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Becoming Johnny Vegas
‘My name is Michael Pennington, and I am not a comic character. I’m often mistaken for one though. You might know him by another name. Johnny Vegas.’ From BBC Dickens adaptations to Benidorm and Ideal to the PG Tips ads, Johnny Vegas has become one of Britain's best-loved comic actors. But before he'd ever drunk tea with a knitted monkey or made himself the exception that proves the rule in terms of the predictability of TV panel game regulars, Johnny Vegas was perhaps the most fearlessly confessional stand-up comedian this country has ever produced. How did an eleven-year-old Catholic trainee priest from St Helens grow up to become the North West of England’s answer to Lenny Bruce? That’s just one of the many questions answered by this eye-poppingly frank memoir. Becoming Johnny Vegas establishes its author as the poet laureate of the Pimblett's pie. Once you've finished this darkly hilarious tale of family, faith and the creative application of alcohol dependency, you'll never look at a copy of the Catholic men's society newsletter the same way again.
394 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
51 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Vegas
3 books4 followersMichael Joseph Pennington, Sr., better known as Johnny Vegas, is an English actor and comedian, known for his angry rants, surreal humour, portly figure and high husky voice.
His television roles have included playing drug dealer Moz in the BBC black comedy Ideal. Vegas has also appeared in comedy panel shows such as QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_...
Librarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
His television roles have included playing drug dealer Moz in the BBC black comedy Ideal. Vegas has also appeared in comedy panel shows such as QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_...
Librarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 24, 2020
At times rather unsettling, this book takes a long look at Johnny Vegas' life and how the real person Johnny Vegas is, tried hard to contain and water down the manic, heavy drinking character of Johnny Vegas, throughout his life. Quite interesting! 6 out of 12.
March 6, 2021
Just as Johnny Vegas isn’t your usual comedian, Becoming Johnny Vegas isn’t your usual celebrity autobiography. Most of those I’ve read tend to be a collection of funny anecdotes interspersed with achievements and name-dropping. While Becoming Johnny Vegas includes all of that, it’s also so much more – the introspection and self-reflection here goes deeper than in any other celebrity autobiography I’ve ever read, as Pennington (Vegas’ real name) tries to get to the bottom of just how he became Johnny Vegas.
Recounting his happy childhood had me rolling – I heard every one of those anecdotes in his distinctive voice and the way he captures how kids talk really tickled me, before hitting me right in the feelings when he joined Upholland seminary (right by my auntie’s house – hi, Auntie Marie!) at the age of 11, where his anxiety and self esteem take such a battering he leaves a year later – and gets to add in guilt over the fact that he’s cost his hard working but not well off parents more than they could afford.
The way Pennington writes about the two dominant voices in his mind – Johnny Vegas, who’d later consume him entirely, and the hypochondriac Doctor Death constantly convincing him he’s about to die of a terminal disease – was really well done, down to the changing fonts whenever one of those voices rears its head.
As first his drinking and then his comedy career really starts to take off, Pennington does a great job of showing just how useful Vegas was to him in dealing with his crippling anxieties and finally silencing Doctor Death, and how easy it was to then continue further down that road to Vegas.
I already had a lot of affection for Johnny Vegas before reading this book, now I’m even more admiring – this is one of the best celebrity autobiographies I’ve ever read.
**Also posted at Cannonball Read 13**
Recounting his happy childhood had me rolling – I heard every one of those anecdotes in his distinctive voice and the way he captures how kids talk really tickled me, before hitting me right in the feelings when he joined Upholland seminary (right by my auntie’s house – hi, Auntie Marie!) at the age of 11, where his anxiety and self esteem take such a battering he leaves a year later – and gets to add in guilt over the fact that he’s cost his hard working but not well off parents more than they could afford.
The way Pennington writes about the two dominant voices in his mind – Johnny Vegas, who’d later consume him entirely, and the hypochondriac Doctor Death constantly convincing him he’s about to die of a terminal disease – was really well done, down to the changing fonts whenever one of those voices rears its head.
As first his drinking and then his comedy career really starts to take off, Pennington does a great job of showing just how useful Vegas was to him in dealing with his crippling anxieties and finally silencing Doctor Death, and how easy it was to then continue further down that road to Vegas.
I already had a lot of affection for Johnny Vegas before reading this book, now I’m even more admiring – this is one of the best celebrity autobiographies I’ve ever read.
**Also posted at Cannonball Read 13**
June 1, 2018
I was intrigued to read more about the rise of 'Johnny Vegas' and his ascent to comedy stardom. This is an interesting read about Michael Pennington's (the man behind Johnny Vegas) life; his formative years (with a year long sojourn in a seminary as a child) and then his college days studying ceramics before moving to stand-up.
I really enjoyed this, not least I think because we are of similar ages and he talks about growing up in St Helens (not so far from where I live now).
I hope he decides to write a follow-up to capture his life 'post-Vegas'.
I really enjoyed this, not least I think because we are of similar ages and he talks about growing up in St Helens (not so far from where I live now).
I hope he decides to write a follow-up to capture his life 'post-Vegas'.
February 5, 2014
Brilliant. Finished listening to the audiobook and feel like I just lost a friend.
February 7, 2017
Although non-fiction, I read biographies for the sense of escape. I am not a movie star, or a hit musician, therefore reading about these lives is almost as removed from my reality as any science fiction book. However, as you grow older you start to see some biographies that chime a little more with your own life; shared events that occurred to us all. You may even find an uncanny autobiography that touches on elements of your own life – for me this is ‘Becoming Johnny Vegas’ by Michael Pennington. This tells the story of Michael’s development from the mild mannered youth to the enfant terrible of comedy. It is also a book about a time and a place. A time and place that I grew up near.
Anyone who has watched Vegas will know him to have a strange mix of shouting wild man and sensitive poet. In ‘Becoming’ he explores how this wild personality came from a normal working class lad from St Helens. For a book written by a comedian, this book is not crammed with laughs, but more pathos. Michael found himself drifting into the seminary and his experiences as a young man at Up Holland altered him forever. The book goes further to his break out in comedy and the rise of Vegas, to the extent that for some time the faux personality overrode the real one.
To anyone who knows nothing about Vegas there is still a lot to enjoy here. The book is sensitive and well written. It has its fair share of vulgarity, but it is all self-effacing. There is a genuinely interesting life at the centre of the book. For someone who also grew up in a similar (ish) place and time as Vegas there is so much more. For me, Michael was not the only star of the book, but also St Helens. The references to the town are often and triggered many a memory of my own from Pimlett’s Pies to Applebys. Johnny/Michael still has a strong affinity to the town and although he has a far greater regard towards it that I have, it was lovely to read an autobiography that crossed with my own upbringing.
There are some issues with the book – stylistically I found it hard to read in places. There is more than one internal voice at play and when one of Michael’s inner voices comes into play the font changes. I found these sections hard to read and they threw me out of the book. I am capable of differentiating between Michael and Johnny without the visual aid. Something as simple as this editorial choice is enough to make this book drop down from the must read, to very good. There is a lot to enjoy here, but it can be a chore in places to get through.
Anyone who has watched Vegas will know him to have a strange mix of shouting wild man and sensitive poet. In ‘Becoming’ he explores how this wild personality came from a normal working class lad from St Helens. For a book written by a comedian, this book is not crammed with laughs, but more pathos. Michael found himself drifting into the seminary and his experiences as a young man at Up Holland altered him forever. The book goes further to his break out in comedy and the rise of Vegas, to the extent that for some time the faux personality overrode the real one.
To anyone who knows nothing about Vegas there is still a lot to enjoy here. The book is sensitive and well written. It has its fair share of vulgarity, but it is all self-effacing. There is a genuinely interesting life at the centre of the book. For someone who also grew up in a similar (ish) place and time as Vegas there is so much more. For me, Michael was not the only star of the book, but also St Helens. The references to the town are often and triggered many a memory of my own from Pimlett’s Pies to Applebys. Johnny/Michael still has a strong affinity to the town and although he has a far greater regard towards it that I have, it was lovely to read an autobiography that crossed with my own upbringing.
There are some issues with the book – stylistically I found it hard to read in places. There is more than one internal voice at play and when one of Michael’s inner voices comes into play the font changes. I found these sections hard to read and they threw me out of the book. I am capable of differentiating between Michael and Johnny without the visual aid. Something as simple as this editorial choice is enough to make this book drop down from the must read, to very good. There is a lot to enjoy here, but it can be a chore in places to get through.
December 22, 2016
Now I know why I always related to Johnny Vegas whenever I saw him on the telly, never having seen him perform on stage. He had low self esteem as a youngster, ditto, and has had to battle the demons in his head, which is where the persona Johnny Vegas comes from. A warts and all autobiography. There is laughter to be found amongst the memories of the life of Michael Pennington. I cannot help but feel that he would have been an excellent priest if his life had taken the path he initially followed. Thankfully he decided that wasn't for him and I am glad that he bared his soul in this entertaining memoir.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
March 23, 2017
Viva moist Vegas
Took me ages to finish this book ,but at least I wanted to finish it.
A bit too much detail. An interesting but non gripping read.
Took me ages to finish this book ,but at least I wanted to finish it.
A bit too much detail. An interesting but non gripping read.
March 25, 2021
A long time ago in a far away city I went out with my friends to a pub. We were playing pool when a good song came on and (slightly inebriated) I did a show dance routine all by myself. I don't remember any of it; it was like I left the room and something else took over. I got a round of applause from the whole pub (even from those I thought couldn't see us hidden in the pool table area) and my best mate was crying with laughter. I don't think I could ever repeat it and to this day am pretty sure it wasn't me. All these years later I was pretty amazed to connect with Michael Pennington and how he experienced (or gave way to) Johnny Vegas.
This is one of the best biographies I've ever read. The first chapters of nostalgia alone had me laughing in a beautiful reminiscent way, that I haven't done in a long time. But it is also a very raw and real book dealing with hard subjects, and ultimately (for me) how you deal with self-hatred and your real, or imaginary, demons. Bringing up a son I wanted to hold the young Michael close and protect him from everything, knowing at the same time that if I had come across him in school as I child, I'd probably have judged and reacted to him the same way that others did.
It took me a while to enjoy the comedy of Johnny Vegas. I used to get to a point in his sets when my laughter would change to a 'hang on, is he just really mean?'. It was a relief for me to later fall in love with the Michael Pennington who started making TV show appearances and seemed to be insightful, sweet and deeply intelligent. But there will always be a part of me that misses and wants to get pissed with Vegas, despite already regretting how the night would end.
Part life story, part therapy, I'd recommend this book to everyone, even if you only have a vague inkling of who Vegas is/was. It's beautiful in it's honesty, with a good balance between laughter, despair, and just the right amount of wank stories :)
This is one of the best biographies I've ever read. The first chapters of nostalgia alone had me laughing in a beautiful reminiscent way, that I haven't done in a long time. But it is also a very raw and real book dealing with hard subjects, and ultimately (for me) how you deal with self-hatred and your real, or imaginary, demons. Bringing up a son I wanted to hold the young Michael close and protect him from everything, knowing at the same time that if I had come across him in school as I child, I'd probably have judged and reacted to him the same way that others did.
It took me a while to enjoy the comedy of Johnny Vegas. I used to get to a point in his sets when my laughter would change to a 'hang on, is he just really mean?'. It was a relief for me to later fall in love with the Michael Pennington who started making TV show appearances and seemed to be insightful, sweet and deeply intelligent. But there will always be a part of me that misses and wants to get pissed with Vegas, despite already regretting how the night would end.
Part life story, part therapy, I'd recommend this book to everyone, even if you only have a vague inkling of who Vegas is/was. It's beautiful in it's honesty, with a good balance between laughter, despair, and just the right amount of wank stories :)
December 11, 2015
Please, be open minded and consider reading this review! As ever, I tend to select a lot of my reading because it's on a kindle special daily deal (or such like) and, not unusually, I am really pleasantly surprised - this is just one of those books. I have to be honest from the outset - I'm not a fan of Johnny Vegas or his 'humour'. In fact, if anything, I find him crass and distasteful so I'm not quite sure why I even downloaded this book but I'm glad that I did. This book explains where Johnny Vegas came from and the fact that he's quite clearly, an alter ego and that the man underlying it is Michael Pennington - a completely different boy and man. Someone who attended seminary and was planning on being a priest. A child who was painfully uncomfortable in his own skin and the fact that Johnny Vegas is someone completely discrete and different from him. The parts of the book that were written by Michael were great - very open and honest, nicely written and enjoyable to read. There were then chapters and paragraphs written by Johnny - they were in different type set, a completely different language and I didn't like them at all. Perhaps that's just because I don't like Johnny Vegas? The uncomfortable part of the whole situation is that Michael really does think that Johnny is a different person, not part of him, behaves and speaks in a different way that is, almost, beyond Michael's control. ALWAYS induced with alcohol and vast amounts of it. Anyway, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it, even if (like me) you're not a Johnny Vegas fan. After all, you might like Michael Pennington!
October 30, 2017
I've so many conflicting feelings about this book and certain kind of stand up in general. It's certain kind of mental illness that can be exploited for entertainment. If this person wasn't in show business and had access to health care they'd be in therapy a long long time ago. And this memoir is a painful stripping of the soul. I'm drawn to public delving into very private details, I am in favour of painful honesty in the interests of understanding the world and each other better, but for sure nobody should have to go through it unless they find it absolutely necessary.
But as far as memoirs go this one is definitely among the better ones. Michael can write, is an actual writer, the book could have done with a little bit of editing though, getting repetitive towards the end, but it's a terribly fresh read highly recommended.
But as far as memoirs go this one is definitely among the better ones. Michael can write, is an actual writer, the book could have done with a little bit of editing though, getting repetitive towards the end, but it's a terribly fresh read highly recommended.
August 27, 2020
Coming to the end. Read it on the recommendation of a friend who said it was laugh out loud funny. There are humourous parts but for me it wasn't a comic novel. It was painfully honest and had me recall my own youth and attendance at a Catholic school, dealing with girls, shyness and the discovery of alcohol. It certainy wasn't as extreme as Johnny Vegas. Humour is tragedy with it's trousers down as someone once said and this book illustrates how pain is often the source of the comedian's material. I recommend this book and it reads well.
September 20, 2018
Brutally, embarrassingly honest, and as such one of the most respectable life stories I've read in recent years. This is worth reading as a tale of sheer humanity whether you're a Vegas fan or not.
December 31, 2019
A truly brilliant autobiography. Looking forward to the next installment.
April 8, 2019
Great on growing up in St. Helens
Needed more detail on why he hated Upholland so much - that didn’t really come across. It clearly had a terrible impact on him, but from the description it was clear why. I think more descriptive detail about the priests’ behaviors, and the effects on the boys, would communicate his feelings about this experience more effectively. It feels like something is missed out. Maybe for legal reasons?
I wasn’t sure about the conceit of Vegas as a different personalities to Michael Pennington, and the voice of death stuff - did he really experience those different voices, or is it only a literary device? I wasn’t sure. It worked quiet well and made the biography a more interesting read, but I’d like it spelled out if he really experienced death and Vegas as internal voices.
Loved the book though. As I said, great on growing up in St. Helens in the 70s and 80s.
Pennington had major issues with self confidence all through his teens and twenties and suffered a lot, but when I saw the photos at the end of the kindle edition I wasn’t sure why he felt so bad about his physical appearance; I think he looked fine in the photos. It’s terrible that he had to suffer so much internal angst, but that’s clearly linked to his creativity and the creation of the comic persona. Would he trade it? If he could turn back the clock and choose happiness and self confidence if it meant he stayed in St. Helens, lived in a semi and worked making pottery? It’s not a rhetorical question: I actually think he might make that trade off.
Needed more detail on why he hated Upholland so much - that didn’t really come across. It clearly had a terrible impact on him, but from the description it was clear why. I think more descriptive detail about the priests’ behaviors, and the effects on the boys, would communicate his feelings about this experience more effectively. It feels like something is missed out. Maybe for legal reasons?
I wasn’t sure about the conceit of Vegas as a different personalities to Michael Pennington, and the voice of death stuff - did he really experience those different voices, or is it only a literary device? I wasn’t sure. It worked quiet well and made the biography a more interesting read, but I’d like it spelled out if he really experienced death and Vegas as internal voices.
Loved the book though. As I said, great on growing up in St. Helens in the 70s and 80s.
Pennington had major issues with self confidence all through his teens and twenties and suffered a lot, but when I saw the photos at the end of the kindle edition I wasn’t sure why he felt so bad about his physical appearance; I think he looked fine in the photos. It’s terrible that he had to suffer so much internal angst, but that’s clearly linked to his creativity and the creation of the comic persona. Would he trade it? If he could turn back the clock and choose happiness and self confidence if it meant he stayed in St. Helens, lived in a semi and worked making pottery? It’s not a rhetorical question: I actually think he might make that trade off.
April 8, 2015
Anyone who follows my reviews will know that I only give 5 stars sparingly, because I think it demeans the currency if every mortal thing gets 5 stars. Having said that, I would willingly give this book 6 stars if that was an option. It is, quite simply, brilliant! Searingly honest, painfully so at times, it is not for the squeamish or easily affronted. This story charts the simple and happy life of Michael Pennington in his childhood through to his time in a seminary, at which point it all rather goes off the rails and the path to Johnny Vegas begins. I suppose the reason that I enjoyed this book so much is that aspects of it strike a faint echo in my own life. Morbid hypochondria in my teenage years - check, need for copious amounts of alcohol to be funny - check, lack of success with the opposite sex due to early bad experiences - check, check and double check! There were times when I found his accounts so painful that I had to walk away from the book for a while. On the other hand, there were many laugh-out-loud moments (and I don't have too many of those these days) - the magazine behind the bath panel being a particular example. Whether you're a fan of Mr. Vegas, or not, I would strongly urge you to read this book. You'll be a better person for it.
January 19, 2014
Far from the average "ah was barrrn in a tin box up t'moors and eventually rose above to become the best comedian cheekie chappy northern funster" offerings of many of his contemporaries, this is a book with several voices who all have something to say. At the forefront, its Michael Pennington, well meaning happy child, damaged post-seminary pre-teen and thoughtful but lost art student who turned an unknown talent for doing things whilst drunk into one of the rawest, most incendiary live acts of the last 25 years, Johnny Vegas. Its important to remember how out of nowhere that character with his home perm, flared trousers and fictional tales of Butlins fame seemed after all these years of proper acting roles and Monkey-based advertising.
Occasionally heartbreaking, often hilarious but always captivating. If you've ever felt artistic and alone, you'll recognise much of what you read here. We've all got a Johnny inside of us...
Occasionally heartbreaking, often hilarious but always captivating. If you've ever felt artistic and alone, you'll recognise much of what you read here. We've all got a Johnny inside of us...
September 21, 2015
Michael Pennington has lived an interesting life. If you’ve ever wondered what doing a ceramics degree or training to be a priest is like then wonder no more and buy this book. Michael’s head is a crowded place. The book follows Michael and also follows the embryonic Johnny Vegas into full glory. As well as these two affable chaps up in Michael’s noggin there is also a hypochondriac named Doctor Death. I don’t like him, he’s a buzz kill and he tormented Michael for too long. The three way personality split eventually gets resolved and Johnny triumphs. This was genuinely one of those books that was hard to stop reading. You felt desperate to see Michael get some luck with the ladies and find his way in life. I hope there is a follow up book written by the Johnny Vegas aspect of the personality. This is about the early days of the Vegas career so if you want loads of showbiz anecdotes it might not be for you.
August 9, 2014
I've always found Johnny Vegas an interesting character, but never truly appreciated the chasm between Michael Pennington and Johnny Vegas.
I was aware of his early calling to the Priesthood, and that he'd done pottery, but this book certainly filled in the gaps between those scant facts.
I knew that drink was going to play quite a large part in this, but I had no idea how much.
This isn't a happy go lucky, hard knock life tale, there are parts which are difficult to read, and assimilate with the character seen on tv.
I admire his bravery in producing such a warts and all book, no safe limpid funny book of anecdotes here, a genuine ballsy revelation of a troubled character, but someone who has worked hard to become more comfortable with who he is.
I was aware of his early calling to the Priesthood, and that he'd done pottery, but this book certainly filled in the gaps between those scant facts.
I knew that drink was going to play quite a large part in this, but I had no idea how much.
This isn't a happy go lucky, hard knock life tale, there are parts which are difficult to read, and assimilate with the character seen on tv.
I admire his bravery in producing such a warts and all book, no safe limpid funny book of anecdotes here, a genuine ballsy revelation of a troubled character, but someone who has worked hard to become more comfortable with who he is.
March 20, 2020
A lot of Michael's story is very familiar being from the north west, basically on the same school year, but his story is spectacular and brutal and funny and tough. A comedy genius born from a very complex set of beginnings.
Michael is one of those people I could listen to all day, his performance of his own story makes it a fantastic listen and the complexity of his personalities makes it fascinating.
This is also a book that doesn't pull any punches, in some ways making me wonder where the hell was I when all this stuff was going on and also that in a lot of ways bloody glad I wasn't close to Johnny's world, wish I'd seen him at the Frog & Bucket though, that would have been memorable as hell..
Great book, great performance, just a bit tough at times.
Michael is one of those people I could listen to all day, his performance of his own story makes it a fantastic listen and the complexity of his personalities makes it fascinating.
This is also a book that doesn't pull any punches, in some ways making me wonder where the hell was I when all this stuff was going on and also that in a lot of ways bloody glad I wasn't close to Johnny's world, wish I'd seen him at the Frog & Bucket though, that would have been memorable as hell..
Great book, great performance, just a bit tough at times.
May 4, 2014
Now I really don't like Johnny vegas the comedian and turn the TV off whenever he comes on, but was very interested in understanding the back story behind Johnny and the person behind him - Michael Pennington.
The book is excellent from beginning to end, it is well written and really brings to life the back story of Michael Pennington, his roots in the Catholic community, the fact that he nearly ended up in the priesthood and his battles with life and drink.
I still don't think I will be watching Johnny on TV, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who want to understand where Johnny came from our how Michael's life was led.
The book is excellent from beginning to end, it is well written and really brings to life the back story of Michael Pennington, his roots in the Catholic community, the fact that he nearly ended up in the priesthood and his battles with life and drink.
I still don't think I will be watching Johnny on TV, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who want to understand where Johnny came from our how Michael's life was led.
February 20, 2014
Written with great intelligence, honesty and thoughtfulness, Michael Pennington lays his soul bare. At times it was almost too painful to read. There is a vulnerability about his character that is very endearing. I wanted to read this book because he and I share a home town and I will confess that I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. it certainly isn't your average show business autobiography - I knew that 'Johnny Vegas' was a successful comedian but didn't expect Michael Pennington to be a great writer!
October 26, 2017
I was going to knock a star off, but thought that was more about me than the book. Like many other reviewers, the book also chimed with me, in fact it was a bit to close to my experiences for comfort. I was really impressed by the quality of the writing, it's not an easy read particularly the latter part of the book. It's a brutally honest autobiography and worth reading, there are a few laughs in there but the darkness is always there at the edge of the picture. Michael/Johnny will always be welcome around ours for a brew and a natter, no sugar in the tea, that's just how we like it!
November 11, 2015
More than anything I think this book brought home to me the devastating effect attending boarding school can have upon the human soul
An honest and interesting account of Michael and Johnny 's parallel lives,from his childhood through to his resurrection as Johnny.
Sometimes I felt some of his destructive behaviour was a little over emphasised and the end was a little abrupt ,however my soft spot for Johnny means I give it four rather than the 3 and a half stars which are unavailable.
An honest and interesting account of Michael and Johnny 's parallel lives,from his childhood through to his resurrection as Johnny.
Sometimes I felt some of his destructive behaviour was a little over emphasised and the end was a little abrupt ,however my soft spot for Johnny means I give it four rather than the 3 and a half stars which are unavailable.
November 30, 2013
Vegas recounts his childhood and first forays into comedy. We see him growing up, entering the seminary, leaving the seminary and going off to college to study pottery. What I liked is that, even when bad things are happening, Vegas (real name Michael Pennington) doesn't go in for the whole woe is me act. Funny in parts but quite sad too when he talks of his reliance on alcohol.
Read
July 8, 2014not keen on the character Johnny Vegas so picked this up as St Helens is quite near me so out of local interest. I was pleasantly surprised..this is a well written, superb book about the character Michael Pennington created out of the dark side of his psyche...honest, well written..recommend you read it
June 15, 2018
A memoir of growing up, and - eventually - finding your calling. A really good description of growing up in the seventies, and how inner demons drove Michael Pennington to become Johnny Vegas. Possibly too detailed in the childhood bits, but the passages about making his way as a stand-up are superb.
May 27, 2021
I like Johnny Vegas, I liked him slightly less but understood him slightly more after reading this. Mostly I like him less because of the fonts he used to express different parts of his psyche(?)...one of them put me right off reading it's sections...and the whole different fonts thing is just a bit wanky.
June 9, 2014
As anyone who follows Johnny Vegas on Twitter knows, there is a lot more to him than just his stage persona.
Raw and honest, this is a fascinating insight into how he came into being.
Well written from start to finish, in his own words it's a tad more special than a stocking filler.
Raw and honest, this is a fascinating insight into how he came into being.
Well written from start to finish, in his own words it's a tad more special than a stocking filler.
January 5, 2014
This book was not what I expected, like many people I think I viewed Johnny Vegas as a fully formed real person. It was a roller coaster of a read and I'm still not sure what conclusions to draw. Really hope that there's a follow on book, I need to see what happens.
October 22, 2014
What an amazingly well written autobiography. Very frank portrayal of Michael Pennington's gradual conversion from an introverted trainee priest to his raucous, inventive and very funny alter ego Johnny Vegas.
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