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Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography
- Narrated by: Brian Blessed
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
Non-member price: $21.26
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Publisher's Summary
A memoir from national treasure Brian Blessed.
There is no one quite like Brian Blessed. He's an actor, film star, trained undertaker, unlikely diplomat, secret romantic, martial artist and mountaineer. He's also a brilliant storyteller who will - and you must brace yourself - simply leap out of the story at you.
Ready? Then listen to Absolute Pandemonium, and you'll be taken on a riotous journey from his childhood, growing up the son of a miner in Goldthorpe, to finding fame in Z-Cars. You'll see Brian falling for Katharine Hepburn on the set of The Trojan Women, suffering wires strapped round his wotsits as he was hoisted into the heavens on Flash Gordon, almost causing an international incident when meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and winning round George Lucas to get the role of Boss Nass on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Along the way he takes secret revenge on headmistress Mrs. Jarman and her very big bottom; punches Harold Pinter; loves and hates Peter O'Toole; woos his beautiful wife, Hildegard Neil; and braves the shocking death toll on cosy TV drama My Family and Other Animals.
Crammed with anecdotes from his illustrious career, this is a funny, warmhearted, life-affirming, LOUD, and unique memoir from a much-loved figure.
Critic Reviews
"The pages of Absolute Pandemonium reverberate with the sound of that inimitable voice and his appetite for life." (Andy Miller, S Magazine)
More from the same
What listeners say about Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lynda
- 26-04-2017
One of the best books
Really enjoyed this book. Could almost see Brian while listening to his very entertaining story. Really enjoyed watching him on Z Cars so I thought it would be a very good book and I was right.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- J. Wilson
- 15-12-2015
The most enthusiastic!
[{ "answer" : "Listening to Brian recount his life story, apocryphal or not, was an absolute blast. His infectious enthusiasm for life was a joy to be exposed to.
WHen he sang I thought to myself for the first time ever \"If I had bought the actual book instead I would have missed out on this! Unthinkable!\"", "type" : "Overall", "question" : "Would you listen to Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography again? Why?", "id" : 45, "typeString" : "overall" }, { "answer" : "I liked... Brian's Dad. And Deep Roy was good too.
:P", "type" : "Story", "question" : "Who was your favorite character and why?", "id" : 6, "typeString" : "story" }, { "answer" : "His voice, as always is boisterous & full of life. There are inflections & tones I would never have picked up in text only. Having the author of an Autobio read to you is like a private conversation. Intimate & personal.", "type" : "Performance", "question" : "What about Brian Blessed’s performance did you like?", "id" : 27, "typeString" : "performance" }, { "answer" : "I certainly wanted to listen to it all at once but at 13+ hours & with a small child in the house it was unfathomable.", "type" : "Genre", "question" : "Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?", "id" : 55, "typeString" : "genre" }, { "answer" : "", "type" : "Misc", "question" : "Any additional comments?", "id" : -1, "typeString" : "misc" } ]
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs C L Baldwin
- 13-12-2020
Pure Blessed.
A fantastic listen, brilliantly told by the man himself. wonderful stories full of love, laughter and occasional woes. loved this audiobook
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter
- 02-12-2017
best audio book so far.
I couldn't get enough of this and will be quoting it for years to come
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Julian
- 22-03-2017
A Marvellous Adventure
This was a wonderful book and gave a great insight into the life and personality of perhaps the world's greatest living human, Brian Blessed. Being read by the man himself was a wonderful experience, the fantastic and hilarious anecdotes and heartfelt moments being told to you in his voice connects you to him in a way it wouldn't with written words.
I can recommend this book to anyone who has heard of Brian Blessed, even if they aren't very familiar with him or his work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Betty
- 19-01-2017
Pure entertainment
Listening to Brian Blessed himself relay the story of his life with his gorgeously rich voice, his booming expression and passionate enthusiasm is pure indulgence. Well written, interesting. a fascinating journey through the life of a coal minors son, a typical boy who loved comic books and movies and who likes to show off and climb mountains.
A fantastic, thoroughly entertaining read.
"Gordon's' Alive!!!'
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kai1
- 01-12-2016
Wow. What a listen! Gordon's alive?!?!
They'll never be a voice finer than that of brian blessed. I was excited to locate this book, but I will admit to not knowing too much about him past him being a popular culture icon post flash Gordon and a seasoned Shakespearean actor. Did not matter. This book was a great listen! From talking about the mines of Yorkshire, the Bristol rep theatre and adventures with Peter o'tool to a close relationship with Catherine hepburn ... Climbing Everest?! Being a funeral director?! There is a life well lived Blessed. Great listen. Just to let you know, I work for Audible, but the views expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- David D
- 17-11-2016
Review
Marvellously told by Brian Blessed, this story recounts much of his life and career, with an enjoyably large focus of his growing up in Yorkshire. Chapters include his association with Peter O'Toole, a wholly odd chapter of this book, with Katharine Hepburn, his fascination with the world and art of boxing, Star Wars, a brilliant chapter on Z Cars and, of course, Flash Gordon.
It's told well, both in style and performance, but one can't help but feel that, although rightly, it's very much from the author's perspective. If you keep that in mind, it's a fabulous listen.
I was kept great company by Brian Blessed on my incredibly long road trip across the middle of Australia, and was never bored for a moment. I do recommend it heartily. Though more on I, Claudius could only have made it better.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- matthew
- 06-11-2016
bloody fantastic i will listen again
brian blessed is an amazing man who has lived a great life
he has been in some of my favorite show and movies
GORDANS ALIVE!!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Alex
- 03-08-2016
Absolute joy and delight
I loved it, such a positive personality and a great performance. I will listen to this many times. a good purchase.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Augenezum
- 17-10-2015
The Riveting Tales Of The Blessed Mr. Blessed!
What did you love best about Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography?
The authors enthusiasm and heartfelt authenticity, make this, one of my favorite listens, from my library of over 200 audio books.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography?
This gentleman's life is one of the most interesting and riveting tales I have ever heard. Every chapter is memorable.
Have you listened to any of Brian Blessed’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I have seen many of his film and television appearances and the narration of this book is up there with his best performances.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
The Riveting Tales of the Blessed Mr. Blessed!
Any additional comments?
I would like to thank the author and publisher for this wonderful autobiography.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Matt
- 10-03-2019
This is amazing!
Blessed's voice is the only one to give this justice. it felt more like trading stories with the man at a campfire than just listening to an audio book. His stories put me in mind of a modern day, and some what more believable Baron Münchhausen. Read with the same gusto and enthusiasm Brian puts into everything in life, is was a true joy to listen to.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Christopher Cashell
- 07-08-2018
Absolutely brilliant performance!
I am a fan of Brian Blessed. When I found out he had written an autobiography, I was of course a little curious. However, I thought it was such a shame to read without hearing Brian's amazing, booming voice. Then I thought, just in case, I should check audible real quick. How great would it be if he'd actual narrated it?!? To my joy and amazement, I found the book, and with him as the narrator! Now anyone who is familiar with Brian Blessed will know that his voice is a true treasure. He comes from that great class of Shakespearean actors, in the same vein as Patrick Stewart (interestingly, they actually went to the same drama school). The style, the power, the emotion... It truly is remarkable. I believe I would even listen to Brian narrate the phone book; he's just that good. Now I will acknowledge, some people may find a few parts of the book a little slow. Brian goes into some detail through his life, including shows and experiences that are not going to be familiar to most modern readers or listeners. Personally, I still enjoyed them and I found his anecdotes thoroughly entertaining to listen to. I've listen to this book in its entirety straight through twice, and I've listened to various chapters many more times. As narrators go, Brian is on another level. Absolutely top-notch. I highly recommend you take a chance, and give "uncle Brian" a listen. This book is like sitting in front of the fire with your favorite uncle , listening to him regale you with wonderful and amusing stories of his life.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 07-04-2018
Rob WI USA
Great audio book, love Mr Blessed fascinating life story. I could spend hours with this man with his stories he must have another book in him until then “Gordon s ALIVE!”
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Aniekan Akai
- 18-04-2017
God's own narrator
Loved it. Brian's voice is so beautiful.
I could listen to this daily forever and ever
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Gudmundur
- 10-10-2016
A real journey and experience.
This book was an absolutely a heart warming journey into the life of one of my heroes and idols Brian Blessed. Thank you for an amazing experience and, GORDON'S ALIVE!!!!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- kaflooey
- 20-04-2016
absolute brilliance
this audio, read by the man himself, has to be the best way to enjoy this book. Gordon' alive!!!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Unreal Name
- 21-02-2016
shouted at you by the man himself
If you could sum up Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography in three words, what would they be?
Absolute Pandemonium in person
Who was your favorite character and why?
Whichever chapter we were on at the moment. Brian brings wonderful enthusiasm to every story he tells.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Why read the book when you can have it shouted at you by the man himself?
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- mvdn777
- 11-12-2015
Absolutely Fantastic
Brian does enjoy his achievements and adventures and makes sure you enjoy them too. The cat at the birthday party had me almost in tears of laughter as I was driving. Probably a hazard!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kate Luebke
- 13-11-2015
A delightful autobiography
Brian Blessed is an immense talent that's not as well known in the United States but there's definitely a reason many in the UK call him a national treasure. He's Vultan from Flash Gordon, Boss Nass from Star Wars Episode I, The Duke of Exeter from Kenneth Brannagh's 1989 Henry V, among many other roles. As a fan of British film and television, I've enjoyed him immensely over the years with my favorite role of his being Augustus from I, Claudius and the aforementioned Duke of Exeter from Henry V. But I have seen many You Tube videos of various clips he's done over the years and honestly, he's a man I would love to invite over to dinner just to hear the stories he tells.
His autobiography isn't the best written but that is something that can be easily forgiven and overlooked with the delightful stories he tells from his childhood, to being friends with Peter O'Toole (which towards the end of the chapter caused me to shed some tears as it became clear he misses his friend and I suspect wrote the chapter shortly after O'Toole's death in 2013), for his most famous line ("Gordon's Alive!") and how he got his script for the Phantom Menace. He tells all of his stories with the booming gusto he's known for and he gives what I see to be sage advice on many occasions for how to live a happy and joyous life as he has. He seems incredibly grateful for all the opportunities he's been given. I found listening to this to be a delightfully humbling experience. So I would use this review to thank Brian Blessed for taking the time to write an autobiography that reflects the life he has lived: delightful and fun.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vernon Wright
- 23-10-2015
A joyful, irreverent, nine hours of fun!
I suffer from depression frequently but still have to go to work like everybody else - but I kid you not, listening to Brian recanting stories covering everything from handling corpses at 15 to handing Hong Kong back over to China with Prince Charles - well, it pulled me out of a nasty bout of the blues as effectively as having the man himself grab me by the scruff of the neck and drag me onto a bouncy castle whilst growling " Gordon's alive! Did you hear me, man? GORDON'S ALIVE!!!!
The two hour drive to work was transformed into an unorthodox therapy session. I laughed throughout - but Brians description of revenge on a cruel headteacher by means of a homemade catapult had me choking. Highly recommended - like getting a big, sweary bear hug off the man himself!
43 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wendy Wendy
- 12-10-2015
The cheek muscles on my face ache
What a brilliant book. Better than anything I've ever heard or read.
Read with gusto & aplomb, of course !
So interesting and matter of fact. Even the 'misery ' parts aren't so.
Be wary that during your every day life while listening you will be smiling and spontaneous laugher may make some people think you a little odd !
For goodness sake, just listen it's superb !
22 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- oliver lailey
- 21-10-2015
a great first listen.
I have been toying with the idea of joining audible for a while. I have stated a job that has me driving long distances and after listening to lots of radio, I thought audio books might be a good change. Absolute Pandemonium has been a good start, I've always been a fan of Brian and he did not disappoint with stories from his early life in Yorkshire moving on to elements of his later life and relationships with Peter OToole and other famous names. Brian has fabulous anecdotes from his life on stage and screen, some will have you in stitches.
9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wenlocksmithj
- 17-12-2015
Sheer hilarity will ensue
What did you like most about Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography?
This is an excellent audiobook made even better by the author Brian Blessed reading it himself and he is gregarious and over the top as ever yet this book is chock full of great anecdotes and wry observations and also some very touching monents too
it is also very very funny so beware if driving and also he doesn't hold back on his anglo saxon either
above all it is an most excellent tale
What other book might you compare Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography to, and why?
The book tells you lots of his early life and career and is very interesting
What about Brian Blessed’s performance did you like?
I liked the passion he brought to each section - his love of pugilism is very enlightening too as is his deep abiding love for his wife that is so very evident throughout
Brian has packed a lot into his life and he comes across as a very gracious and grateful person indeed
The part where he speaks of his father in Hong Kong is priceless and his interaction with the Japanese prime minister is also most amusing too
Any additional comments?
just get it for yourself and laugh 13 hours away
7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ReadingWild
- 10-10-2015
Forget who you think the author is...this is incredible.
Brian Blessed delivers an incredible story, his incredible story with honour wit and passion...mesmerising, funny and in turns shocking.
21 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. E. A. Shanks
- 19-10-2015
A brilliant autobiography.
Brian reads this book with so much enthusiasm. Fantastic audio book from start to finish.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Paul Sampson
- 03-12-2015
From the horses mouth
If you could sum up Absolute Pandemonium: The Autobiography in three words, what would they be?
Entertaining Insightful Madness
Who was your favorite character and why?
Brian's Gran because she so needed taking to task.
What does Brian Blessed bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Ony Brian Blessed can do Justice to Brian Blessed. I could listen to Brian read from a corn flake packet so to listen to him telling tales of theatre and the luvvies therein was an absolute joy
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Brians description of his early encounter with Peter O'toole, what an eye opener!
Any additional comments?
If you have never listened to an audiobook before there could be few places better to start
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Dario Persechino
- 26-11-2015
Bloody marvellous!!!
Wonderful stories told by an amazing chap. You can't help but be swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of Mr Blessed. He tells stories of his rich history that will have you laughing along and shouting out 'Gordon's Alive!' at any given opportunity.
The man is an absolute legend and a national treasure. The informal and very personal style of this feels like he is there having a conversation with you about his exploits. Best audiobook I have ever listened to. Highly recommended!
Warning: If you listen in public there is a high risk of being thought a lunatic as you may spontaneously burst into fits of uncontrolled laughter.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alan K
- 08-12-2015
Great listen
Really enjoyable listen and excellent performance from Brian. His character shines through. The only person that I could believe could get up to all these escapades.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Barry
- 14-10-2015
GORDON'S ALIVE
This is a brilliant book made epic by being read by the legend himself. I've never met the bloke I'm sad to say, but after listening to his life story from his own lips I feel I know what makes the great man tick.
7 people found this helpful
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