From Dame Judi Dench

I have known Ed Pegge for more years than either of us care to think about. We first met when we were both in John Neville’s company at the Nottingham Playhouse. I remember him mainly for being the most wonderful company member, always supportive and encouraging.

His life and career have taken many turns. He knew at a very early age that he wanted to be an actor, and was encouraged by a teacher who recognised early talent. Moving to Australia in his teens, he found other teachers to encourage him. It was in Adelaide that he went to drama school, and from there he joined a touring company, from which he gained enormous experience.
 

More than most actors, he knows the importance of being in the right place at the right time, and that getting the right part is often a matter of luck. He has had his ups and downs but always manages to reinvent himself, even if it has not always been doing what is his first love – acting. He has worked with the best, and has some fascinating tales to tell.

Ed’s self-effacing title for his book, “Always Horatio” implies that he has always been a supporting actor. That may be so, but he has managed to leave his mark, both in the UK and Australia. Anyway, where would the rest of us be without him?

Comments from Readers

• ...it seems like a fascinating life and a very interesting well written story.

Reply after submitting to a London publisher - John O'Donovan from Nick Hern Books

• endearingly self-effacing, Pegge's wry sense of humour surfaces frequently in his engrossing account of an actor's life.

Mary Ann Eliot - The Chronicle

• a fine and well balanced combination of historical detail, theatrical reminiscences, stories of hinted debauchery, theatrical observations and insights, all told with self-deprecating humour.

Wayne Anthoney – performer

• ….you've had a great career and documented it beautifully, it has been a life worth living and worth writing about ...and as for the women in your life go home Errol Flyn, you're a nobody!

Rodger Ward - actor

• ….very easy to read, relaxing and comforting. Your stories are uplifting, it feels like living another life and it's fun.

Wayne Groom – film director

• I was sorry when I finished reading it and having to get back to my life.

Nancy Heywood – friend

• The style is relaxed and very readable. You've got me wanting to know what is going to happen next.

Lance Campbell – journalist

• ...sincere congratulations for your well-crafted story.

Dr Robert Black – surgeon

• I like the way you write Edmund- very easy to read and so many fascinating experiences you have been able to relate.

Jan Turnbull – lived in Malaysia

• You may lament not feeling entitled to write a 'Star's Story' but you have documented with admirable recall and honesty the 'Story of a Working Actor'.

Lyn Wright – actress, contemporary at NIDA