Saturday Night Peter
19/10/2009 … Whatever happened to Peter Kay? What happened to the subtlety that made Phoenix Nights so great, or the warmth that infused his best stand-up with such irresistible…
Latest 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.
Mon 19 October 2009
Thu 08 October 2009
Tickling The English by Dara O Briain
08/10/2009 … Cross a Frank Skinner-style tour diary, a Paxmanesque dissertation on the state of the English as a people and the annual output of the Bureau Of National Statistics,…
Wed 23 September 2009
Book Review: Godfrey's Ghost
23/09/2009 … It may have his Dad’s Army character name in the title, but anyone expecting this biography of Arnold Ridley to provide any insight into the much-loved sitcom…
Thu 16 July 2009
Thu 02 July 2009
A Beginner's Guide To Acting English
02/07/2009 … There really ought to be some sort of adage about this, but really you shouldn't judge the contents of a book by the design on the front alone.
Wed 24 June 2009
The Ultimate Green Room
24/06/2009 … Comedy courses might teach the wannabe comic the elementary tools of the craft, but there’s only really one way the rookie stand-up can learn exactly how this…
Mon 15 June 2009
What Can Chief Executives Learn From Stand-Up Comedians?
15/06/2009 … Given that most stand-ups couldn’t file their nails, let alone their annual accounts, you might expect this to be the shortest book in the world.
Fri 05 June 2009
My Name Is Daphne Fairfax
05/06/2009 … Arthur Smith’s been a comedian, binman, playwright, Parisian bohemian, unofficial tour guide, Radio 4 presenter, TV host, failed punk singer and mayor of Balham…