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Becoming Johnny Vegas

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Becoming Johnny Vegas

By: Johnny Vegas
Narrated by: Johnny Vegas
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About this listen

‘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.

©2013 Johnny Vegas (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Comedy Funny Witty Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

‘…book’s fabulous, buy it!’ Paul O’Grady

‘Extraordinary. A truly unusual showbiz memoir.’ Mark Lawson, Front Row, BBC Radio 4

‘A compelling tale of self-loathing, bristling with anger and bitterness, it still manages to be very funny and hold out hope of redemption.’ Daily Telegraph

'It's funny and a bit horrifying – with, at its best in the early sections, an almost Alan Bennettish feel for bathos.' The Best Memoirs of 2013, The Guardian

‘A characteristically in-yer-face narrative of how Michael Pennington became Johnny Vegas.’ The Independent

‘Michael Pennington – his real name – proves there’s more to Mr Vegas than meets the eye in this frank memoir.’ 100 Best Books For Christmas, The Telegraph

‘Altogether unique… as elegantly constructed as the finest literary novel.’ Catholic Herald

‘Reads like a novel.’ The Guardian

‘Eloquent, witty and perceptive, a fascinating study of creative catharsis.’ Metro

‘Rare is the celebrity memoir that’s as honest, insightful, revelatory and compelling as Becoming Johnny Vegas.’ Chortle
All stars
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Brilliantly read by Johnny, once started didn't want to put it down. Plenty of laughs but some sad parts too 😄

Brilliant

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I never liked Johnny Vegas the shout 'entertsner' but I love the actor.. Only complaint was that is was quite an abrupt end. Some really funny and sad parts and worth a listen if you're a fan.

Very Good

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An at times, pant wetingly funny account of childhood and adolescent misdemeanours.
At other times, a heart rendering story of guilt, depression and alcoholism.
All fantastically narrated by the “ men” themselves.

Tortured Genius.

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A fantastic insight into how Johnny came to be a must listen would definitely recommend

No holds barred life story

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As this was the first time I've listened to an audio book I thought I'd give this one a go. I've read the book so knew it was good. Listening to Michael/Johnny tell his story in he's own unmistakable voice really brought it to life. He is refreshingly honest and doesn't pull punches when it comes to adolescent confessions or dealing with certain subjects most people would probably omit from a autobiography. There are some really funny moments but if you are expecting this book to be filled with jokes you'll be disappointed. It's a frank and honest account of not just his life but how he came about his comic creation Johnny.

Astonishing!

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What an inspiration it is to hear a heartfelt, honest reading by the author instead of the bland, soulless voice overs we're treated to most of the time. No weird rising inflection or strange emphasis -- just a wonderfully performed, funny and touching listen. Thank you Michael Pennington aka Johnny Vegas.

Brilliant and brave

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Eye opening stuff. I was addicted to listening to the performance- truly emotional and I really can't imagine reading the book without hearing the heart and soul Johnny Vegas (or Michael Pennington) puts into the audiobook.

Sod Vegas... Pennington was there first

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Kept me hooked from start to finish, performed brilliantly by Michael, had me laughing out loud in places

Fantastic

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I loved it, I couldn't wait for night time to hear another instalment. who knew half of what he got up to !!

Go Johnny

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it's quite simple really. It's excellently narrated by the man himself, and to boot, a fascinating and engaging account of his life.

Loved it

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