RADA: Singing on Stage, An Actor's Guide by Jane Streeton and Philip Raymond

This book aims to be an accessible guide for actors on how to develop their voice. It does not aim to be a user manual for the human voice but a useful resource for the student or working actor who may not have thought of themselves as a ‘singer’.

The book's virtues lie in its easy layout, which allows for casual dipping in and out when in need of advice or information. Its authors, both teachers at RADA, know how to address their audience and what their key concerns may be. The tone of the book is very encouraging, and I found myself trying out exercises as I was swept along. The great addition to this book is the penultimate section which is full of excellent repertoire recommendations for different levels of singers.

Like most books on singing it is not without being contentious. When giving a general guide to a world that has many routes, there are bound to be things more experienced singers may question. Also, the focus almost exclusively on quotes from and photos of RADA alumni makes this work feel more like an institutional coursebook than a guide for the general public.

I would have loved to have seen glossary text boxes throughout the book to explain the musical jargon. There is a ‘Miscellany’ at the back, but for non-music students, it would make the book more readable. Also, a chapter on good vocal health might have been very useful as well.

Overall, however, a useful book.