Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing

John Fisher has a long and distinguished career as a TV producer working in light entertainment with such giants of comedy as Bob Monkhouse, Spike Milligan, Bruce Forsyth & Tommy Cooper. His most recent work includes Channel 4’s critically acclaimed “Heroes of Comedy”. An authority on popular entertainment, he has written many books on the subject. ‘Jus’ Like That!’, his stage celebration of Tommy’s life, was a recent West End hit. He is also a member of the Inner Magic Circle.

'A monumental and masterly biography of the great Cooper.' Daily Mail 'A masterful work that will deservedly find its way into the Christmas stockings of anyone interested in showbiz.' The Stage 'It's a measure of how funny he (Cooper) was that this book had me on the floor even when reading about gags I've never seen. Yet this is no hagiography. While it has chapter and verse on how Cooper's comic chaos came into being, it also tells how one of our country's greatest bringers of joy was a boozy, tight-fisted, foul-mouthed, faithless old misery.' The Sunday Times. 'This book is an accolade to a truly talented and complex man who was much more than just a comic.' The Sun ' "The definitive biography of a comedy legend" -- for once a book lives up to its blurb.' Michael Parkinson 'John Fisher's biography admirably captures the Cooper magic.' The Oldie 'A book with unrivalled access to (and knowledge of) its elusive subject.' The Independent '! a well balanced, very well researched and thoroughly enjoyable book that at times will have you laughing out loud.' **** The Irish Examiner 'Not the least of the pleasures in John Fisher's fine biography is that he describes many of the routines in loving detail, so that they come to life again in the theatre of the mind's eye.' Sunday Telegraph 'An affectionate and informative memorial to by far the greatest of all the surrealists.' Mail on Sunday 'Fisher's research and sources are impeccable.' The Guardian 'There have been other memoirs of the gentle giant of an entertainer, but acclaimed TV producer Fisher is well placed as a friend and colleague to present this as the definitive biography -- warts and all.' Manchester Evening News 'This exhaustive study is never less than sympathetic and contains many illuminating insights into the craft of comedy, the vital importance of visual technique and movement, and the sheer slog of showbiz.' The Spectator 'The flyleaf describes Fisher's book as being the "definitive biography" of Cooper. I wouldn't disagree.' Yorkshire Evening Post 'Fans of more old-fashioned biography (and comedy) will prefer Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing, a book with unrivalled access to (and knowledge of) its elusive subject.' The Independent. 'For all his popularity as one of Britain's best-loved post-war entertainers, Tommy Cooper's life away from stage and screen is little known. John Fisher's excellent new book, Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing, does much to change that.' Yorkshire Post. 'A superb read and it will make you laugh and cry.' Belfast News Letter 'This entertaining, heroically researched biography isn't a labour of love, it's a labour of adoration.' Eastern Daily Press 'This is a wonderful book that will be devoured and treasured by Tommy Cooper's legions of fans.' Magic Week 'I don't think that I have ever read a book, written about a star, with more love and understanding by the author. John Fisher has caught him exactly, in all his many moods.' Bobby Bernard Praise for Tommy Cooper: 'Everyone wanted to imitate him didn't they. That was the true accolade I think. And he was funny as soon as he came on, he didn't have to say anything he was just ! FUNNY.' Ronnie Barker 'Tommy was amazing. He looked like Mount Rushmore on legs. He never said anything about real life so he never dates.' Barry Cryer 'Absolutely fantastic. No other comic would work with him, he was too good. He had this fantastic expression. A giant of comedy, a British WC Fields and he will be irreplaceable.' Eric Morecambe