Playing Under the Piano cover art

Playing Under the Piano

From Downton to Darkest Peru

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Playing Under the Piano

By: Hugh Bonneville
Narrated by: Hugh Bonneville
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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 Comedy Funny

Critic Reviews

"Utterly charming." (Jack Whitehall)

"Deliciously naughty." (Celia Imrie)

"A gorgeous book." (Richard Curtis)
All stars
Most relevant  
what a brilliant storyteller he is! I loved every minute, he's such a great narrator with a mass of tales to tell, some sad, some thought provoking and some hilarious. well worth a listen an absolute smasher.

absolutely loved it!

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Very moving and entertaining. The performance by Hugh Bonneville just made it even better. Highly recommend.

Loved it!

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Loved it and learnt a lot. Hugh has such a lovely voice. Recommend listening folks

Terrific

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Brilliant writing, brilliant performance. That gorgeous voice is a great addition to his experiences and his mind. I hope Hugh narrates and/or writes more, he's a delight.

Exceptional

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Captivating and is right up there as one of the best audio's I have ever listened to.

A craftsman doing what he does best

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Such a wonderful story and storyteller. I couldn’t stop listening to Mr Bonneville’s story. What a fantastic life and so much more to come.

Thank you

A Wonderful Story

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Highly recommend this book. It is a non-pretentious honest memoir that made me both laugh and cry

Fabulous

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Really enjoyed this book. Bought it mainly because I love the Downton series but was pleasantly surprised at the entire storyline about his life. Great narration. Of course.

surprisingly enjoyable

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I really enjoyed this book. Hugh Bonneville is a master story teller. Hilarious some moments and moving at other times.
I didn’t want it to end!

Great stories well told

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Hugh Bonneville reading his book was totally hilarious and bought it life.
Highly recommended, what a personality.

Brilliant.

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