One of Them

'A memoir to cherish' Ian McKellen

'A brave, good man' Sheila Hancock

'A book to be savoured' Alan Johnson

'There are so many reasons to love this book' Armistead Maupin

'A beautifully written, funny memoir' Jo Brand

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 post-war 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.

"O memorie pentru a pretui" Ian McKellen "Un barbat curajos si bun" Sheila Hancock "O carte care trebuie savurata" Alan Johnson "Exista atat de multe motive pentru a iubi aceasta carte" Armistead Maupin "Un memoriu frumos scris, amuzant" Jo Brand Michael Cashman a trait multe vieti, toate remarcabile: ca actor iubit de scena si ecran; ca militant pentru drepturile homosexualilor; nascut in East End-ul post-razboi al Londrei, viata tanarului Michael se schimba atunci cand este vazut intr-o piesa scolara, distribuita in filmul Oliver al lui Lionel Bart!