MEMOIRS
Gillian Lynne wrote two autobiographies - the second volume - Gillian Lynne’s Book of Particular Cats - A Memoir - tells of the memorable events, unique people and stories of her life from the end of the second war to recent times. Written by Gillian in 2016, this volume has been collated by her husband Peter Land and was published in 2026. It is available to buy now - see details below
The first volume - A Dancer in Wartime - was published in 2011 and tells the story of her early life, dance lessons and becoming a ballerina performing with the Sadler’s Wells Company (later the Royal Ballet) during the war years.
Gillian Lynne’s Book of Particular Cats
A Memoir
Continuing the 100th anniversary celebrations, Gillian Lynne’s Book of Particular Cats - A Memoir is the much-anticipated second part of Dame Gillian Lynne's autobiography, following her acclaimed memoir A Dancer in Wartime. It tells of a life well lived and explores the personal, star-studded stories that defined her extraordinary career.
Drawing inspiration from T. S. Eliot's timeless Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats alongside the feline characters of the world-renowned musical CATS, Gillian Lynne reflects on the people who shaped her life and work. From Sophia Loren and Margot Fonteyn to Judi Dench and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gillian rubbed shoulders, quite literally, with stars of stage and screen. With wit, warmth and insight, these talented individuals appear front and centre amongst her vivid, beautifully written memories.
Collated by her husband, the actor Peter Land, Gillian Lynne's Book of Particular Cats weaves stories of hard work, passion and love to create a playful and inspiring portrait of a life spent in dance, theatre and artistry.
The Memoir is available to buy now - click on the links to purchase the paperback edition from Amazon, Foyles, and Waterstones
Special Limited Edition Hardback
A special limited edition hardback of Gillian Lynne’s Book of Particular Cats has been created to mark Gillian’s 100th anniversary year. Beautifully bound, with the centenary seal on the cover, this is a keepsake edition of Gillian’s final collection of stories: funny, perceptive and full of the people she never forgot.
To purchase the hardback, click here
Reviews
'This memoir is outstanding - it felt extraordinary to hear Gillian in my head as I was reading this book, many of the conversations she wrote about, some of which she had told me about at the time felt like I was right there with her. Every detail and moment is remembered and I think anyone who loves theatre or dance or just a damn good read would love this book, I certainly did. What a life she had.'
Dame Arlene Phillips
'This is the first time, in my 20 year history with the show, I’m rehearsing phantom of the opera without Gillie. 😔 I thought it would be impossible but she’s SO here it’s not even funny how much I feel her!!! I’m so grateful to have this new memoir to come home to thanks to @lizrobertsonstage getting for me and @peteroliverland making it happen ♥️ get your copy today to celebrate her centenary and continue to be inspired by one of the most incredible artists who ever lived'
Sierra Boggess
'What a completely wonderful & inspiring read this is!! …..Gillie’s voice, her work ethic & extraordinary determination, her generosity & her passion for the theatre shine through on every page along with her immense capacity for love….what a woman…what an achievement !!'
Dame Monica Mason
'Gillian Lynne’s Book of Particular Cats - A Memoir offers an unprecedented peek behind the curtain of some of the biggest juggernaut productions in the history of musical theatre'
Ian McFarlane, Director, Writer & Founder of Big Adventure Productions
A DANCER IN WARTIME
A Dancer in Wartime tells the story of Gillian’s extraordinary childhood. From Miss Madeleine Sharp’s Ballet Class for Young Ladies in Bromley to being evacuated with her theatre school to rural Leicestershire; from performing in the West End with doodlebugs falling to touring a devastated Europe, the early years were hard, exciting and dramatic. And when the call came to join Sadler’s Wells - well, what ballerina hopeful could have asked for more?
Shortlisted for the Society of Theatre Research's Theatre Book Prize
The first volume of Gillian’s autobiography was published in the UK by Chatto & Windus on 3 November 2011.
Listen to an excerpt read by Gillian Lynne
REVIEWS
'A charming and moving portrait of a wartime childhood and an extraordinary account of what it takes to make it on stage...I couldn't put it down.'
Elaine Paige
'A captivating story beautifully told ... and what an inspiration for anyone who dreams of a life on the stage.'
Cat Deeley
'An intriguing and moving account of a young girl's balletic ambitions during wartime. Wonderfully readable, spirited and honest.'
Sir Derek Jacobi
'Gillian's journey through dance is a story of passion and devotion that should be read by everyone, not just dance lovers.'
Arlene Phillips
'I loved this book...her energy, enthusiasm and passion is present in every line, and her commitment to the theatre and her determination to excel make for a fascinating and thoroughly absorbing read.'
Dame Monica Mason, Director of the Royal Ballet