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The Sherlock Holmes Society of London reviews Benedict Cumberbatch, in Transition: An Unauthorised Performance Biography

13 Jan

“Lynnette Porter is the editor of Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century: Essays on New Adaptations. Here she surveys Cumberbatch’s career as an actor, touching on his extra-curricular life only to the extent that it influences his acting or is influenced by the transition from jobbing actor to star to celebrity. The facts are meticulously (but not tediously) referenced, and the writing is both literate and engaging. Sherlock is the turning-point, but it’s good to be reminded of the extent and importance of the actor’s career, before, during and after the breakthrough to stardom: acclaimed rôles in Rhinoceros and Hedda Gabler at the Royal Court, After the Dance at the Old Vic, and Frankenstein at the National Theatre; performances as Van Gogh and Stephen Hawking on television; leading parts inCopenhagen, Neverwhere and the continuing comedy series Cabin Pressure on radio; War Horse, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in the cinema, and his emergence as a real film star in Star Trek: Into Darkness. Benedict Cumberbatch is a great actor, unpretentious, honest and dedicated.”

 

Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Amazon, Barnes and Noble, in the UK Amazon, Waterstones, and for everywhere else Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle, iPad, Kobo and Nook.

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Posted by on January 13, 2014 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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The Sherlock Holmes Society of London reviews The Immortals: An Unauthorised Guide to Sherlock and Elementary

31 Dec

“I first encountered Matthew Elliott as a fellow-contributor to Sherlock magazine, whose last issue appeared in 2006, the year in which Mark Gatiss told the Society of the mad idea he and Steven Moffat had for an updated Sherlock Holmes. Matthew has since established himself as a scriptwriter and occasional actor, and as the deviser and presenter of our annual Film Evening. There’s no one better qualified to provide a survey of Sherlock – which he does in The Immortals: An Unauthorised Guide to Sherlock and Elementary. Cumberbatch or Miller? They’re both fine actors, equally superb in Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein, and Matthew Elliott’s guide is throughout perceptive, witty, affectionate and deeply knowledgeable.”

 

The Immortals: An Unauthorized guide to Sherlock and Elementary is available from all good bookstores including   Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle,  Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

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Posted by on December 31, 2013 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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Review of ‘Benedict Cumberbatch – In Transition: An Unauthorised Performance Biography’ from Benedict-Cumberbatch.de

30 Dec

“Written by Lynnette Porter and published by MX Publishing, Benedict Cumberbatch – In Transition: An Unauthorised Performance Biography is no ordinary biography as we know it from most other celebrity biographies. The author focuses almost entirely on the career of Benedict and gives an overview of his projects, backed by numerous quotations and anecdotes.

The book begins, after a long introduction, with Benedict’s childhood and his education at Harrow, Manchester and LAMDA, and includes some very nice quotes from his mother, Wanda Ventham. We, as theater fans, are delighted that the chapter on his career in the theatre is especially extensive. Porter refers to Benedict’s first roles at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and gives a comprehensive analysis (including excerpts from interviews and reviews) on Hedda Gabler, Rhinoceros, The Arsonists and After the Dance. Frankenstein even gets a more in depth chapter. It becomes clear very easily that a lot of time and research has gone into the book….”

Read the full review here.

Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Amazon, Barnes and Noble, in the UK Amazon, Waterstones, and for everywhere else Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle, iPad, Kobo and Nook.

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Posted by on December 30, 2013 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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A must for BBC Sherlock and CBS Elementary fans [and detractors]

21 Nov

This week sees the launch of a must have book for all BBC Sherlock and Elementary fans. ‘The Immortals’ is a comprehensive episode by episode review of the two series by Holmes expert Matthew Elliott. His unique approach tackles each episode and links back elements to the original stories, reviews plotlines, characters and good and bad points. Matthew Elliott is one of the leading Holmes experts in the UK – regularly publishing articles and speaking at major Holmes events. In fact, he was the host for the 7th November Sherlock Holmes Society of London film evening.

So whether you are a fan of either or both series, or in fact a detractor, you will find Elliott’s analysis of the series compelling reading.

The Immortals: An Unauthorized guide to Sherlock and Elementary is available from all good bookstores including   Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle,  Kobo and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

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Posted by on November 21, 2013 in Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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An exciting week for Sherlock Holmes fans.

05 Nov

Last week saw the launch of Eddy Webb’s detailed and brutally honest review of the Sherlock Holmes stories ‘Watson Is Not An Idiot’. Critics have called it a brilliant introduction to the original stories. An early review says:

“I am in love with this book. As a Sherlock fan, I didn’t think I would be able to learn more about Doyle’s work. Boy, was I mistaken.Eddy brings you to Doyle’s world and explains the common misconceptions of certain key phrases, Sherlock, and of course, Watson (who is not an idiot).”

This week’s new title is very special. ‘Sherlock Holmes and a Quantity of Debt’ is a special edition hardback of David Marcum’s debut Holmes novel. We say special as David’s two short story collections (The Papers of Sherlock Holmes 1 and 2) have been bestsellers since their launch in June and September this year, and compiled together into a stunning 13 hour audio version. Reviews have been amazing:

“David Marcum has achieved the ultimate Sherlock Holmes pastiche, David is indeed the undisputed master of the modern Sherlock Holmes story, to read these stories it is as if Conan Doyle himself has written them.No doubt about it David Marcum is THE best Sherlockian author of today.If like me a purist and like Sherlock Holmes stories as Conan Doyle intended them this then this book is an absolute must.”

The reaction to the short stories gave us the confidence to include in the launch a special hardback.

Finally, this week sees a fantastic free event for Sherlock Holmes fans on Friday 8thNovember, 7pm at the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel. The launch of ‘The Immortals’ a comprehensive review of the BBC Sherlock and CBS Elementary series from Holmes expert Matthew Elliott – free tickets available from http://theimmortals-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/.

Watson Is Not An Idiot is available from all good bookstores including  Amazon USA,Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle,  Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

Sherlock Holmes and A Quantity of Debt is available from all good bookstores including  Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle, Kobo and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

The Immortals: An Unauthorized guide to Sherlock and Elementary is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle.

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Posted by on November 5, 2013 in Book Launches, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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Amy Thomas from The Baker Street Babes reviews Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition

29 Jul

“When I was a young teenager, I was utterly besotted with Prince William. What can I say? While my friends were eagerly snapping up magazines featuring N’Sync and the Backstreet Boys, I bought a short and fairly abysmal unauthorised biography of the royal heir. I didn’t care; it was something. Thankfully, Benedict Cumberbatch fans of any age no longer have to face the indignity of wasting money on shoddy prose.

Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition is an exhaustively-annotated and impressively-detailed account of a young actor’s career. Some might ask if now is the time for such a book, releasing arguably nearer the beginning of his acting career than the end; however, the transitional aspect gives the tome much of its interest. Porter purposefully sought to chronicle the rise of an actor who is only just beginning to reach the heights many expect him to continue to scale.

It’s important to note that since the book is unauthorised, the information is gleaned from other sources. The value of such a book is the same as that of a very specific encyclopedia–it presents a host of information that most fans would be unable or unwilling to look up for themselves.

Whether or not Cumberbatch is as successful in the future as the author and many in the media and wider fandom expect, this book will continue to serve as an interesting signpost at the crossroads of a person’s life. Even those who have followed Benedict for some time will likely find new details to savor.

As a frequent user of Tumblr, a photo-heavy social networking site, I know firsthand that plenty of young people are as besotted today with Benedict Cumberbatch as I once was with the future king of England. Lynnette Porter has provided them, and their older counterparts, with a valuable guide to a fascinating career. No abysmal imitations need apply.”

Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Amazon, Barnes and Noble, in the UK Amazon, Waterstones, and for everywhere elseBook Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle, iPad,Kobo and Nook.

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Posted by on July 29, 2013 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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First Review of ‘Benedict Cumberbatch in Transition – An Unauthorised Performance Biography’

27 Apr

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“Benedict Cumberbatch In Transition – An Unauthorised Biography. A Review.

Can a simple title say it all? In this particular case, it can and it is a joy. Benedict’s career is indeed in transition at the present moment in time (when I’m writing we are just a few days ahead of the Star Trek Into Darkness Premiere in London) and, in less than four years,he has metamorphosed from a very talented BBC actor to a sought-after international star.

If you expect a mere unauthorised biography here, you will be disappointed. As already thoroughly explained by Sherlockology and by the author herself in an interview with our page (see the link below), this book is an analytical and very detailed essay about his works.

No matter if you are a “new-comer” or a long-term fan, you will find its contents intriguing. The book is certainly particularly appealing for its in-depth analysis of the “before Sherlock” career, focusing on Benedict’s theatre roles.

Lynnette Porter has enriched each chapter with her own experiences and interviews obtained whilst going through theatre archives in London and meeting directors (using every possible source available); allowing the readers “to see” the performances through her eyes even if they haven’t actually seen them in reality.

Praise must also be given for the unbiased approach to each project he has be involved in, both in the past and in the near future. Although it is undeniable that BBC Sherlock can be considered as a turning point in Benedict’s career, he is such an incredibly talented Thespian that each and every role he has portrayed has its own strength. In fact, it is always a source of great inspiration for fans and viewers to discover- through his own words – the reasons of his professional choices, the hard work to prepare for them and the efforts to avoid being typecast.

Lynnette Porter is the author of 14 books, a cinema reviewer and university lecturer (as well as a devoted fan) and she embarked on this project with contagious enthusiasm and professionalism.

MX Publishing is popular among Sherlockians for all its valuable Sherlock related titles to date.

Benedict Cumberbatch In Transition will be released on 10th June.

To know more you can follow these links:

•https://www.facebook.com/benedictcumbercatchintransition[where fans can ask questions about the book from the author]

•http://www.sherlockholmesbookshop.com/product/9781780924366[exclusive pre-publication copies for US fans (dispatched in May)]

•http://www.amazon.co.uk/Benedict-Cumberbatch-Transition-Unauthorised-Performance/dp/1780924364

[for UK fans]

•http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Benedict-Cumberbatch-Actor-Transition-Unauthorised-Performance-Biography-Lynnette-Porter/9781780924366[free delivery worldwide for fans outside UK and USA.]

•Interview with the author:

http://cumberlordfb.tumblr.com/post/48674553429/benedict-cumberbatch-in-transition-an-interview

A review by EmanuelaBorgattaDunnett for facebook.com/cumberlordbenedict”

 
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Posted by on April 27, 2013 in Book Launches, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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Of the thousands of images of Benedict Cumberbatch author Lynnette Porter has chosen this one for her performance biography of the actor which comes out in June.

25 Apr

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Premiere - 68th Venice Film Festival

Of the thousands of images of Benedict Cumberbatch author Lynnette Porter has chosen this one for her performance biography of the actor which comes out in June. A leading designer has been chosen for the cover which the publisher’s say will be “very special and a unique concept”. 

Benedict Cumberbatch, In Transition has been described by the author’s agent Uwe as ‘a labour of love’ with a quite incredible attention to detail. Porter has published several very heavily researched books to date, and this one runs to 350 pages. Certainly one for the more serious Cumberbatch fans. Porter is a big fan herself and fans can look forward to a positive review of his prolific career.

Steve Emecz from publishers MX Publishing comments “We’re used to producing some of the most detailed biographical works in the Holmes world, including the Chronology of Arthur Conan Doyle, and The Norwood Author which won the 2011 Howlett Award (Sherlock Holmes book of the year) and we had to be sure that Lynnette’s book was highly detailed and accurate. We weren’t disappointed. This is a very special piece of work and one we are very pleased to be publishing. The book covers his career to date, so whilst there is some Sherlock, there is much more in there”.

The publishers have opened up a Facebook Page today where fans will be able to see exclusive extracts from the book, take part in competitions and ask the author questions. The foreword for the book will be provided by a famous special guest from the world of Sherlock Holmes.

 
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Posted by on April 25, 2013 in Book Launches, Book Publishing, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

 

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First Eight Audience Members Announced for The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 2

14 Mar

Hundreds of Sherlock Holmes from around the world have entered the competition for one of the ten precious places at this weekend’s live Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 2. The debate is several times bigger than the record breaking first debate in November last year. The first eight audience members have been chosen (listed below) and two more will be chosen, one tomorrow and one on Friday. Fan participation has been huge this time around. As of this morning:

– 1,565 fans on The Great Debate Facebook Page – with 745 votes in the BBC Sherlock vs Warner Brothers Sherlock pre-event vote

– 6,674 fans on the Save Undershaw Facebook Page

Audience members so far:

Morgan Britt       Richmond, USA.

Yui Manabe       Kobe City, Japan.

Helene Colin      Nantes, France.

Wie Ping Young     Singapore

Mike Hogan        Bangkok, Thailand

Claire Ellull         Valetta, Malta

Chloe Smith        UK

Courtney Brown     Columbus, Ohio

You can still enter for one of the last two place – GSHD2 Entry Form

Don’t forget to click ‘like’ on the  Save Undershaw  page – and help save Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s house from destruction.

The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 2 is made possible by the following:

MX Publishing in support of Save Undershaw

Team 1 – BBC Sherlock – Captain – Curly & the Baker Street Babes + Sherlock Holmes Society of London, Sherlockology, Kate Workman, Charlotte Walters, Dan Andriacco, Tracy Revels.

Team 2 – Warner Bros Sherlock – Captain – Burt Wolder + No Place Like Holmes, Gerry O’Hara, David Ruffle, Tim Symonds, Matthew Elliott.

Team 3 – The Traditionalists – Captain Nick Briggs (Voice of The Daleks) + Big Finish, Paul R Spiring, Phil Growick, Alistair Duncan, Marino Alvarez.

Press – Always 1895 and @always1895

Venue Sponsors – mPowa (Process credit cards with your smartphone)

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2012 in Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate

 

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The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 2 – The Interview With The Hosts

12 Mar

Interview with Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 2 organisers MX Publishing – What is the debate? How did it come about? Who is involved? All these questions and more answered. Interview conducted by Ross Foad from ‘No Place Like Holmes‘.

More information at the Great Sherlock Holmes Debate Facebook Page.

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2012 in The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate

 

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