She shares practical advice on preparing for roles (don’t be afraid of looking like a dick), managing the ups and downs of your career (and how to be out of work without losing your mind), dealing with failure (and success), not constantly comparing yourself to others (bloody hard, but try), looking after your mental health, and the power of knowing when to say ‘no’.

Passionate about the arts, she makes a compelling case for their importance to society, but also calls out the industry on where it continues to fall short – including a clear-eyed assessment of what needs to change to make it safer and healthier, more accessible and inclusive.

Written with refreshing honesty and self-deprecating humour, An Actor’s Alphabet is a book for anyone who dreams of becoming an actor, wants to be a better one, or just wants to learn what being one is really like.

‘Endearingly honest, funny and eye-opening. I loved it!’  Francesca Martinez

‘Like its author, this book is brimming with wisdom, intelligence, empathy and humanity… An absolute must!’  Maxine Peake

‘This is the best book on acting and being an actor I’ve read? Julie Hesmondhalgh is the mentor/best friend/guide we all need in these troubled times’  Paul Chahidi

‘Wonderful? not just a book about acting, but also about life. Us. The world. Humanity. Battling through this shit and finding time for a hug. I adore it.’  Russell T Davies

‘A must-read, whether you’ve been on the artist’s journey for years or are just starting out’  Shobna Gulati

‘This book is bold, brash, sincere and angry. It regrets nothing and questions everything? Treasure it like we should treasure Julie’  Jack Thorne

‘A generous gift to actors, full of honesty, hope and wit. There is loads of tangible advice, not just for acting but for life’  Anna Jordan

‘Julie’s book is honest, challenging and helpful. A great read’  Andy Nyman

On a summer’s day in 1900, three Australian schoolgirls on a picnic expedition to the remote Hanging Rock abscond from their group. They are last seen heading towards the beckoning Rock?

In Tom Wright’s chilling adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, five performers struggle to solve the mystery of the missing girls and their teacher. Euphoria and terror reverberate throughout the community, as the potential for history to repeat itself becomes nightmarishly real.

This adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock was first co-produced by Malthouse Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company, Perth, and first performed at Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne, in 2016. The play received its European premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, in 2017.