BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week - 14th May 2012. When the only gig Mark Wallington's rhythm and blues band can get is in a nursing home they decide it's time to call it a day. But then Mark discovers an instrument he might just have enough talent for - the ukulele. Realising his dream of a nationwide tour, The Uke of Wallington sets off on a 42-night road trip, playing open mic sessions from Brighton to Cape Wrath. Probably the first rock and roll tour ever undertaken on public transport. Working his way through the British summer, he takes his music to the Great British people, testing to the limit the theory that you can't hear a ukulele without smiling.
The Uke of Wallington
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About the Author
Mark Wallington is the author of bestselling travelbooks 500 Mile Walkies and Boogie up the River both of which became radio series. His first credit as a scriptwriter was for Not the Nine O'Clock News. He has also written two novels, which he later adapted for television: The Missing Postman and Happy Birthday Shakespeare. In 1997 The Missing Postman won the British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Drama. In 2005 he published The Day Job, an account of his years as a jobbing gardener in North London. He has also written a number of film scripts for television, including Station Jim in 2000, and The Man Who Lost His Head, in 2007.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Really enjoyed this book which I read in the kindle format..it was a tale of Ukulele's ,travel and the trappings associated with live performance.
The appeal of the book for me was the fact that I myself play the ukulele and alike the author have recently stumbled on the glory of playing at 'open mic's..it was interesting therefore to read another take on this experience delivered with wit and enthusiasm.
Mark Wallington covers the breadth of the UK playing various 'open mic's up and down the country to create a national tour of sorts and the book is about this but ultimately about the experience and the people and places along route..the ukulele is focal in many respects but I'm certain a non-uke player would enjoy this book just as much as really the uke is just really the driving force for the trip rather than the ultimate focus.
It's also worth putting in the key words Mark Wallington,Ukulele into youtube to see one of the performances within the book at the SOAP 'open mic' as although the author downplays his abilities I think it is fair to say at that point in the journey he appears to have polished his craft and is as good a performer as many I have seen at local 'open mic' nights here.
From unorthodox Kazoo holders through to difficult toilet cisterns this is a great little book and I'm hoping Mark follows up with a similar one as there's still a great many 'open mic's.....or maybe even a world tour beckons!!
The appeal of the book for me was the fact that I myself play the ukulele and alike the author have recently stumbled on the glory of playing at 'open mic's..it was interesting therefore to read another take on this experience delivered with wit and enthusiasm.
Mark Wallington covers the breadth of the UK playing various 'open mic's up and down the country to create a national tour of sorts and the book is about this but ultimately about the experience and the people and places along route..the ukulele is focal in many respects but I'm certain a non-uke player would enjoy this book just as much as really the uke is just really the driving force for the trip rather than the ultimate focus.
It's also worth putting in the key words Mark Wallington,Ukulele into youtube to see one of the performances within the book at the SOAP 'open mic' as although the author downplays his abilities I think it is fair to say at that point in the journey he appears to have polished his craft and is as good a performer as many I have seen at local 'open mic' nights here.
From unorthodox Kazoo holders through to difficult toilet cisterns this is a great little book and I'm hoping Mark follows up with a similar one as there's still a great many 'open mic's.....or maybe even a world tour beckons!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Piddlydog
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Another great book from mark wallington, full of his usual antics and witty observations. Great reading, now get the rest of his books on kindle please.,
By Jim
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Just finished reading this book on my Kindle and felt compelled to write a review as I enjoyed it so much.
The book starts off documenting one mans belated search for some kind of rock n roll credibility, but becomes a fascinating trip around the UK taking in the diverse cultures and social history of the places the writer visits. The back drop to the whole thing are the Open Mic nights that punctuate the trip but the longer the journey goes on the more it becomes about the people he meets.
I found it fascinating, funny, sad and occasionally cringeworthy but would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history, travel or, like me, who has stood in front of an audience wondering how you're ever going to make a worthwhile sound come out of the instrument someone has handed you that you're sure you've never set eyes on in your life!
The book starts off documenting one mans belated search for some kind of rock n roll credibility, but becomes a fascinating trip around the UK taking in the diverse cultures and social history of the places the writer visits. The back drop to the whole thing are the Open Mic nights that punctuate the trip but the longer the journey goes on the more it becomes about the people he meets.
I found it fascinating, funny, sad and occasionally cringeworthy but would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history, travel or, like me, who has stood in front of an audience wondering how you're ever going to make a worthwhile sound come out of the instrument someone has handed you that you're sure you've never set eyes on in your life!
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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy it!
Funny, easy to read and comfy. Love it. You'll come for the Uke. You'll stay for the humour. Buy it now.
Published 3 months ago by Rick Holloway
5.0 out of 5 stars
The UKe of Wallington
My husband ordered this after hearing an interview on the radio about from the author. He enjoyed reading this very much.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. A. Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read
Well written, amusing & informative. A personal journey that takes one into unfamiliar corners of this island's warmth & generosity.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. S. Rubinstein
5.0 out of 5 stars
the uke of wallington
book review of "the uke of wallington" written by mark wallington. it's a very funny book . i loved reading it! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Terence Hepple
5.0 out of 5 stars
it was a present so i dont know
but it arrived on time and i gave it to my friend for christmas and she is reading it was we speak!! so hopefully a good one!!
Published 4 months ago by aimee day
5.0 out of 5 stars
Laugh out loud
Anyone who has ever played a uke, or played anything at an open mic session must read this book!! Now!!
Published 4 months ago by Mark Hanington
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uke be amazed!
Emminantly readable odessey around the country by Uke playing Mark Wallington. Doesn't matter if you like or dislike the Uke, this is a tale of people, pubs and one night (open)... Read more
Published 5 months ago by David Peddie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Just as good as all his other books......make sure you check them out. Hope he is writing the next one!
Published 5 months ago by MikeyB
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book. Some laugh out loud moments.
First heard this on Radio 4 as Book of the Week, which is why i wanted to read it.
Mark Wallington, at an age that most would be considering retirement, decides that now... Read more
Mark Wallington, at an age that most would be considering retirement, decides that now... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Half Man, Half Book
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wallington on form as always
Love this book. Been a follower since Travels with Boogie and this is in his best style of writing. Easy to read and laugh out loud.
Published 6 months ago by AlanM
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