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One of Them
- From Albert Square to Parliament Square
- Narrated by: Michael Cashman
- Length: 14 hrs and 19 mins
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One of Them
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Summary
Bloomsbury presents One of Them by Michael Cashman, read by Michael Cashman.
Michael Cashman has lived many lives, all of them remarkable: as a beloved actor of stage and screen; as a campaigner for gay rights; as an MEP and as a life peer.
Born in the postwar East End of London, young Michael’s life is changed when he is spotted in a school play, cast in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and is transported to the glittering West End. Acting on stage and screen into adulthood, he finds his most defining role as Colin in Eastenders, making television history as one half of the first gay kiss ever broadcast on a British soap. But it is a chance encounter in a Butlins resort that leads Michael to the great love of his life: Paul Cottingham, who would become his husband and partner of 31 years.
We follow Michael’s second act, as with Ian McKellen he founds and chairs Stonewall, fighting tirelessly for civil liberties all over the world before entering the world of politics. His adventures and misadventures lead him and Paul as far and wide as high tea in LA with David Hockney to flirting with Joan Collins to flying the rainbow flag over the Albert Hall with Elton John. But Michael’s greatest triumphs are seasoned with bitter loss - and he continues his ceaseless fight bearing a profound grief.
One of Them contains as many multitudes as its author: glorious nostalgia, wicked showbiz gossip, a stirring history of a civil rights movement, a sorrowfully clear-eyed exposition of Britain's standing in Europe and an unforgettable love story. Told with warmth, wit and humanity, it is an account of a life lived both left-of-field and firmly embedded in the heart of all that makes Britain liberal and good.
Critic reviews
"A memoir to cherish." (Ian McKellen)
"A brave, good man." (Sheila Hancock)
"A book to be savoured." (Alan Johnson)
What listeners say about One of Them
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- Paul C
- 28-06-20
Fantastic
This made me laugh out loud and almost reduced me to tears, a wonderful life, wonderfully read. The LGBTQ community owes an awful lot to this man read his story.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Andrew Moore
- 02-07-21
Wow.
Sharing such an amazing suite of stories, experiences, of love, loss, and life.
I knew little of this mans wonderful works, and life; heartbreaking, emotional, and so uplifting too.
Autobiographies are like punctuation, I do hope it is a semi-colon not a full-stop.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Hickson1
- 13-02-20
Breathtaking and beautiful
This is a story of love and fighting for equality - it’s deeply moving and honest
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- Kit Hix
- 31-08-23
Brilliant
No words apart from absolutely fabulous from start to finish. An excellent story of gay history and love
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sarah
- 22-11-20
A must read
Wonderful read.
I laughed, gasped and cried - many times.
Michael Cashman read with such joy and emotion. I can only imagine how many read throughs that must have taken him. He has a beautiful voice. I had to turn off on the train though towards the end. Best read on your own with a large red wine and a hanky!!
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- PRE
- 09-05-20
Moving
I found this moving and interesting. I loved how it was read. I didn't realise how momentus Colin's story was and the hate media shocked me. No more spoilers, enjoy!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Douglas Chamberlain
- 26-11-20
What an achievement!
Even though at times you feel like you follow in someone's footsteps, Michael's reassuring perception of just how lucky we might have been leaves you with a healthy and life-confirming sense of gratitude, and thankful for life's divergences.
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3 people found this helpful
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- MRS SIAN A BURGESS
- 27-12-23
Honest account of life
Honest account of a man who didn’t have an easy life. Respect for a man who gave an honest account of his life.
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- Amazon Customer
- 21-03-20
An amazing life and beautiful love story.
I remember Mr Cashman in Eastenders so I thought I’d add this memoir to all the others I’ve read. Goodness me, I so enjoyed this book. I didn’t previously realise Michael Cashman’s part in the LGBTQ’s long fight for equality etc. Wow I have now have great respect for him and his whole life story is amazing. But, interwoven with his life story, is the most honest and loving tale of his wonderful love affair with his lovely man Paul. I’m no good at all at writing but I just had to acknowledge how beautifully and honestly this book is written. I actually bought the audio version, for sleepy time listening, but it was soo good I ended up with less sleep than I was aiming for! Couldn’t stop listening at all! Really good to find that mr Cashman narrates this himself too. That made all the difference. One of my favourite memoirs.
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5 people found this helpful
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- M Broders
- 11-02-20
An excellent autobiography of life and times
Michael Cashman not only manages to capture his life and experiences. It is an also deeply personal account of his relationship with the love of his life Paul. As well moving account of his struggles of being gay in a country that did not accept this in his early years. His varied life as an actor, politician and powerful, successful campaigner for gay rights is a social history of the time. A life lived to the full. Recommended.
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