Books

23/09/2006 … Every so often, usually around Edinburgh Fringe time, some journalist – and frustrated performer – hits upon the idea of trying their hand at stand-up, hoping a week’s worth of gigs will prepare them for some bearpit of a venue where their comic genius will be rightfully recognised.

23/09/2006 … It’s something of a surprise that Richard Pryor gets his entire life into just the one book; after all he’s lived more in one week that most of us live in a lifetime.

23/09/2006 … Ken Dodd is a fascinating comic – a throwback to the days of variety, to this day performing a gruelling schedule of five-hour shows, mixing puns, surreal whimsy and cloyingly sentimental touches, as he approaches his ninth decade.

23/09/2006 … Had all gone to plan, this would be a review of Dave Gorman's debut novel.

23/09/2006 … It's a cliché that comedy is a serious business.

23/09/2006 … Since you're reading this site, you probably don't need telling of Bill Hicks's status as one of the greatest stand-ups of all-time.

22/09/2006 … The enticing, if unfashionable, premise of Ben Thompson's expansive book is that the golden age of TV comedy is not some far-off memory, but here and now.

22/09/2006 … Spike Milligan was such a comedic colossus, bringing so much laughter to so many people, that it's almost impossible to think ill of him.