Diana Newman

AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT

AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT

Derek Jacobi is a versatile British actor best known for his numerous classical performances and in particular, Claudius in “I Claudius”. He has acted in productions from the West End to Broadway.

In Jacobi’s autobiography he talks about being gay, his episodes of stage fright, the loss of his loving parents, and the way in which he shuns the spotlight.

Jacobi’s anecdotes demonstrate candour which reveals his vulnerable side. He shows what’s hidden deep within the artist’s psyche and bares his soul even though he comments that he is governed more by his, “intuition and imagination than by analytical thinking.”

Memories of Jacobi’s childhood are that it was safe, happy and secure. He writes that he subsumes himself in his characters. He has performed in front of the royal family, met Margaret Thatcher and he
was invited to the White House. He has also had the good fortune to work with such luminaries as Peter O’Toole, Michael York and Sir Laurence Olivier.

Jacobi is genuine and unaffected by fame. AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT is a great read.

Published by Harper Collins, the hardcover version of Derek Jacobi’s AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT  is retailing at $39.99

Published by Diana Newman

Diana Newman is a playwright who has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales with a double major in English and Theatre Studies, graduating in 1991. Diana has had three plays produced and she was shortlisted twice for NIDA’s playwright’s course. BITCHIN’ was workshopped at the Genesian Theatre in 1995 with the production being directed by Pamela Whalan. GAZUMPED was performed at Belvoir Street’s Open House program, directed by Ainslie Masterton in 1995. STANDUP was performed in 2000, directed by Rhonwen McCormack of Velvet Masque Productions at the Three Weeds Hotel, Rozelle.