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James Acaster's Classic Scrapes

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About this listen

The Sunday Times Best Seller

James Acaster has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award five times and has appeared on prime-time TV shows like Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Russell Howard's Stand Up Central.

But behind the fame and critical acclaim is a man perpetually getting into trouble. Whether it's disappointing a skydiving instructor mid-flight, hiding from thugs in a bush wearing a bright red dress, or annoying the Kettering Board Games club, a didgeridoo-playing conspiracy theorist and some bemused Christians, James is always finding new ways to embarrass himself.

Appearing on Josh Widdicombe's radio show to recount these stories, the feature was christened 'James Acaster's classic scrapes'. Here, in his first book, James recounts these tales (including never-before-heard stories) in all their glorious stupidity.

©2017 James Acaster (P)2017 Headline Publishing Group Ltd Performing Arts Comedy Funny Witty Feel-Good Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

"James Acaster has a brilliant comic mind, crackling with energy every bit as much as his corduroy slacks." (Milton Jones)
"I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me cry with laughter as much as this one. It was very difficult reading it in public as I looked like a madman." (Richard Herring)
All stars
Most relevant
Had this recommended via several friends. Utter, delightful comedy gold. All the way from a tiny internal smirk (primary school kids and socks) to a full blown belly laugh (Humpty Dumpty) - this has it all. Buy it - now.

If you only listen to one audiobook, make it this one.

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It's exactly what you'd expect: a comedian telling silly anecdotes. Acaster's performance is great, the stories vary in zaniness and irony, overall, well worth a listen.

Do note though that the anecdotes all appeared on Josh Widdecombe's radio show, and several were also used on Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You and in Acaster's stand-up. So if you're a fan who follows his work, expect some repetition.

series of witty anecdotes

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I listen to audiobooks on my commute to and from work. This book made me dribble on myself and snort laughing on the bus every morning. The stories are even funnier because James Acaster himself narrates them

10/10

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I’d heard most of the scrapes from the radio but they were given new life and context in this audiobook. It’s comforting to know that someone else gets into as much / possibly more scrapes than I.

Very funny, finished in one sitting.

🥨

5 cabbages out of 5

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Wasn't a fan previously...am now. Simply love the man. So good, brilliantly described and laugh out loud funny

hilarious

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