Showbusiness

View other editions of Showbusiness.
View books by Mark Radcliffe.

Perfect! - Rated
If you've every laughed at Mark Radcliffe you'll find yourself in stitches reading this book. I made the mistake of reading it in a tent and became very annoying to everyone camping nearby.

Ever tried making it in a band? - Rated
I know this may be short but it says everything that needs to be said. If you've ever tried making it in a band, regardless of whether you drum, strum or sing you will find this book hillarious as well as inspirational. This man loves music, an amazing talent that everyone should be aware of. P.S. His second book "Northern Sky" is just as good!

Perhaps he should consider a change of career... - Rated
Maybe Mr. Radcliffe should be thinking about a full-time career as a writer! This is a full-on laugh-out-loud book, full of his trademark cynical wit. My only regret (and it is a minor one) is that as a long-time listener to the show, there is precious little room devoted to sidekick The Boy Lard. But what there is is hugely funny, and you will come back to the back more than once. If there is a criticism, it is one that applies to the songs done by his band The Shire Horses as well - TOO SHORT!

From Seth Mould - Rated
I'm referred to as Seth Mould in this book. I met Mark at his book signing session in Bolton a few years ago. He explained that pseudonyms were used throughout because i) some of the characters have become very prominent figures, and ii) it was not possible to write to everyone requesting permission.

Fair enough.

This is a very funny book. There is some poetic licence. For example, we have 'the house Alan [Hunter] shared with his elderly mother', which should have read 'father' not 'mother'. "Alan Hunter" 's mother died when 'Alan' was a teenager so this is particularly regrettable.

Having said that, I admire Mark for his sheer in-your-face approach. There is a remark about Ringo Starr (Ah! NO! you'll have to buy the book) which I would use at a party but not in print.

A brave, funny, honest, book. I commend it to you!

You've been a great audience .... Goodnight! - Rated
A witty and entertaining look at the less successful side of showbiz life. The style is very similar to Radcliffe's radio show. As such though towards the end I started to feel that it's a little bit like a listening to a DJ doing all the talking without the occasional sanctuary of a record or two. Still the book is short enough that Radcliffe just about gets away with it. Well worth a read.