Book Review: Peter Serafinowicz - A Billion Jokes! (Volume One)
Published: Monday 17th December 2012
Peter Serafinowicz is undeniably a man of many talents. He was the voice of Darth Maul, the best thing in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, has had a hand in everything from Spaced and Shaun Of The Dead to Look Around You and - as demonstrated on his own 2007 TV show - he does the most incredible impersonations of certain celebrities (notably Terry Wogan and Alan Alda).
But, let's face it: he's not Jimmy Carr, Harry Hill or Tim Vine. He doesn't have a reputation as a gagmeister. This makes his new joke book something of a surprise.
Thankfully, it's largely a pleasant surprise. It's a small book but for a joke book, a long one with over 300 pages each with a joke on and a Victorian-style etching to illustrate it.
I suspect the book will divide opinion. I found some of the jokes a bit flat, but a fair number were ingenious and very funny. I expect both types of joke would have exactly the opposite effect on another reader.
"Why would I want earwax?" says a man in one. "I've got earwax coming out of my ears!"
"I've written a kids' version of Snakes On A Plane. It's called The Eels On The Bus".
Or try: "Those people in Eighties pornos were bonkers."
Some of the jokes work better with the pictures so it would be unfair to quote much more, but I found the hit rate pretty high. If you disagree I'll leave you with this thought: "Contact lenses make excellent baby monocles."
Now how about a new series of The Peter Serafinowicz Show, please?
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