In 1979 the Comedy Store opened above a strip joint in Soho. It heralded a new kind of comedy, and kickstarted the careers of comics such as French and Saunders, Ben Elton and Rik Mayall. More than twenty years on, the venue may have changed twice, but the club remains as popular as ever. A gig at the Store is still the biggest break a new stand-up can get.
With brand new interviews from a host of comedians, and unique access to the Store, William Cook tells the fascinating and often hilarious story of this remarkable club. Clive Anderson and Alexei Sayle recall the chaos and excitement of the very first night. Nick Hanock and Jo Brand describe the backstage banter and the onstage buzz of the Leicester Square venue. And the newly minted stars such as Richard Blackwood talk about where comedy is heading.
The comedians' stories are hilarious, revealing, rude and poignant: just like modern society itself.