"Speaking is part of a whole: an expression of inner life." Cicely Berry has based her work on the conviction that while all is present in nature our natural instincts have been crippled from birth by many processes––by the conditioning, in fact, of a warped society. Learn More

Anxiety about how we speak prevents many of us from expressing ourselves well. Learn More

Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Nick Hern Books (25 July 2002)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1854596594
ISBN-13: 978-1854596598 Learn More

'detailed, down-to-earth, useful... with one of the clearest explanations I've read of iambic pentameter' The Stage

'as useful to the experienced actor looking for a lifeline as the beginner wanting tips about the trade' British Theatre Guide Learn More

"There is a mystery in every play that is written, no matter whether classical and poetic or modern and demotic, and it is the sound and the rhythm of the writing which take us there." Learn More

'Anyone involved in actor training is likely to find this book a welcome breath of fresh air because its approach is so gloriously unpretentious. And yet it contains a wealth of Abbot’s enormous experience as actor, director and teacher'

- The Stage

'A fine source of ideas and information for drama teachers - a potted acting course, with plenty of practical exercises.'

- Teaching Drama Learn More

The basics of pantomime, improvisation, voice control, monologues and dialogues presented in game formats with exercises and work sheets. Learn More

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Methuen Drama (31 July 2007)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0713687010
ISBN-13: 978-0713687019 Learn More

This is a fascinating and provocative investigation - with exercises and techniques - into the wellsprings of improvisation in theatre, dance and music by the author of "House of Games". Learn More