Description
So, Anyway… by John Cleese is the comedian’s autobiography, tracing his life and career from his childhood in Weston-super-Mare through his years at Cambridge and the Footlights to the beginning of Monty Python. Rather than simply recounting his rise to fame, Cleese brings his characteristic humour to the story, offering an entertaining account of the experiences and people that shaped his career.
Cleese writes about his schooldays, his relationship with his mother, studying law at Cambridge and meeting future collaborators including Graham Chapman. He also recalls his early work in comedy and television, including his involvement with David Frost and Peter Sellers, and the opportunity that led him away from a conventional career and towards comedy writing.
Alongside the personal stories, So, Anyway… offers insight into how comedy is written and performed, including Cleese’s thoughts on timing, sketches and what makes something genuinely funny. The memoir ends as Monty Python is about to begin, making it particularly appealing to fans of Cleese and British comedy.
