Book info

• Title Tickling the English
• Author Dara Ó Briain
• Year 2009
• Genre Humour

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.

Thoughts

A comedian’s tale of one tour through England (and Ireland), ruminating on the differences and similarities of each stop and deciding what is to be made of national identity and stereotypes. There are some pretty hefty themes in the book, surprisingly, but they’re handled well, with great points that spark interest and are thought-provoking for future topics of conversation.

Alongside that, though, it’s a simple memoir of a comedian’s life on the road - interactions with the tour manager, brief impressions of each location, but best of all, the conversations had with the front row of each audience. I would absolutely hate to be in the front row of any comedian’s gig, but seeing the best of a tour on paper is ideal.

Mostly, the book is motivating and optimistic. Life is good, people are funny, and even with the odd issue here and there, everything is okay.

Rating: 4 / 5