Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru

First Released: October 2022

Memoir.

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.


Order a copy here

Available now in all formats.

Signed hardback copies are unfortunately sold out.

Book tour – 2022 dates and venues


Listen to a preview of the audiobook, read by Hugh:



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