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At My Mother's Knee ...: and Other Low Joints: And Other Low Joints

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Paul O'Grady

September 18, 2008
Paul is at his funniest and best here. He tells us he was beaten by the priests at one of his schools, but god love im, he doesn't dwell on this like misery memoirs do, no, instead he soldiers on to the next funny bit.
I couldn't put it down and so I finished it quickly, so there had better be a sequel. I even thought up a title, 'At My Lover's Knee...and Other Low Joints'. Now THAT might top this!

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Look Who it Is!: My Story

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Alan Carr

October 01, 2008
My partner wouldn't let me read this in bed because I was laughing so much. Waking the whole house, really.

He's a gem, Alan. So many strange and wonderful stories--I'm surprised he's so normal. And the picture sections are some of the best bits. Loved it.

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Just Me

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Sheila Hancock

September 18, 2008
well done sheila!I thoroughly enjoyed your book, i feel as though i have gone on your journey with you from just the two of us,it makes you realise that there is life after death, it does take courage, but if you are prepared to dip your toe in the water, its amazing what happens, i am getting my husband to read it too, because it does prepare you for the inevitable, be it him or me.I also enjoy being at an age where you dont care what you say or do, its so refreshing and liberating,next time you go away and your friend cannot make it, i would love to tag along for the adventure!!!!!!!!!!! looking forward to the next book from you.

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My Booky Wook

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Russell Brand

July 10, 2008
Russell tells his story exactly as you would expect him to relay it to you in person. He has a knack of making really ordinary events funny esp. the gerbils incident, couldn't stop laughing. I love his theatrical style and witty view on life. It certainly gives an insight to his complex personality and I still wonder why he turned to drugs. Anyway, I believe he was honest about his experiences and found it to be genuine indeed. I'd definitely be interested in his next chapter!

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Doctor Faustus (A TEXT)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Christopher Marlowe, John O'Connor

July 15, 2003
Russell tells his story exactly as you would expect him to relay it to you in person. He has a knack of making really ordinary events funny esp. the gerbils incident, couldn't stop laughing. I love his theatrical style and witty view on life. It certainly gives an insight to his complex personality and I still wonder why he turned to drugs. Anyway, I believe he was honest about his experiences and found it to be genuine indeed. I'd definitely be interested in his next chapter!

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Tricks of the Mind

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Derren Brown

October 08, 2007
The book is a humourous introduction to a diverse range of subjects - magic, memory, hypnosis, suggestibility, spotting lies, cognitive illusions, religion, scepticism and the paranormal.

Some sections were witty and extremely informative - magic and memory stand out in my mind - other sections can be dry and humourless. The book as a whole is certainly worth reading particularly if you're interested in Brown's areas of expertise as a performer.

The downside to the book is that Brown frequently rants about the importance of science and scepticism particularly in relation to his past life as a Christian. Despite this he seems to blindly accept the views of anyone he considers a supporter of science. Statistics about being ... Read More:

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The Importance of Being Earnest (Penguin Popular Classics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Oscar Wilde

March 30, 1995
In my quest to read more work by Irish literary greats this year, I recently purchased a newly repackaged Penguin Popular Classic version of Oscar Wilde's 1895 play The Importance of Being Earnest. This edition, with its vibrant green cover and tracing-paper thin paper (all 100 per cent recycled), retails for a meagre £2 -- that's a very cheap price for a masterpiece, in my opinion.

I had seen a film version of this play a couple of years ago (the 2002 version starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench) and I remember laughing out loud at a lot of it. But seeing the words in black-and-white print makes them seem even funnier -- if that is possible.

For those who don't know the storyline, ... Read More:

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The Media Students Book

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Gill Branston, Roy Stafford

March 17, 2006
I found Branston and Stafford's Media and Students Book, extremely helpful to me in my first year of studying media studies.
Quoting several different scholars and theorists, to back up some well thought out and well explained ideas behind media.
It was an excellent stepping stone for me and a platform to read more advanced media books, as this one was the foundation or the ground floor of media books, it covers the basics of media.
Overall a good read and highly reccommended.

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A Doll's House (Dover Thrift)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: Henrik Ibsen

July 20, 1992
I read this book not knowing what to expect (my partner is studying Enlish Lit' with the Open University and it is on her reading list).

I think it is a masterpiece, so much drama and suspense trapped inside such a small play, it is very clever and also leaves you feeling that you are a better person for having read it.

My partner paid £0.99 for this book, I would say this price does the book an injustice. A classic to rival 'The Medea'

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Hamlet (Penguin Popular Classics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Performing Arts
by: William Shakespeare

April 28, 1994
I have read Hamlet, however it was not this edition. I have seen these editions in store and they are rather tatty looking, the paper is recycled so that's to be expected. These types of books suit people who are limited in cash perhaps about to board a plane and need something to read. If your a student, your teacher will have already have bought specific books prescribed by the examining board - if this is the case do so and purchase that copy because this does not have notes to explain language or anything.

The play itself is a wonderful piece of literature concerned by deception, political power, and action vs. inaction, perceived madness and religion. Before reading it (if you studying) you should get context about Denmark (where the play is set) but also England ... Read More: