MY SIX BEST BOOKS
NICKY HENSON, 72, has appeared in numerous television series. He starred in the revival of Shine On Harvey Moon and his recent guest appearances include Grantchester, Downton Abbey and Midsomer Murders. He has worked with the RSC and the National Theatre. His latest film, The Holly Kane Experiment, is available to download. MOTHER TONGUE
by Bill Bryson
Penguin, £9.99 I saw this in my son’s flat the other day. It’s a book I had years ago and lost so I’m going to steal it. It’s about the English language and beautifully written. I love his work anyway but this is scholarly. THIS IS ORSON WELLES
by Orson Welles & Peter Bogdanovich
Out of print Interviews between directors with Orson Welles telling anecdotes and talking about his life. Even if you believe only half of what he says, it’s fascinating.
His intelligence and talent were extraordinary but there’s a feeling he wasted it. I’d love to have met him. BUSTER KEATON: CUT TO THE CHASE
by Marion Meade
Out of print Keaton is my hero and I think I’ve read everything that has ever been printed about him. I’ve chased all over the world finding books and cuttings and my youngest son is named after him.
Keaton was the opposite to me: he did nothing and conveyed everything. I JOKE TOO MUCH
by Michael Rudman
Available from Amazon only One of my favourite directors with whom I’ve worked a lot. He comes to life in a rehearsal room and he actually likes actors. This is a lovely book, a kind of memoir with anecdotes and jokes. SPIES
by Michael Frayn
Faber, £8.99 I’ve worked with Michael and I was in the first cast of Noises Off. I’ve never been drawn to novels but I adored this about young boys in the Second World War, who are convinced they’ve found spies. It’s a wonderful mystery and I held a piece of paper over what was coming so I wouldn’t read ahead. A BETTER CLASS OF PERSON
by John Osborne
Out of print The best autobiography I’ve read. I knew him quite well and used to go to his wonderful summer parties. It covers his childhood and his difficult mother. He was very honest but would say things just to rile you. You needed a lot of patience with him.