Micky Flanagan: Funny Geezer

by Abi Smith

Micky Flanagan is one of Britain's best-loved cheeky-chappy comedians, thanks to his stand-up routines about how he's gone from growing up in London's East End in the 1970s to his life now in middle-class suburbia. To date he has two sell-out tours under his belt, nominations from the British Comedy Awards and the Edinburgh Fringe (for Best Comedy Newcomer), not to mention regular stints on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and The Last Leg. Here, Abi Smith looks at how Micky, who was laughed at by his teachers when he said he wanted to be a vet, has triumphed by conquering all on the comedy circuit.

Genres: Biography

271 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

Reviews

[morag Sarkar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first 3 chapters. but after that it slowed down as it was not micky's own voice.
the author didn't really know how he felt about going to adult education, gaining a degree, and becoming a teacher. it was all extracts from interviews.

[Norma · Rating 2 out of 5]

As Micky Flanagan being one of my favourite comedians I was looking forward to reading this book about him. Even though this was a funny biography of Micky's life I think I would have preffered to it have been written by him. The thing that spoiled it for me was the constant referencing throughout the book of where the author got all her information from. I felt that 'Micky said this in his interview with GQ magazine or his Radio 4 show etc.....' Blah, blah, blah was starting to grate on me and it lessened my enjoyment of reading the book, a bit like watching a dvd that constantly jumps. There could have been an index at the back for acknowledging information. On the plus side being reminded of his well known gags was brilliant.

[Matty J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off great, but then turned into a diary full of dates and locations and not much more

[Matt L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pieces together funny quips from his interviews and shows, but otherwise repetitive and a little dull.

[David Hay Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read more like a diary than anything else, disappointed

[Joanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just look on his Facebook page 😞

I’m annoyed that I paid for a book that has literally copied and quoted everything from either Facebook or Google. Don’t bother.

[James Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a corker!!!!

I wanted to read something light hearted and funny. And I got it. I really enjoyed this, even though it wasn't written by Micky it was funny. I've seen the shows and other parts of what was discussed. I just hope his next outing on book will be written by him. Well worth a punt!

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an unofficial autobiography of the comedian Mickey Flanagan.

It tells his story about his rise up to becoming a well known comedian, working the circuit for years.

It is mostly taken from newspapers or refers to radio shows he's been on but overall it's a harmless read.

[David Highton · Rating 1 out of 5]

not very good, complied from internet and radio interviews and reads like tour schedule during the second half. Don't think Micky involved at all in this

[Ann Halton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting read & worth buying. Mickey is such a nice, honest bloke who appreciates what has happened to him but will never forget his routes.