‘Cider was my drink because I liked the taste and it made me stupid…’
I’ve long been an admirer of Frank Skinner going way back to watching Fantasy Football League in the ’90s. His involvement with the iconic Euro ’96 anthem ‘Three Lions’ cemented his role as a person of interest in my life and I’ve followed his career ever since…
Frank Skinner predictably tells the story of… Frank Skinner. From his humble beginnings growing up as Chris Collins in the West Midlands through to his not-so-humble life as a famous comedian, highly paid tv star and top shagger. Yes, if it’s political correctness you want, this is absolutely not the book for you. Had it come out yesterday, Skinner would have been cancelled quicker than you can say Jules Rimet still gleaming. Happily. the world was a more forgiving place in 2002, and this results in an autobiography that is shot through with self-awareness and honesty.
Whether it’s describing his many sexual conquests or pontificating about his faith (Skinner is a devout Catholic), Frank Skinner is a compelling and captivating read that sees the legendary comedian grappling with what an autobiography should be and what this book has turned out to be instead. His conversational writing style recalls old friends chatting in a pub, which is ironic as Skinner has been sober for decades. Indeed, he writes about his sobriety in the book, but again, he does so with searing honesty and never attempts to cast himself in a positive light when there is a self-deprecatory gag to be delivered instead.
It took me a few pages to acclimatise to Skinner’s unusual writing style, but by the end of the book, I was fully on board. Frank Skinner is a funny, frank and fun rags-to-riches tale that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.