The Best Fooling

In this second volume of memoirs, acclaimed theatre artist Michael Bawtree recounts his journey from British Army officer to Canadian cultural pioneer. Arriving in Canada as a young immigrant, he embarks on a bold career spanning roles as actor, playwright, critic, and director. Bawtree reflects on his early years at Simon Fraser University — where he launched its theatre program — and his time as Associate Director at the Stratford Festival. A key figure in Canadian music theatre, he co-founded COMUS Music Theatre with Maureen Forrester and helped shape the Banff Centre’s theatrical legacy. This is a rich, entertaining, and historically significant memoir for readers of Stage Whispers, The Empty Space, and Theatre of the Unimpressed.