In a world where every stand-up comedian has an autobiography, Dara O’Briain has written something unique. Rather than tell the story of his life, Tickling the English is the story of a country, through the eyes of an Irishman who just wants to make them laugh. More than a memoir, or a stand-up diary, this book is an exploration of national identity and the nature of humour.
Anyone who has seen O’Briain’s stand-up will know that he loves to engage the audience, and a big part of his journey in Tickling the English is interacting with the people in the various towns he visits. In order to fully understand the nation, he has to understand its people, and occasionally, he comes across some extraordinary stories just by being open and willing to interact. Of course, some of this may be down to Britain’s own receptiveness to the Irish, and O’Briain’s warm, encouraging personality. This personality shines throughout the book also.
Never does O’Briain resort to stereotyping, bitterness or cynical jokes. His journey is wise and thoughtful, uplifting and also extremely funny. For British readers, Tickling the English is a positive way for us to connect with our own identity, by seeing ourselves positively through a stranger’s eyes. For international readers, Tickling the English is a reflection of the best of British society, something often forgotten amidst the headlines of benefits culture and “Broken Britain”. Furthermore, O’Briain’s own story takes a backseat, just forming the framework for his research, and this is refreshing amongst a genre that tends to be all about the self. He’s also extremely interested in the topic at hand, and has done his homework, punctuating the experience of the tour with facts such as the origins of the phrase “lie back and think of England”, and the origins of some of the venues he frequents.
This is not a lazy book written for a quick cash-in by any means. Tickling the English is intelligent and relatable, written by a superb author who, above anything, just wants to understand a nation in order to bring them more joy.