Peter Kay

Peter Kay, one of the country’s best-loved comedians, tells Shire about his lockdown project to spread smiles by recording his autobiography as an audiobook

Working from home

Peter recorded the whole book from home, which he says made for a relaxed experience all round.

“I could record at my own pace and that made the whole experience much more fun as I was able to drift off the subject matter and have a different view about it all these years later. I’d never read the book since I wrote it in 2006. It was fascinating, like reading something that somebody else had written. Although weirdly, even though I knew what was coming next, I’d forgotten so much of what I’d written.”

Then again, Peter says, he never intended to write a book in the first place. “But I found out that a book was already being written about me. I wasn’t happy so I decided to write my own. If anybody was going to write about me, I thought I’d probably be the best person to do it.

“I felt completely out of my depth when I wrote it. I didn’t start writing until March 2006 and it had to be completed by the June. I spent the first few weeks constantly clicking on the thesaurus, looking for better words. I was so self-conscious – I didn’t even have my English GCSE – but then I began to find my own voice, and everything fell into place. It turned out I really enjoyed writing. I just wanted to make it as funny as possible.”

Peter’s second book, Saturday Night Peter, was also a best-seller, but the comedian hasn’t written anything since. “I suppose life gets in the way,” he says. “Becoming a dad changed my priorities. The trick is getting the balance right in your life. I think a lot of people were forced to realise that during the pandemic. A lot of people’s priorities will have changed forever now. Hopefully for the better.”

“Hopefully, it will lift people’s spirits. We all need a laugh. Especially without MCDonald’s doing porridge”

The Sound Of Laughter is not only the title of Peter Kay’s best-selling autobiography – it is pretty much a guaranteed response to the stories within it too. The book observes the absurdities and eccentricities of family life: elderly relatives, garlic bread, cheesecake, weddings, funerals and all the other familiar tales the Bolton comedian has regaled us with over the years. And now you can enjoy all the mirth and merriment without even having to read a word, because Peter has recorded it as an audiobook.

Peter has won numerous awards for his TV work, including Car Share and Phoenix Nights, and has had three number one singles. He also holds the Guinness world record for the biggest-selling stand-up comedian on the planet, while The Sound Of Laughter still holds the record for the biggest-selling British hardback autobiography of all time, selling over two million copies.

However, it took 15 years for him to record the audiobook, for which he jokingly blames Covid: “I blame the pandemic! Mind you, people are still blaming the pandemic for everything. You know, I still can’t get porridge at McDonald’s because of the pandemic. What’s all that about? It’s oats in a microwave!”

The truth, he admits, is that “Audible approached me during the pandemic to ask if I’d like to record The Sound Of Laughter in an effort to try and cheer people up a bit. So hopefully it will lift people’s spirits. We all need a laugh. Especially without McDonald’s doing porridge.”

Peter Kay’s The Sound Of Laughter is available to download from Audible

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

4TH-6TH NOVEMBER

•4th November, JABS: Behind The Screens, SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle

A light-hearted play from Sally Tonge. 7pm. From £6. www.sparctheatre.co.uk

•5th November, Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza, Bomere Heath Cricket Club, Shrewsbury

With food stalls from club sponsor Battlefield 1403, a mini funfair and bungee trampolines. Gates open at 5pm. £5 adults, £2.50 children. See Facebook for details.

•6th November , The Johns’ Boys Male Voice Choir, The Holroyd Community

Theatre on Saturday The multi-award-winning choir will be performing a wonderful selection of choral repertoire. 7pm. £18. www.theholroydtheatre.co.uk

•6th November, Mad Jack’s 5

Run, Attingham Park A fun run that finishes with a run or wade through a pond 50cm deep. Online entry preferred. 10.30am start. www.shrewsburyac.org.uk

•6th November, Forever Elton: The Greatest Hits tour, Theatre on the Steps,

Bridgnorth With dazzling costumes, piano, and a live band, this tribute to the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin has been touted as “better than the real thing”. 8pm. £17. www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk

BONFIRES AND AXE THROWING

Love2stay Shrewsbury is hosting a family-friendly Bonfire Night celebration on 6th November. As well as a low-noise fireworks display, there will be marshmallow toasting, and you can even try axe throwing! See social media for details.

Three days of Christmas cheer at Derwen College

Derwen College, near Oswestry, is pulling out all the stops with its biggest and best Christmas Fayre ever from 26th to 28th November. The festive extravaganza offers something for everyone, including a guest appearance from Santa himself and shopping on Friday until 8pm. www.derwen.ac.uk

FIREWORKS BY THE LAKE

On 6th November Alderford Lake, Whitchurch, hosts a Bonfire Night extravaganza with a fireworks, along with outdoor food stalls, funfair and live music. Gates open at 5pm, with the bonfire at 6pm, sound-sensitive display at 7pm and main fireworks at 8pm. Tickets £11.95 adults and £9.95 ages three to 16. Free parking. www.alderford.com

Get your winter woollies on!

A Christmas Jumper Run takes place in the Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, on 28th November, with proceeds going to Severn Hospice. The race starts at 10am and participants will have the option of running 2.5km, 5km or 10km. There are no age restrictions on any of the races, and all abilities are welcome. Finishers will receive a Christmas-themed medal. Enter at www.ukacgroup.com.

Real Christmas cracker

Folk band The Churchfitters present an alternative way to ring in the festive season with their Christmas Cracker. Making music from anything they can lay their hands on, including saucepans and metal saws, the group will perform a selection of traditional and original festive songs. The fun evening takes place on 17th December at Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Tickets cost £14.

www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

DARKFEST AT CARDING MILL VALLEY

DarkFest at Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton, on 12th & 13th November offers unusual creative experiences, with night-time photography, singing in the dark, a silent disco and more. Events are free or modestly priced. See the DarkFest Facebook page for more information. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk.

ROYAL BALLET FAMILY TREAT

The Nutcracker is a family favourite at Christmas time and is one of the DID YOU most delightful ways for children to discover the enchantment of ballet. The story of Clara, a girl on a magical Christmas Eve adventure, KNOW? The Nutcracker was fi rst performed in St Petersburg in 1892 is accompanied by sparkling music and even dancing sweets!

Watch the full company of the Royal Ballet performed this much-loved classic ballet via satellite at SpArC Theatre in Bishop’s Castle on 12th December. The matinee performance starts at 2pm and last two hours 40 minutes, including an interval. Tickets cost from £8. For more information, visit www.sparctheatre.co.uk.

Candle-lit Christmas concert

Promoted by Shropshire Music Trust, leading UK choir Ex Cathedra present an evening concert, Christmas Music by Candlelight, on 3rd December at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury. Music and readings will be performed by candlelight in what is sure to be a stunning performance. Tickets cost from £11 to £25. For more information, visit www.excathedra.co.uk.

Memorial appeal

ENSA Memorial Appeal is raising funds for a memorial at the National Arboretum to honour men and women from the entertainment industry who did so much to boost morale during the Second World War. Events include a Remembrance Sunday luncheon on 14th November at the Wroxeter Hotel. Tickets are £25. www.jumble

bee.co.uk/remembrance sundayluncheon

ENCHANTED WESTON

On select dates in December enjoy the beautiful atmosphere at Weston Park near Shifnal with the illuminated woodland walk and pop-up market. Advance tickets only, with timed arrival. Standard tickets are £14 or £45 for two adults and two children.

www.weston-park.com

PANTO IN A CAR PARK

Watch a panto from your car at Montgomery Waters Meadow, Shrewsbury, on 28th December. Horrible Christmas features historical gures as they try save Christmas. Tickets are £49.50 per car.

www.shrewsburytown.com

Winter wanders at Dudmaston Hall

Visitors to Dudmaston Hall in Quatt can join Percy the Park Keepers’ Winter Wander this December. Children will enjoy following the trail with links to the much-loved stories. Activity packs cost £2 from the café at Comer Woods. A small car parking charge is payable. www.nationaltrust.

org.uk/dudmaston

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

6TH-15TH NOVEMBER

•6th & 7th November, Frost Fair, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven

Arms A wide selection of gifts and crafts from local Shropshire crafters. 10am. Free. www.shropshire hillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

•6th & 7th November, Hank Marvin Street Food @ Social Street Kitchen, Shrewsbury

The popular pop-up returns with a great lineup of food and drink vendors and entertainment. Noon-10pm Saturday, noon-8pm Sunday. See social media for details.

•6th & 7th November, Ludlow Fine Book Fair, Ludlow Racecourse

Beautiful books and associated supplies. Refreshments available. 10.30am-4pm. Free entry. www.ludlowbookbinders.co.uk

•8th November, An Evening with Sarah Moss, Booka Bookshop,

Oswestry Sarah talks about her new novel, The Fell, set during lockdown. 7.30pm. £15, including signed copy of the book. www.bookabookshop.co.uk

•13th & 14th November, Oswestry Antique & Collectors’ Fair, Oswestry Snowground

A wide range of antiques for sale. 8.30am-3.30pm Saturday, 9am-3pm Sunday. £3.50. www.jos-events.co.uk

•Until 15th November, The Marches Scribes: Writers, Readers, Thinkers, Dreamers, Shropshire Hills Discovery

Centre, Craven Arms This exhibition uses calligraphy to represent the theme. All pieces on display are available for purchase. Free entry. 10am-5pm. www.shropshire hillsdiscovery centre.co.uk

THE PLACE FOR FUN

Milton Jones, 9th November Him with the shirts from Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo and Radio 4. Fast, absurd and very funny. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.

DID YOU KNOW?

Dolly Parton says she has written more than Michael Portillo – Life: 3,000 songs

A Game Of Two Halves,

23rd November The former politician tells his story. 7pm. Tickets £20.

Country Superstars: The Dolly Parton Experience,

12th November A highly professional tribute show, taking a comprehensive trip through country music history. 7.30pm. Tickets £24. Aladdin, 9th December-2nd January Aladdin battles the evil Abazanar. Times vary. Tickets from £15. www.theplacetelford.com

Christmas comes to Coalbrookdale

The Winter Wonderland Grotto returns to the Museum of Iron on selected dates in November and December. There are plenty of photo opportunities before meeting the big man. Each child ticket costs £10 and includes a gift from Santa and entry for up to three adults. To book visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.

See the safari park after dark

West Midland Safari Park hosts its evening lantern trail on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 5th December. The 3km trail has 1,000 lanterns, lit-up landscapes and animal installations. Arrival times are between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £18 adults, £15 children.

www.wmsp. co.uk

Afternoon delights

A festive afternoon tea is on offer at Hawkstone Hall and Gardens on selected dates in November and December. The hall will be a scene of Christmas decadence and full of festive cheer created by the Shifnal & District male voice choir. The tea costs £32.50 per guest, and booking is essential. For details, visit www.hawkstonehall.co.uk.

MEET SANTA AT PARK HALL FARM

The Santa Experience at Park Hall Farm near Oswestry brings Christmas magic for little ones along with all the fun of the farm. Book your time slot to see Santa, and spend the rest of the day enjoying the attractions. Children’s tickets cost £19.95 and include a visit to Santa and a gift, a drink and treat, the flying reindeer school show and access to everything at the farm. Accompanying adults are also charged.

www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

20TH-27TH NOVEMBER

•20th November, Stonehouse Brewery Tour, Oswestry

Tour and tasting session lasting one to two hours, including two full pints. Noon. £25. Call 01691 676457.

•20th November, Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven

Arms Learn the when, what, where, why and how of pruning fruit trees in the centre’s mature community orchard. Boots and gardening gloves essential. 10am-1pm. £25. To book, visit www.shropshire hillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk.

•20th & 21st November, Shrewsbury Chocolate Festival, St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury

Independent chocolatiers will be present for this chocolate lovers’ heaven. 10am-5pm.

•26th-27th November, Photography Night Shoot, RAF Cosford

Several aircraft will be fabulously lit outside at night for some brilliant photos in this exclusive ticket-only event. Refreshments available. Over-16s only. 5pm-9pm. £40. www.rafmuseum.org/cosford

•26th November, Santa Safari, West Midland Safari Park,

Bewdley A four-mile safari, plus see Santa in his grotto. Book your slot at www.wmsp.co.uk.

•27th November, Hector’s Greyhound Rescue Winter Wonderland, Oswestry

Memorial Hall Fundraising event for Hector’s Greyhound Rescue with lots of stalls, refreshments, carol singing, and a Santa Paws grotto. 10am-1pm.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

1ST-15TH DECEMBER

•1st December3rd January, The Panto Adventures Of Peter Pan, Theatre Severn,

Shrewsbury A festive family treat full of laughs. Book your tickets – the croc is ticking! www.theatresevern.co.uk

•3rd December, James Bond Themed Night, Lion

Quays Hotel, Oswestry An evening of dining, casino games and dancing. 7pm-1am. £45, including a welcome drink and three-course meal. www.lionquays.co.uk

•4th-5th, 11th-12th & 18th-24th December, Breakfast with Santa, Apley

Farm Shop, Shifnal Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and chat with the Big Man. Booking essential. www.apleyestate.co.uk

•7th, 14th & 21st December, Tinsel Tuesdays, Ludlow Market

A traditional Christmas gift market. Get in the Christmas spirit with music, mulled wine and festive food. See social media for details.

Christmas market with a difference

Shrewsbury Prison – rated Shropshire’s number one tourist destination on TripAdvisor – hosts a Christmas market on 11th December. Enter through the 200-year-old gates into the courtyard and venture past the prison’s largest wing, which housed criminals for 200 years. There will be 50 stallholders offering gifts, crafts, clothing, games, toys and street food. Entry is free, but must be booked in advance (and does not include entry to the prison). www.shrewsburyprison.com

DID YOU KNOW? The prison is mentioned in A Shropshire Lad by AE Housman

Historical festivities JAZZ AT THE HIVE

Get hands-on with history and enjoy all the sights and sounds of a medieval Christmas in Ludlow on 27th and 28th November. Step back in time and see jesters, ghting knights, storytellers and more. More than 100 stalls will be selling unique gifts and treats. Opens 10am on both days, and closes at 9pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Tickets from £14 adults, £8.50 children. Timed arrival booking required. www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk Composer and trumpeter Byron Wallen brings his Four Corners band to SJN at the Hive on 13th November to perform music from their latest album, Portrait: Reflections On Belonging. Tickets from £23. www.hiveonline.org.uk

•11th-12th & 18th-24th December, Traditional Nativity,

Rays Farm, Bridgnorth See baby Jesus in the stable along with the other nativity characters. Booking is essential. £9.50 adults, £11.99 children. www.raysfarm.com

•15th December, Doorstep

Carols, your street! Following the huge success of last year’s Carols on the Doorstep, created in Shropshire in response to Covid-19 restrictions, you can sing along this year and raise money for charity at the same time. www.doorstepcarols.co.uk

RUN INTO 2022

Join the UK’s only New Year’s Eve midnight run in the Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, on 31st December. Kickstart your new fitness regime at the strike of midnight while the sound of fireworks and revelry echoes around you. Choose between 2.5km, 5km or 10km. www.ukacgroup.com

Beneath the waves

The Ocean Film Festival returns to Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, on 11th November with a collection of short films from above and below the water. Themes include seafaring voyages, watersports and marine conservation, and the festival aims to inspire people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans.

www.theatre severn.co.uk

A musical evening at St Alkmund’s

Shrewsbury Cantata Choir returns to performance at St Alkmund’s Church in Shrewsbury with an uplifting programme featuring Handel’s Dixit Dominus. The choir will be supported by an orchestra as well as soloists. Audience members are asked to be double-jabbed or to have taken a negative lateral flow test before attending. Tickets cost £12. www.shrewsburycantatachoir.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Sarah sings a song, “Diesel Mouse”, to remind her which fuel to use THEATRE SEVERN HIGHLIGHTS

Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler, 10th November

Cheeky Geordie lass Sarah has spent the last year “writing jokes and growing her backside” and is on tour with a brand-new stand-up show. 8pm. Tickets £29.50. Over-16s only.

Elf The Musical, 17th-20th November Awardwinning theatre company Get Your Wiggle On performs this musical adaptation of this festive family favourite. 7pm, plus 2pm on Saturday. Tickets from £16.

Calling Planet Earth, 21st November A New Romantic symphony taking you on a journey through the music of the 1980s. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.50. www.theatresevern.co.uk

ENJOY A REAL PAGE-TURNER IN SHREWSBURY

Shrewsbury Festival of Literature takes place from 26th to 28th November, featuring a wide range of events including guest speakers, poetry readings and open-mic nights. Many of the events are at Shrewsbury Library or the Hive. Visit www.shrewsburylitfest.co.uk for more.

Tribute to the queen of comedy

See Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood at Wem Town Hall on 19th November. For prices and times, visit www.wemtownhall.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

17TH-31ST DECEMBER

•17th December, Christmas Artisan Market, Bailey Head,

Oswestry Local craft and food producers bring with a Christmassy feel. 9am-3pm.

•21st December, Winter Solstice, Soulton Hall, nr Wem

Celebrate the shortest day of the year at sunset at Soulton Long Barrow. www.soultonhall.co.uk

•Shropshire Wine School, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

The school has a full diary of events and courses, ranging from introductory wine-tasting up to professional qualifications. www.shropshirewineschool.com

An evening with Toyah

Toyah Willcox performs her hit singles and latest songs, as well as sharing tales from her career, at Festival Drayton Centre on 19th November. Tickets from £22.

www.festivaldraytoncentre.com

CALLING ALL COSPLAY FANS

Wales Comic Con hosts the Telford Takeover at Telford International Centre on 20th to 21st November. There is a large and diverse guest list, with well-known faces from film and TV as well as those who work their craft behind the scenes. Cosplay costume is welcome, and prizes will be given to the best dressed. Weekend tickets cost £54.99 for adults and £19.99 for under-14s. Autographs and photo ops available.

www.walescomiccon.com

Get your skates on in Ironbridge

See Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge decorated in traditional holly and ivy, paper chains and decoupage baubles. An outdoor ice rink is also available for a little extra winter fun. To book your slot, visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.

Much Wenlock Christmas fayre

Enjoy a quintessential Christmas fayre in Much Wenlock on 4th December. Over 100 stalls will be open from 10am, along with live performances and children’s entertainment. A candlelit procession takes place down the high street with carol singing in the town square from 4.30pm. www.wenlockchristmasfayre.org.uk

•Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, Shrewsbury

Castle A familyfriendly display with a spectacular collection of uniforms, medals and more. Daily, 10.30am-4pm except Thursdays and Sundays. £4.50 adults, £2 children, free for former members of Shropshire regiments. Booking not required. www.soldiersofshropshire.co.uk

•Whitchurch Walkers This walking group offers two regular group walks a month, as well as small group walks for members. New members are always welcome. For details, visit www.whitchurchwalkers.co.uk.