a few; at institutions such as Madame Tussauds in London and Amsterdam, The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and The Royal National Theatre on more than 100 shows; touring the world; and working alongside many of the biggest names in acting including Joan Collins, Celia Imrie, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
Bobs and Books honest review:
As a lover of all things hair and theatre, this was right up my street and a delight to read. Angela is quite humble in her storytelling and almost comes across embarrassed to name drop and names there are a-plenty,
I have to be honest that I didn't quite realise the detail and thought and precision that goes into a wig, and stupidly thought a lot of actors hair was just restyled.
Having worked with Michael Bogdanov myself, it was a real pleasure to read that section. And living close to Swansea with a Dylan Thomas obsession (which is why I worked with Michael) it was great to see a wig for him as well. The Pavarotti story is simply sublime.
The pictures in the book really enhance the story and also really show how diverse Angela has been. The musical stories were also fabulous.
This sparkles in show business star dust.
About the author:
Angela lives with her husband George in south-west London. She was awarded an MBE in 2014.