Stand-Up! on being a comedian (Methuen Drama) [Paperback]

Oliver Double (Author), Cliver Double (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997 | Series: Methuen Drama

Stand-Up! is the first book to both analyse the background of stand-up comedy and take us inside the world of being a solo comedian Oliver Double writes a lively history of the traditions of British stand-up comedy - from its roots in music hall and variety to today's club and alternative comedy scene - and also engages in a serious exploration of what it is like to be a comedian onstage in front of a sometimes adoring and sometimes hostile audience. He looks critically at the work of such stand-up stars as Frankie Howerd, Les Dawson, Billy Connolly, Victoria Wood, Ben Elton and Eddie Izzard. And he looks at himself as a performer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Methuen Publishing (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0413703207
• ISBN-13: 978-0413703200
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! I couldn't put it down, December 5, 1997

By 

Jeremy Double (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stand-Up!: On Being a Comedian (Paperback)

The subject of this book is not one that would normally have attracted me: I had to read it, because the author is my brother. However, I found it an excellent and enjoyable read: in fact I couldn't put it down.

The book is a history and analysis of stand-up comedy in Britain, enlivened and illustrated by the author's own experiences of performing as a stand-up comedian. You might expect a book of history and analysis to be dry and uninteresting, but the style is easy and informal, so it kept my interest throughout.

The personal reminiscences are used to shed light on the story of the development of stand-up. They give another perspective to the historical facts, and add an extra dimension to the analyses.

To conclude, I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend anyone to read it.

4.0 out of 5 stars This is an extremely good book., September 5, 2001

By 

"venomlowth" (Scotland, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stand-Up! on being a comedian (Methuen Drama) (Paperback)

True to form, honest, informative and an interesting read if not fabulous research material. Would inspire people in the industry to learn more about their art and, on a more personal note, saved my graduation project from the shredding machine.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK IS A 'DOUBLE' WHAMMY, July 13, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (U.K - KENT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stand-Up! on being a comedian (Methuen Drama) (Paperback)

WOW! This is not a book that I would have read in a million years- not in terms of content, but because the cover reminded me of Ecstacy by Irving Welsh. This is definately the best read on entertainment since the autobiography of Bud flanagan! Seriously, The book makes you want to keep on reading and you just do NOT want to put it down, so I wouldn't recommend it for honeymooners. It is true comic talent, and apart from being a 'smiling book' which makes you want to grin,it is one of those rare books that once you have put it down, you keep thinking about and laughing. I have sat on the train merely thinking over what i have just read and cannot help but laugh. The book is also a useful reference for anybody interested in persuing or improving their knowledge on Comedy, or simply reading about the humerous endeavours of Dr Double. TRUE TO LIFE AND WITTY WITH IT...LOVED IT.