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Dear John

Writing wrongs

First published 18th December 2003

Question:
I've always been interested in acting and music but, as a young parent have never had the time to take things further. I want to make a fresh start this year but I have one big problem - I find reading and writing very difficult. I'm afraid this is going to hold me back both when I study and when trying to learn lines - and surely it's not something to share with casting directors?

Answer:
Reading and writing difficulties are not nearly as uncommon in showbusiness as you might think. And people who have experienced them include Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Izzard and Susan Hampshire, all of whom have done pretty well for themselves. All the above performers have dyslexia, a common condition that makes reading and writing difficult-and which can often go undiagnosed for years.

Susan Hampshire's autobiography Susan's Story (Corgi) deals with her own stuggles with words, and is well worth seeking out. And yes, I do realise I've just advised someone with reading difficulties to look up a book - so I'm very pleased to also recommend the British Dyslexia Association website (www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk) which has a built-in text reader.

There is a helpline on 0118 966 8271 and it would be well worth your having an assessment for dyslexia if you haven't already.

Should you keep your problems hidden? Top comedienne and writer Angie Le Mar says owning and being upfront about her own dyslexia was a major step forward in her own career. "It's how well you can perform, not how well you can read, that gets you the parts. And most of the time we don't actually read onstage - we remember. You can sometimes get scripts in advance or retyped to make things easier.

"Certainly, any energy you're using trying to hide your difficulties could be much better used building your memory, confidence performing skills and making use of the help and support that is definitely out there."