Book | Behind The Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton
Author | Angela V. John
Publisher and Release Date | Parthian Books, May 2025
Project Brief
2025 is the 100th anniversary of Richard Burton’s birth. Parthian brought me onto this project board a full nine months before publication to weave together a comprehensive publicity plan for the biography of Richard’s mentor and adoptive father, Philip Burton. Angela V. John is an esteemed historian, biographer and author who had appeared frequently on national radio and is hugely well respected in her field. My job was to capitalise on the fact that the book would be coming out hot on the heels of the film ‘Mr Burton’, starring Toby Jones in the eponymous role, in order to make a splash with hardback edition, priced at £25.
Campaign
Keeping close tabs on the author was key with this campaign due to her many and varied appointments and invitations to speak on panels and at launches. We also met several times and kept in good contact during the planning stage of this campaign. While I only worked on the project for four days, I spread my time out thinly across several months to assure best results for this lead title.
Results
Upon launch, Angela V. John spoke to Kirsty Wark on BBC Radio 4 Front Row and also appeared closer to home on BBC Radio Wales Review Show with Gary Raymond. Angela was invited to speak at The Oldie‘s 30th anniversary Literary Lunch and the book was favourably reviewed in the magazine. Other press coverage included a review in The Irish Times, features in the Western Mail and South Wales Evening Post and countless author appearances and festival slots, including the headline slot at the Montgomeryshire Literary Festival alongside the producer of Mr Burton, Ed Talfan. We also secured advance praise from high profile individuals and authors, including the actors Michael Sheen and Toby Jones. The book was successfully launched at Aberavon Rugby Club in Wales and in the National Theatre in London.
