Shark-Infested Waters

The hilariously waspish memoirs of Britain's leading theatrical agent, Michael Whitehall.

Theatrical agent, Michael Whitehall, has been involved with the careers of many eminent actors from Kenneth More, Tom Courtenay, Colin Firth, Dorothy Tutin, Edward Fox, Jack Davenport, Judi Dench, Ian Charleson, Peter Bowles, Elaine Stritch, Richard E Grant, Danie Day-Lewis, David Hemmings and Richard Griffiths amongst others.

In Shark-Infested Waters, Michael Whitehall contrasts the glamorous image of theatrical life with the mundane realities of the business, while passing on some startling trade secrets along the way. A laconic raconteur of refreshingly un-starstruck theatrical anecdotes, Whitehall deftly sketches the social comedy of his eccentric background: growing up in suburban London in the 1950s, his schooldays at Ampleforth and his subsequent adventures as a prep schoolmaster - worthy of Evelyn Waugh himself - before becoming an actors' agent.

The result is a charming, funny and piquant view of a world that continues to fascinate.

About the Author

Michael Whitehall was a leading theatrical agent and producer, whose clients included Nigel Havers, Edward Fox, Judi Dench and Colin Firth. He produced The Good Guys, Noah's Ark and Element of Doubt for ITV, as well as numerous theatrical productions around the UK and in the West End.

He appeared with Jack on their show Backchat for the BBC and subsequently 5 series of Travels With My Father for Netflix. A regular guest in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4's Countdown, he also co hosted Hard To Please OAP's for ITV as well as appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand Up To Cancer with Jack and Hilary.

His books include Shark Infested Waters, Backing Into The Spotlight and Him and Me co-authored with Jack.