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TAKING THE MICKY
Review of 'Taking the Micky'

Whenever you pick up a comedian's autobiography, either on the cover, in the introduction, or at the very least in the first few chapters, it will say how badly life has treated them so it is refreshing to read 'Taking the Micky' - Being Micky Zany which Michael Lander has been doing for the last 35 years.

Not only is it his story, but a wonderfully funny reflection on how comedy has evolved from the variety shows of television, clubs and seaside shows to the more contemporary observational humour of today. Despite being a shy person his ability to make people laugh is infectious and as you read through his book, the use of over 700 mostly self-penned gags to illustrate a particular period or theme gives you the feeling of watching a live performance.

Being funny, competing with the very best and always striving to reach the top is a serious business and comics probably have the hardest job in show business, which at times can be brutal. Critics, Agents and even fellow artistes can be cruel, but one thing you cannot fail to notice throughout this book is how generous Micky is whenever he is talking about others, be it family, friends or rivals. For me though Micky's personality and character really shine through when he is talking of what in life is really important to him. As his story ends it is clear to see, not only from what he has written, but how, that he feels he is indeed a very lucky man!

He may not be a household name yet, but many of you will have seen him in cabaret, at corporate events and on the cruise ships of P&O, Cunard, SAGA, Fred Olsen, Royal Caribbean and others. Micky still dreams on, for as he says, if we don't have dreams we have nothing. He is always looking to share his passion, enthusiasm, inventiveness and improve his technique and craft to develop new ideas and material. I think it would be a great idea to put Micky on TV with any of the 'new' comics such as Michael McIntyre, John Bishop etc. Live at the Apollo would then open up to a whole new audience!

Somehow I don't think they'll be 'Taking the Micky' then!

Paul Smy