Hirst Publishing

'A Comedian's Tale'
by Charlie Ross
Comedy, they say, is the new rock n’ roll. Some comedians may be Live at the Apollo but most live on the breadline. This is the story of a road from a first nervous open spot, to a career in stand-up comedy. The struggles, the stormers, the deaths, the delights of being a jobbing stand-up. A living can be made, fame may be around the corner, but until then, the new rock n’ roll is standing in the dull light of a bedside lamp in a basement bar in Burnley. Charlie Ross is a Scottish comedian who has been working all over the UK for the past ten years. There have been highs at the Comedy Store in London, and three 5-star Edinburgh Fringe shows, and quite a few lows.If you want to be a comedian, or even if you just like comedy, this guide from open spot to being paid to make people laugh is a must buy. For every star at the Apollo, there are twenty Charlie Ross’s just making an honest living. Welcome the long and winding road to being a stand-up.

£7.99 plus postage & packing
Released August 2010
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'Self Portrait'
by Anneke Wills
This is a moving, witty and candid account of a fascinating life among the talents who defined the swinging sixties. Appearing in ground-breaking television from an early age, Anneke Wills was one of the busiest actresses of the 1960s – her role as Polly establishing a template for one of television's most iconic and prized roles – the glamorous Doctor Who girl. This is a beautifully written story of a unique childhood, life at the heart of swinging sixties London, and a turbulent marriage to a leading actor. Anneke’s life revolved around the eccentrics, actors, film-makers, painters, designers, poets, satirists and drunks who were changing the world. She counted among her friends the leading lights of the time – from Peter Cook to Sammy Davis Jnr. Illustrated in full colour with previously unseen photographs and Anneke’s own drawings and paintings, this is the story of a rich and colourful life, and the growth of a truly remarkable woman.

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£11.99
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'Naked'
by Anneke Wills
In the second volume of her autobiography, Anneke’s familiar, intimate style tells her story as she leaves the limelight of television for rural family life. Fully embracing the liberal zeitgeist of the seventies, she lives ‘The Good Life’ in the idyllic countryside of Norfolk, travels to India and becomes a disciple of the notorious spiritual teacher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. In the 1980s, she lives among unique artists on a small Canadian Island, works as a designer and gardener in California, endures unbearable tragedy and two more unorthodox marriages. She returns to the folds of Doctor Who in the nineties, which leads to worldwide travels, emotional reunions and new adventures. This 37 year voyage, filled with tears, laughter and discovery, will leave you breathless. With a supporting cast of eccentric friends, spiritual leaders, distinguished actors, pioneers of new thought and Doctor Who fans, Anneke’s story is truly stranger than fiction.To this day, Anneke’s life continues to be unpredictable and bizarre. This book – hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure – brings us up to 2008, laying bare the story of a true renaissance woman. As with the first book, 'Naked' is in full colour and includes rare personal photos and Anneke's own artwork.

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'Look Who's Talking'
by Colin Baker
To many, Colin Baker is the sixth Doctor Who; to some, he is the villainous Paul Merroney in the classic BBC drama The Brothers. But to the residents of South Buckinghamshire he is a weekly voice of sanity in a world that seems intent on confounding him. Marking the 15th anniversary of his regular feature in the Bucks Free Press, this compilation includes over 100 of his most entertaining columns, from 1995 to 2009, complete with new linking material. With fierce intelligence and a wicked sense of humour, Colin tackles everything from the absurdities of political correctness to the joys of being an actor, slipping in vivid childhood memories, international adventures and current affairs in a relentless rollercoaster of reflections, gripes and anecdotes. Pulling no punches, taking no prisoners and sparing no detail, the ups and downs of Colin life are shared with panache, honesty and clarity, and they are every bit as entertaining and surreal as his trips in that famous police box... for a world that is bewildering, surprising and wondrous, one need look no further than modern Britain, and Colin Baker is here to help you make sense of it all, and to give you a good laugh along the way.

Out Now (Volume 2 - 'Second Thoughts' due for release autumn 2010).
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'Emma Fletcher : If the Shoe Fits'
written with Paul Burton

They say most people do not recall memories earlier than the age of three, unless those memories evolved from traumatic experiences. Perhaps this is why Emma Fletcher has such early memories.Refreshingly candid, this inspirational autobiography sees actress Emma Fletcher recalling her incredible life story. Overcoming early trauma and a great deal of heartache has led to a life of compassion, whilst maintaining a smile on her face at all costs. However, Fletcher’s fascinating life story, is not that of a victim, but of a strong and talented woman who has triumphed against adversity in order to attain her dream of becoming a busy theatre, film & TV actress.

“I’ve always believed I grew up under the guidance of a bright shining light - perhaps that is why I have always reached for the stars.”

£9.99 plus postage & packing
Released Christmas 2010
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