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Tough Crowd

How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy

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Tough Crowd

By: Graham Linehan
Narrated by: Graham Linehan
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Having cut his teeth in music journalism, Graham Linehan became the finest sitcom writer of his generation. He captured the comedy zeitgeist not just as the co-creator of Father Ted but also with The IT Crowd and Black Books, winning five BAFTAs and a lifetime achievement award.

Then his life took an unexpected turn. When he championed an unfashionable cause, TV commissioners no longer returned his emails, showbiz pals lost his number, and his marriage collapsed.

In an emotionally charged memoir that is by turns hilarious and harrowing, he lets us into the secrets of the writing room and colorfully describes the high-octane atmosphere of a sitcom set. But he also berates an industry where there was no one to stand by his side when he needed help.

Bruised but not beaten, he explains why he chose the hill of women and girls' rights to die on—and why, despite the hardship of cancellation, he's not coming down from it any time soon.

©2023 Graham Linehan (P)2023 Graham Linehan Activists Politics & Activism Funny Comedy Witty Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

"A must-read. Funny and utterly compelling." (Jonathan Ross)
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What a time to be alive. The first half of the book is an interesting insight into how comedy production and writing works, filled with lots of humour. The second half is a lesson in how authoritarian people can be, how intolerant people are and proof that cancel culture is real.

An incredible story

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You can’t help but feel this talented, tenacious and deeply intelligent man ‘s vindication is coming very very soon. Listening to his memoir was a joy and I could barely stop as I readied my noisy power tools. Well done Graham, on your innovative career and standing up for women and girls.

Absolutely fantastic

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I devoured this in two days. Not a boring moment went along at a cracking pace. At times I laughed out loud and others my heart broke. I have no doubt that Graham will be proven to be on the right side of history.

Superb!

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I love Farther Ted. I like the IT Crowd. I had seen Graham Linehan on the train to Norwich on a few occasions over time. I’d wanted to say thanks for the laughs but never did.

I enjoyed hearing about the journey into comedy. I had no idea the book would also cover the other darker side of Grahams life. It’s essential reading or listening. Everyone will make their own minds up. I’d never given the subject much thought but did throughout the reading / listening.

If I saw Graham again on a train I would this time say thanks for the laughs - and the education.

I did not expect this at all

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Two great books in one: the stuff about writing comedy is outstanding. The story of what he has endured is heartbreaking. His courage is inspiring. A great read, a sound man. I hope that someone someday will stage the Ted musical.

Excellent

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