Carolyn Soutar: Dave Allen

The image of Dave Allen is seared into our minds. He sits on a tall chair with a glass of Jack Daniels, smoking his Gauloises, a fingertip missing as he tells the most hilarious, rambling stories. But what of the man behind the image?Carolyn Soutar's biography is the most revealing account of the famously private comedian, whose career began in the sixties but who remained influential to a whole new generation of comics in the 21st century. Having worked with him as his stage manager, Soutar was able to see how he behaved both on and off screen. She discusses his Irish Catholic upbringing that brought him so much anger, which he was able to turn to humour. In the sixties, he toured with the Beatles, and became a huge TV star in the following decades.This fascinating account recaptures the essence of a much-loved figure and is a warm tribute to a brilliant comedian. It uncovers much new information about the man behind the jokes and will be a perfect gift for all of him millions of fans.