David Mitchell: Back Story

Have you ever wondered where comedians come from? Why is it that one person is a funny bloke down the pub while another actually makes a living by standing up in front of an audience telling jokes? And where does all that material come from? Well, young Lee McKillop used to wonder that too.

Growing up in his parents' pub, small and wiry in a world of bigger and chunkier specimens, Lee quickly learned that cracking jokes was a way to get attention. After a somewhat random series of jobs, which included being Red Rum's stableboy and a bingo hall barman, it was as a Great Yarmouth holiday camp entertainer that he had his first crack at telling jokes on stage. It got him some laughs, the sack and a punch in the face.*

Now, as Lee Mack, he's one of our best loved and most successful comedians, both as a live stand-up and on television. In Mack the Life, Lee tells the story of how he got there and gives extraordinary insight into what really makes comics tick. Hilarious and brilliant, it's the kind of book which reminds you why you learned to read in the first place.

*Nearly.

As far back as he can remember James Corden has only ever wanted to be in one place: in front of you, doing something to make you cry, shout, scream or giggle uncontrollably; whether it's entertaining the congregation at his baby sister's christening at the age of four, clowning around in class, or snogging Sue Barker in front of thousands of people at Sports Relief.

But it wasn't that easy getting there. Growing up, his dad would drive him up and down to London for auditions, sometimes three or four times a week, only to be met with constant knockbacks. Even the teenage distractions of girls, forming his own pop group, attempted (and failed) shoplifting, or the endless detentions he'd get from exasperated teachers didn't put him off. He knew where he wanted to be and he'd keep on trying until he got there.

May I Have Your Attention Please? Is the story of how it all happened. From his time as one of the founding players of his school's first ever rugby team to nationwide fame as the loveably loud Smithy in the award-winning Gavin and Stacey, this is a tenderly - and very funnily - told story of what it's like to try, try and try again and get there in the end.

It's time to get serious with Britain's favourite funny man - Camp David, by David Walliams.

'Will surprise, entertain, and allow fans and newcomers to enter the comic's uniquely brilliant world' GQ Magazine

'Raucously funny and superbly written' Heat

'Hilarious' Telegraph

'A great read. My only criticism is it ended too soon' The Sun

'A fascinating read' Star Magazine

'Brilliantly written' Express

'Fascinating stuff' Closer

'Uproariously great' Guardian

Famous comedian, funniest judge on Britain's Got Talent, irresistible ladykiller and high-achieving sportsman, David Walliams is a man of many talents. Launched to fame with the record-breakingLittle Britain, his characters - Lou, Florence, Emily, amongst others - became embedded in our shared popular culture. You couldn't enter a playground for a long while without hearing "eh, eh, eh" or "computer says no".

Yet Walliams is a mystery. Often described as a bundle of contradictions, he is disarming and enigmatic, playing up his campness one minute and hinting about his depression the next.

To read Camp David is to be truly shocked, as well as tickled pink, as David Walliams bares his soul like never before and reveals a fascinating and complex mind. This searingly honest autobiography is a true roller-coaster ride of emotions, as this nation's sweetheart unlocks closely guarded secrets that until now have remained hidden in his past.

David Walliams is an actor, writer, active fundraiser and - above all - he's a world class comedian who knows how to make us laugh. He performed in and co-wrote the phenomenally successful Little Britainand Come Fly with Me with Matt Lucas, and recently appeared as a popular judge alongside Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent. He has performed many feats of endurance for charity, and won over the entire country when he swam the Thames for Sports Relief. His bestselling children's books include Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Boy in the Dress and Ratburger.