'A Dancer in Wartime'
The first volume of Gillian's autobiography -
A Dancer in Wartime - was published in the UK by Chatto & Windus on November 3, 2011.
A Dancer in Wartime tells the story of Gillian’s extraordinary childhood. From Miss Madeleine Sharp’s Ballet Class for Young Ladies in Bromley to being evacuated with her theatre school to rural Leicestershire; from performing in the West End with doodlebugs falling to touring a devastated Europe, the early years were hard, exciting and dramatic. And when the call came to join Sadler’s Wells - well, what ballerina hopeful could have asked for more?
Listen to an excerpt from ‘A Dancer In Wartime’ read by Gillian Lynne
Shortlisted for the Society of Theatre Research's Theatre Book Prize
'A charming and moving portrait of a wartime childhood and an extraordinary account of what it takes to make it on stage...I couldn't put it down.'
Elaine Paige
'A captivating story beautifully told ... and what an inspiration for anyone who dreams of a life on the stage.'
Cat Deeley
'An intriguing and moving account of a young girl's balletic ambitions during wartime. Wonderfully readable, spirited and honest.'
Sir Derek Jacobi
'Gillian's journey through dance is a story of passion and devotion that should be read by everyone, not just dance lovers.'
Arlene Phillips
'I loved this book...her energy, enthusiasm and passion is present in every line, and her commitment to the theatre and her determination to excel make for a fascinating and thoroughly absorbing read.'
Dame Monica Mason, Director of the Royal Ballet