Comedy Rules, by Jonathan Lynn
13/09/2011 … For a man who was half-responsible for Sir Humphrey Appleby’s elaborately long-winded obfuscations in Yes Minister, Jonathan Lynn’s combination of memoir and…
2011 Books
Reviews of books about comedy, including biographies of comedians old and new, and (occasionally) books by comedians. To have a book considered for review, send a copy to Chortle, 112 Norman Road, London, E11 4RL.
Tue 13 September 2011
Wed 31 August 2011
How Not To Write A Sitcom, by Marc Blake
31/08/2011 … The first thing to check with any ‘how to…’ guide is the credentials of its author.
Fri 29 July 2011
Armed And Dangerous by James Brandon
29/07/2011 … This ‘performer’s guide to dealing with hecklers and interruptions’ is hilarious – but for all the wrong reasons.
Tue 26 July 2011
Comedy And Error, by Simon Day
26/07/2011 … Let’s start with my prejudices: I’ve never been a massive fan of Simon Day’s work.
Sat 25 June 2011
Funny People by Roy Smiles
25/06/2011 … In the Happy Families of life, what else could Mr Smiles be, other than a comedy writer? Briefly in a double-act called Smiles and Kemp, Roy has forged a much more…
Wed 15 June 2011
Stand Up And Deliver by Andy Kind
15/06/2011 … There are, undoubtedly books around on the experiences of being a comedian that are more emotive, or more inspirational than Andy Kind’s.
Mon 13 June 2011
Dave Gorman vs The Rest Of The World
13/06/2011 … Dave Gorman’s books follow a fairly well-established pattern now.
Thu 09 June 2011
Life Of (Brian) Jesus, by Julian Doyle
09/06/2011 … It’s not often we review an alterative religious tract on the pages of Chortle.