Souvenir Program of a Life in the Theatre.
This is an illustrated autobiography or, as Reg Livermore calls it, a souvenir program of a life in theatre. Widely acknowledged as one of the most significant figures of the Australian theatre in the twentieth century, Livermore has enjoyed a career spanning more than fifty years; in his time on stage, on television and in life, he provides an important link with performers and performances during that evolutionary period.
The book is more than just a personal memoir of a life lived in public; it offers a valuable perspective on Australian theatrical history, from the ground-breaking era of 'Hair', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', 'Betty Blokk Buster Follies' and 'Barnum' to Livermore's legendary one-man shows to his stints on commercial television on variety shows such as 'I'm Alright Now', 'The Mavis Bramston Show' and, in the 1990s, the infotainment program, 'Our House'.
Livermore's journey in the theatre has been phenomenal, and his achievements unique - it is hard to imagine such a career as his being constructed these days. This is a generous offering from a man of his time who started staging performances as a young child, developed a fabulous life on stage and now devotes his time to making a garden in the Blue Mountains in Sydney and the occasional guest appearance. One might say he lived well.
'Chapters And Chances' is enhanced by an extraordinary range of archival photographs, and will no doubt be a collector's item for Livermore's legions of fans. It is a chronicle and a celebration of a time of extraordinary ferment in Australian arts.
