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Tickling the English [Paperback]

Dara O Briain
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
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Book Description

1 April 2010

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.


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Tickling the English + Dara O Briain: The Live Collection 2006-2010 [DVD]
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Product details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin (1 April 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 014104666X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0141046662
  • Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.9 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 20,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Product Description

Review

A master-class in intelligent stand-up...It's thoughtful stuff, impeccably delivered. With material this strong, you don't need gimmicks (Guardian )

About the Author

Dara O Briain is the biggest Irish comic to have hit the UK in recent years. Already a huge star in Ireland, O Briain has now moved from being a sold-out festival favourite in Edinburgh to selling out theatres across the country and enjoying mainstream television success with his topical BBC comedy show, Mock The Week. He has been living in England for the past seven years.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
98 of 99 people found the following review helpful
By Alison TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I pre-ordered Dara's book as soon as I saw it was to be released and was eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I wasn't to be disappointed - it arrived yesterday and I've been glued to the sofa ever since! The book is a combination of Dara's observations whilst on his last tour of the UK and his interweaving of facts, figures and historical information of the places and people of England.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in the book (much to the irritation of my husband who wanted to know what I was laughing at but also wanted to wait to read the book for himself) and at the same time the book is full of interesting stuff. Dara also gives some insight into the life of a comic on tour and recounts many of the interesting people and conversations that he has had on tour.

If you like Dara's comedy then you're bound to enjoy his book. It's very well written, very funny and very clever. Highly recommended!
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53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Clever, funny and articulate 9 Oct 2009
Format:Hardcover
I've admired O'Briain in his role as the witty but controlled ringmaster on Mock The Week, but can he write? Yes is the answer, and charmingly too. There's perhaps not quite as much in-depth analysis of the English character in here as you might be led to believe from the cover of the book, but there are some nice insights. The real strength of the book is in the way O'Briain opens up the world of the touring comic, with the unhealthy eating and drinking habits and monotonous travel set against working in some beautiful theatres with hugely varying audience characters. The aspects of the book that describe the development of a few thoughts for a show through rehearsals in small clubs to a full scale tour are fascinating, as is the description of the need to constantly change and adapt the material while on tour. And then of course there's Ken Dodd.... I won't spoil the book but Dara is either: (i) Ken Dodd's marketing man (ii) his son, or (iii) a receptacle for storing Ken's money. Actually, my money's on the latter. Read and enjoy - on the strength of this book O'Briain has a writing ability that matches his stand-up skills.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Tickling the English in Ireland... 7 Nov 2009
Format:Hardcover
As an Englishman who is living in Ireland, I really wanted to read the thoughts on the English by an Irishman living in England... So I did... And what a thoroughly entertaining, funny and insightful read it was.

I'm also a fan of Dara O'Briain, the Author, so that was just another reason.

Tickling the English is a wonderful book, which actually uses statistics to break down national stereotypes, rather than fear-mongering to confirm them.

Bottom line is, if you are looking for an informative, intelligent and funny read about why the English aren't a bad lot, this is the book for you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific
As always, Mr O'Biain is his witty, eloquent self. His style of writing makes you almost hear his voice reading out loud to you..
Published 1 month ago by Wisman
4.0 out of 5 stars Well tickled
Really enjoyed this book.Never let down by Dara. Loved the comparisons of english regional attitudes and humour.
A comic travelogue.
Published 3 months ago by racingsnake101
5.0 out of 5 stars so funny
bought this as a present for my fiance
great service, really affordable and arrived really quickly
great book, he's a very funny guy
Published 3 months ago by S L Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read From Cover To Cover
Great book, I found it so easy to read and entertaining throughout - Great work by Dara, hilarious! Great if you want something you can dip in and out off if you're busy.
Published 5 months ago by CT
5.0 out of 5 stars funny
had me genuinely laughing out loud in places
typical dara obriain humour and good insight behind the scenes so to speak
recommended again to fans of dob!
Published 6 months ago by Name
5.0 out of 5 stars tickled to laughter
This is a Great book, it had me in stitches time n time again, very funny man, well worth a read
Published 9 months ago by Lennie
4.0 out of 5 stars The Standup Tour
Dara lets us enter into the life of a comic on a tour of town theatres.

He tells lots of amusing anecdotes on the way. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jim Seaside
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, chatty observations
Dara is a funny man, so it's no surprise he writes funny stuff. His observations are keen, comical and interesting. Great 'dip in and out' bathroom book. Highly recommend.
Published 11 months ago by Smiler
4.0 out of 5 stars fantastic
Dara Ó Briain paints an incredibly interesting picture of the process of going around the UK and finding out what makes the English laugh. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Beatles4Life
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Love Love Dara!
I swear I've not been reading the same book as those who have left poor feedback. Dara is brilliant and this book (all be it perhaps not as hilarious as his stand up) is a funny... Read more
Published 14 months ago by ej_1991
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