Playing Under the Piano cover art

Playing Under the Piano

From Downton to Darkest Peru

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About this listen

This exclusive recording includes 6 extended chapters that are unique to the audiobook.

Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, whose credits include Downton Abbey, W1A and the Paddington films.

Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain's most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro's right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father's dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.

©2022 Hugh Bonneville (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Funny Comedy Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty

Critic reviews

"Utterly charming." (Jack Whitehall)

"Deliciously naughty." (Celia Imrie)

"A gorgeous book." (Richard Curtis)
All stars
Most relevant
I'm a landscape gardener and I listen to audiobooks all day long through my ear defenders. I'm surprised I haven't been taken away by the people in white coats due to my raucous laughing. This book is absolutely hilarious, I laughed my socks off. Just one error........ it's a Union flag Hugh, not a Union jack......... schoolboy error. I think thus far I've listened to this book 5 times, I love it

My Go To

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Loved this being read by Hugh, so calming to listen to. I work at Highclere Castle and the references to Downton Abbey behind the scenes were so lovely. A great story of Hugh’s life from a young boy to discovering acting and making it his life. A lovely book, I was so happy to meet Hugh and get a signed copy of the book too to see the pictures ☺️

Hugh’s voice….😍

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What a lovely listen to an amazing journey so far, so fa so far Hugh

Brilliant

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Beautifully narrated by the author and brilliantly gossipy and sad by turns. I was sorry when it ended!

Enthralling from start to end

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Hugh Bonneville tells his story with warmth and humour and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the important people in his life and the anecdotes about well-known actors and directors. I was so disappointed when the book came to an end - I will miss Hugh’s dulcet tones at bedtime! He was like a friend telling me his life story.

A wonderful listen

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