Book Review: That's Another Story by Julie Walters

Delving into another autobiography now...and who better than Julie Walters?! I'd watch anything Julie Walters is in, and when I picked up this copy of her 2008 autobiography That's Another Story last year, I couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately I had so many other books to read it got pushed to one side until now.

As mentioned above, the book was released in 2008 so doesn't cover any of the work Julie's done since then - it touches on her time filming Mamma Mia!, at the time newly released, but the focus is on her Birmingham upbringing and entry into the world of acting. From an introductory course in acting at the Manchester Polytechnic, to joining Liverpool's prestigious Everyman Theatre and meeting comedy genius Victoria Wood, through to her film debut in 1983's Educating Rita, the book is a beautifully written, often hilarious ride through Julie's life and career.

I knew that Julie had worked in theatre, but had no idea that she was primarily a stage actress. Her love for the theatre comes across so strongly in her book, and she describes the struggles she faced when starting to work in film and television. I feel like she's known more these days as a comedy actress, and while she does have excellent comic timing and is just naturally hilarious without having to really do anything, I was interested to learn that she worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and took on several other heavy parts. I'd love to see her again in a more serious, weighty role as I think it would remind us all of her talent.

My Mum's favourite Julie Walters character is Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques, so she was delighted to learn that she is also Julie's favourite character of all time! My favourite of her roles is as Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot - a funny role but also one that is so multi-faceted and layered that I think really showed off her acting ability at its best. Another favourite is of course as Molly Weasley; Julie captures the essence of the character perfectly; despite being a cosy, cuddly mother and housewife, there's some real grit to Mrs Weasley and I genuinely got goosebumps at her performance in the final scene of The Battle of Hogwarts, when she takes on Bellatrix Lestrange.

Not a new release by any means, but a real nostalgic read and perfect for fans of Julie or indeed anyone interested in the TV, film, and actors of her generation.