Rob Beckett to publish a memoir in October

Monday 19th April 2021, 12:10pm by Jay Richardson

Rob Beckett has written a memoir. A Class Act will be out in October
In the book he reveals how he went from a working-class background to the life he lives now
He says: "Please buy it immediately as it's taken me fucking ages"

British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal Rob Beckett is the latest comedian to have written a memoir over lockdown.

Billed as an "hilarious exploration of class", the candid account of an outsider, A Class Act will be published by Harper Collins on the 14th of October.

Within the comedy and television industry, Beckett is perceived as a cockney geezer. But to his mates down the pub in south-east London, he's the theatrical one, a media luvvie.

For his first book, the London-born comic tries to understand how he went from growing up as a working-class kid to the life he lives now. Will he ever favour a craft beer over strong lager? When did it become normal for kids to eat sushi? Is he still working class? Why does he feel so embarrassed about success? And, will it ever be acceptable to serve pie mash on a wooden board?

"I am so excited to announce that I have written a book" said Beckett. "I have actually written it myself with no ghost writer, just me! I never thought it would be possible but I have done it. My incredibly well educated and beautiful wife (the beautiful part is true but mainly included for brownie points) has said and I directly quote from her 'It's actually a really good book. I thought it was going to be terrible and I would have to lie to you about it but it's actually great'.

"I'm claiming that as the best review I will ever receive. I have been in lockdown for over a year with Lou and she pretty much hates me and everything I stand for. So the fact she thinks this book is great speaks volumes. Please buy it immediately as it's taken me fucking ages."

Kelly Ellis, publishing director of HarperCollins added: "Rob Beckett has had the most productive lockdown I've seen. He's managed to carry on filming hit TV shows, like Rob And Romesh Vs, created one of the biggest podcasts of the year with Lockdown Parenting Hell and now he's written an absolutely brilliant book!

"He's unstoppable and we are so excited to be working him. A Class Act is a true reflection of Rob. It's very, very funny but also incredibly perceptive, and it's something that everyone can relate to regardless of their background. It's an absolute gem."

Beckett's stand-up tour, Wallop!, is set to resume on the 16th of August in Bromley.

Rob Beckett - A Class Act

Rob Beckett never seems to fit in. At work, in the middle-class world of television and comedy, he's the laddy, cockney geezer but to his mates down the pub in south-east London, he's the theatrical one, a media luvvy. Even his wife and kids are posher than him.

In this hilarious exploration of class, Rob tries to understand the life he lived growing up as a working-class kid in comparison to the life he lives now.

Will he ever favour a craft beer over strong lager? When did it become normal for kids to eat sushi? Is he still working class? Why does he feel so embarrassed about success? And, will it ever be acceptable to serve pie mash on a wooden board?

Tackling the questions big and small, A Class Act is a funny, candid, often moving account of what it feels like to be an outsider and why actually that's the best (slightly awkward) place to be.

First published: Thursday 14th October 2021

Hardback

eBook

Audiobook