The Smallest Giant

Michael Craig, a much-loved member of the Australian and international theatrical communities, looks back on his more than fifty years in the hurly burly of show business in this lively and entertaining memoir.

I was happy enough in the circus appearing as the tallest midget in captivity, but when my employer decided that I should also appear as the smallest giant in captivity, I decided it was time to move on and seek my fortune in a different sphere

Thus begins Michael Craig's fascinating, wittily wicked memoir of his life in film, theatre and television. After spending more than fifty years in the hurly burly of show business, Michael Craig has become an essential part of Australian cultural life. In The Smallest Giant, he shares anecdotes about this life and the people he has loved and worked with, including Julie Andrews, Judi Dench, Harold Pinter and Peter O'Toole.

Starting as a journeyman actor in English repertory theatre, Michael went on to have an extraordinary international career as a theatre and film actor and writer. He has appeared in more than fifty films and countless television productions, acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, on Broadway in New York and on London's West End in major productions like Funny Girl with Barbara Streisand.

Coming to Australia in 1972, Michael met actress Sue Walker, the star of such shows as Gypsy, and settled down for good. He most famously starred as Dr William Sharp in the ABC's long-running television drama GP and has worked with the cream of Australian theatre.

With an easy charm, Michael proves himself an exceptional raconteur as he tells the story of a struggling young actor who became the star of film, theatre and television.