Tickling the English: Notes on a Country and Its People from an Irish Funny Man on Tou
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Book Overview
Nostalgia, identity, eccentricity, gin drinking and occasional violence... these are just some of the themes that stand-up comedian Dara O Briain explores in Tickling the English.
O Briain moved to England many years ago, but when he takes his show on tour around the country - from deserted seaside towns and remote off-shore islands, to sprawling industrial cities and sleepy suburbs - it's clear to him that his adopted home is still a bit of an enigma. Why do the English pretend to be unhappy all the time?Why can't they accept they rank about 5th, in everything?
And what's with all the fudge? But this Irishman loves a challenge; he's certainly got the gregarious personality and the sure-fire wit to bring down the barriers of that famous English reserve, and have a good old rummage inside. Swapping anecdotes with his audiences and spending time wandering in their hometowns, this nosy neighbour holds England up to the light while exploring some of the attitudes he brought over here with him too. As Dara goes door-to-door in search of England in this part tour diary, part travelogue, the result is an affectionate, hilarious and often eye-opening journey through the Sceptred Isle.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:014104666X
ISBN13:9780141046662
Release Date:May 2010
Publisher:Michael Joseph
Length:320 Pages
Weight:0.52 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.1" x 7.8"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Funny approach to understand the English
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
I came across this book at Heathrow Airport while waiting for a flight. I read the summary and I thought it was going to be interesting in order to know more about Britain. Fortunately, it was more than that. It is written by an Irish stand up comedian who lives in London. This adds a different perspective to the book given the fact that a foreigner's eye is more acute for describing the character and customs of his host land. Touring around the country and Ireland, Dara has the opportunity to remark, with unquestionable British humour, the odds and singularities of the people living in the many towns and cities where he performs.
A fun read from a very funny comedian
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Unlike the previous reviewer, I have read this book and Dara O'Briain's account of his tour around the UK makes an amusing read. The funny anecdotes from his tour flow surprisingly well throughout the book, giving an insight how his comedy act works so well. The way in which it is separated into short sections for each venues, makes it easy to leave and come back to later. However, he does sometimes wonder off into deep thought/rant on various issues about the English, which can lose me a bit at times. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this book as it certainly put a smile on my face throughout :-)
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