Add to Cart
The item has been added
Trending Bestseller
Three Lives, A Long Holiday and A Steel Elephant
Paperback / softback
19 June 2025
$58.00
In Stock:
Ships in 3-5 Days
Three Lives, A Long Holiday and A Steel Elephant
$58.00
Description
This is my memoir. It is also my personal history of Emergency Exit Arts from 1980 to 2007, where I was Co-Artistic Director from 1991 to 2007. It was the largest theatre and arts company in the UK committed to outdoor and spectacular shows.
This book is my first. It describes my experiences and adventures from a poor working-class childhood, school, further education, dead end jobs and the meanderings in the underbellies of Soho in London and Amsterdam.
It then charts my second life with Emergency Exit Arts. I have kept this section discursive and I hope entertaining for both the general reader and professional theatre workers. I can only talk with veracity about the work I was responsible for. The history is unauthorised and at times contentious.
It concludes in my current hometown, a small fishing and agricultural town in The Dominican Republic named Rio San Juan.
It's a remarkable achievement. Shocking, funny, brilliantly remembered with immense detail.... especially dealing with the traumas of your early years has been fulfilling and maybe even cathartic for you. It can be a huge and difficult task to unearth and objectify hidden stuff and your work here seems to be very thorough, intense, exceptionally honest and tightly (and brightly!) written.
As an outsider your personal revelations are enthralling to read and may well grab a wide audience. The story of your father's suicide with your reflections on it is a compelling example. It is very particular and unusual but paradoxically it might strike a universal chord.
From my point of view, thank you very much for letting me into your special world. It has been a privilege to read of experiences where our paths have crossed and crossed creatively and great to learn of so much other joy and chaos you have engineered. As I have said, your insights into your early years are revelatory and awful. I am glad you appear to have transcended them to fly off with multi-coloured wings.
John Fox
Co-director with Sue Gill of DEAD GOOD GUIDES, Ex Founder and Artistic Director of Welfare State International. Published poet, image maker, author, lecturer, grandfather and cultural provocateur.
You May Like
Add to Cart
The item has been added
Three Elephant Power And Other Stories
"Them things," said Alfred the chauffeur, tapping the speed indicator with his fingers, "them things are all right for the police. But, Lord, you can fix 'em up if you want to. Did you ever hear...
$36.00
Add to Cart
The item has been added
Add to Cart
The item has been added
Is There An Elephant In My Living Room
Have you ever wondered about God? Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, Brahma. Aren't these all just central figures in different religions that humankind has manipulated and twisted over the centuries to...
$12.00
Add to Cart
The item has been added
Customers Also Viewed
Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.
Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More
For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.
Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids
Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.
School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks
Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education
BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.
Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials
From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.
Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals
Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.
Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions
We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.
Stay Up to Date with Book Trends
Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.
Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.