The First Rule of Comedy..!
Memories and Moments
Will be published approx. on 16. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-83705-308-7 (ISBN)
Description
'I've been moved, I've been made to laugh and I've been made to think.' - Gyles Brandreth, Rosebud podcast
'When you have Jeff around you know you are in safe hands, just as you will be when you read his book.' - Su Pollard
Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, Jeffrey Holland is one of Britain's best-loved situation comedy actors. An invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft, his many other television credits include Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Oh, Doctor Beeching! and You Rang, M'Lord?
This unique memoir reveals the hilarious tales from Holland's long and illustrious career, from the comedy greats that have inspired him to the colleagues with whom he has worked.
Heart-warming stories from his twenty-year association with Paul Shane and Su Pollard sit alongside poignant and deep reflections on his all-time favourite comedian, Stan Laurel, and revealing stories of working with the great and good of variety theatre, from Frankie Howerd to Ken Dodd. Not to mention blissful thoughts on his many happy years as part of Russ Abbot's Madhouse, the joy of The Goon Show and the thrill of stepping into the huge shoes of Peter Sellers. Filled with enthusiasm and affection, The First Rule of Comedy..! is a life told through the eyes of one of the true greats of the genre.
'When you have Jeff around you know you are in safe hands, just as you will be when you read his book.' - Su Pollard
Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, Jeffrey Holland is one of Britain's best-loved situation comedy actors. An invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft, his many other television credits include Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Oh, Doctor Beeching! and You Rang, M'Lord?
This unique memoir reveals the hilarious tales from Holland's long and illustrious career, from the comedy greats that have inspired him to the colleagues with whom he has worked.
Heart-warming stories from his twenty-year association with Paul Shane and Su Pollard sit alongside poignant and deep reflections on his all-time favourite comedian, Stan Laurel, and revealing stories of working with the great and good of variety theatre, from Frankie Howerd to Ken Dodd. Not to mention blissful thoughts on his many happy years as part of Russ Abbot's Madhouse, the joy of The Goon Show and the thrill of stepping into the huge shoes of Peter Sellers. Filled with enthusiasm and affection, The First Rule of Comedy..! is a life told through the eyes of one of the true greats of the genre.
Reviews / Votes
'Of all the books that I have read and reviewed over the years, this is without doubt the very best thing I've had the privilege of reading. Don't buy a copy, but two!' -- <i>Permission to Speak Sir! Magazine</i> from the Dads Army Appreciation SocietyMore details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Stroud
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Illustrations
29 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-83705-308-7 (9781837053087)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2025
The History Press Ltd
€18.49
Available for download
Persons
Robert Ross is the leading authority on the history of British comedy. His sixteen books include The Monty Python Encyclopedia, The Carry On Story, Sid James - Cockney Rebel, The Complete Terry-Thomas and official BBC celebrations of Fawlty Towers, Last of the Summer Wine and Steptoe and Son. His latest book, Forgotten Heroes of Comedy: An Encyclopedia of the Comedy Underdog, was published by Unbound in 2021.
He is a frequent guest on radio, and his many television credits include interviews for What's A Carry On?, Top Ten: Comedy Records, Will the Real Basil Fawlty Please Stand Up?, What the Pythons Did Next, Richard & Judy and BBC News.
He is a frequent guest on radio, and his many television credits include interviews for What's A Carry On?, Top Ten: Comedy Records, Will the Real Basil Fawlty Please Stand Up?, What the Pythons Did Next, Richard & Judy and BBC News.
Content
Title
Copyright
Contents
Foreword by Su Pollard
The First Rule of Comedy...
... You Must Have Integrity
... You Must Have Reality
... Don't Antagonise Your Audience
... Never Telegraph a Joke
... Pretty Girls Aren't Funny
... Always Have a Great Finish for Your Act
Afterword by Roy Gould
Acknowledgements
Copyright
Contents
Foreword by Su Pollard
The First Rule of Comedy...
... You Must Have Integrity
... You Must Have Reality
... Don't Antagonise Your Audience
... Never Telegraph a Joke
... Pretty Girls Aren't Funny
... Always Have a Great Finish for Your Act
Afterword by Roy Gould
Acknowledgements