The hills are alive with... (Sound of Laughter - Peter Kay)

Member Name: SaveFerris

Product:	Sound of Laughter - Peter Kay
Date:	10/06/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: funny, classic Peter kay

Disadvantages: none spring to mind

Peter kay is amongst the definitive British comedians of the last decade. With 2 outstanding live tours and TV shows such as Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy's Road to Know-where, he became a household name and coined many a quotable phrase (Garlic Bread?!). Lately however, he seems to be content with mailing in cameos and releasing compilation DVDs to pay the bills.

If the way out of this rut is for Pete to explore his roots, then this book would be an excellent place to start. Chronicling his early life, Pete shares events from his past and introduces us to the people who made a difference to his life and led him down the career path of one of Britain's greatest comedians.

Employing his usual observational style, it's a really down to earth look at growing up in a British working class family in the 70/80's with many tales that lots of us could relate to on some level. The silly things our mums used to do, the way our dads would take the silliest things (like setting up the first video recorder) so seriously.

Peter's Bolton schoolboy days recollections really give us a glimpse at the entertainer he would become. Of particular note, his numerous run in's with the nuns, each of whom he had nicknames for such as Sister Sledge and Sister Act 2.

And for anyone who's familiar with Peter's TV work, especially 'That Peter Kay Thing' will recognize the inspiration for several characters and scenarios in his life.

What makes this book and by extension Peter's early career so successful is that it's all subject matter that's close to his heart and he obviously has alot of enthusiasm for.

He obviously adores his family and often talks fondly of his late father.

With a recurring theme about passing his driving test, this book is really nostalgic, even if it is someone else's nostalgia.

Granted, the book can be occasionally spotty in that the stories do very occasionally get a little self indulgent, but this is easily forgivable given how funny and relatable the tales on offer are.

A great look at what makes a great comedian.

Summary: A brilliant book that gives