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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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About this listen

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

Critic reviews

"A must-read. Funny and utterly compelling." (Jonathan Ross)
All stars
Most relevant
Wow, did not know Graham had been involved in so many comedy hits. Why are Hatrick being so cowardly about putting on ‘Father Ted’ the Musical? Probably because one person in the company is a trans extremist.They should be ashamed of themselves.
Best wishes for the much better future you deserve, Graham.

A great listen

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Great book. Graham tells us the history of his TV career in a wonderfully entertaining way. The second half of the book focuses on his recent fight for the rights of women, girls and children which is as heartbreaking as it is encouraging

Funny and Heartbreaking at the same time

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As someone who came to know you through the women rights movement. I can honestly say that Graham (along with others mentioned in his book) helped me save my own daughter from the cult. He published one of my experiences with TRAs on his substack and is an all round gent. I promise I will binge watch Father Ted! See you at the next rally. WE WILL WIN. Thank you for the gift of this book. Taylor Advocate

What can I say

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Fabulous book. I wish I was a mover in showbiz to get the musical off the ground. It sounds brilliant.

Make Fr Ted the musical happen!

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Both laugh out loud and upsetting in parts. But then that’s life for most of us if we’re honest.

Right side of history

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