The Book That's More Than Just a Book - Book

Product Information

Peter Kay said today: "I'd wanted for years to write about my obsession for TV and working in it. It's been such a massive pleasure recalling the adventures I've had over the last twenty-five years both in front and behind the camera, and I hope people will enjoy reading about the journey as much as I've enjoyed writing it." As for my criticism of autobiographies published too early in someone’s career, well The Sound of Laughter only covers Peter Kay’s life up to him breaking through as a stand up comedian. There’s nothing about his successes such as Pheonix Night’s, Car Share or his uproariously funny stand up tours. So there is room for another volume - maybe at the end of his long and illustrious career! What you do get here amongst the jokes and laughter is a story of someone who worked hard to get where he is. Having had several part time jobs along the way. I think for me what sums him up is the fact it took him 5 tests and 6 years to pass his driving test, he never gave up.

In his award winning TV series' he creates worlds populated by degenerate, bitter, useless, endearing and always recognisable characters which have attracted a huge and loyal following. What I loved about this was the way he reads it, it’s not just a straight forward narration, you get the feeling he’s sat there, book in hand reading just to you, constantly breaking off with comments, comic asides and the occasional brew. He mentions in his book that audio books can sometimes be boring and put you to sleep half way through the first chapter, that’s a criticism that can’t be applied in this case! This reading style fits perfectly with Peter Kay’s persona and it makes for a very entertaining, enjoyable and funny listen. However, he said recording the book made him miss writing and there is now a new book in the works. He said things got so bad at one point he actually resorted to drinking the windscreen wash from his car’s wipers: ‘Maggie [Philbin, his wife at the time] got suspicious when I insisted on cleaning the car five times a day. She came outside and caught me spraying the wiper fluid while trying to catch it in my mouth.’” ON JIMMY SAVILE

Sign up for updates and pre-sales

He said: "Within the first few chapters of recording, I was inspired to start to write a third book. I was thoroughly disappointed, however, with the plot. As a memoir the plot suffers from being a report of the truth which in the case of Mr Kay seems to be surprisingly dull. I’d been grabbing every opportunity with both hands in an effort to get my foot in the door, going from job to job for years and not considering what really mattered.” He later writes: “The series did incredibly well, but despite having so much fun I decided to heed Noddy Holder’s advice. Perhaps it was time to get my priorities right. Maybe that’s why we never did a second series.” I hadn’t a clue what she was on about. I’d just sat down next to her in make-up and she was already on her soapbox. The second panel gameshow I did (which wasn’t really a gameshow as such) was called Night Fever. Do you remember that? It was a karaoke show presented by Suggs that used to be on Saturday nights at 7 on Channel 5. That was great fun.

I listened to the audiobook as I figured having the man himself read his own book would be on the money. Hmmm. It was ok, but the actual reading was quite strained and sometimes painful. Much better when he strays off-script and wanders off on a distraction, which let’s face it is the style of him in action. Two hugely talented people that made so many of us laugh. I’m telling you, soak up the comedians while they’re still here, these clowns that light up our lives, because when they’re gone, they’re gone. People are always surprised at the void they leave.” ON GAMESHOWS Peter Kay's new autobiography, which will focus on his work in the world of television, will be published in September 2023. It basically covers how he started off in work, gained material from funny (kind of) things that happenned to him, then went into stand up comedy. Followed by a couple of television shows and commercials...We all took turns, boys versus girls, and Suggs dished out the points. What’s not to love? Easy TV while drying your hair, before going clubbing on a Saturday night. I was sat in the canteen once chatting to the lovely Keith Chegwin. He was being very candid about his drink problems and he was quite the sharer. The book comes after Bolton-born Kay returned to the spotlight last year beginning his first live comedy shows in 12 years in December as part of an arena tour spanning to 2025 due to public demand. It is his first live tour since 2010, when he scored the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people. Kay cancelled his last tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances”. Here are some of the highlights, anecdotes and stories from the new book about his career..... ON CAR SHARE Appearing on chat shows like Parkinson, at the Queen's Golden Jubilee and sharing letters from Ronnie Barker. We wrote to each other for years as pen pals until he passed away." A spin off after Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere featured Kay and Paddy McGuinness as two Bolton doormen Max Bygraves (Kay) and Paddy O’Shea (McGuinness) as they tour around the UK in their campervan. The Channel 4 series began in November 2004 and although it only ran for one series is fondly remembered by fans.