COMPETITION

WIN a copy of
"The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi"

Canongate Books are generously offering FOUR lucky theatremonkey readers a chance to win a copy each of this wonderful biography of the great Georgian Clown and Comedy Icon, in hardback.

Scroll down the page to find out more, or click here to go direct to the competition...

Theatremonkey Opinion:
Andrew McConnell Stott has written perhaps the finest biography the monkey read in 2009. Following his modern day prologue at the annual Clowns' Memorial Service in Hackney, the turn of a page takes us back to Boxing Day 1810, as the greatest clown of all is about to step onto the pantomime stage.

We are then treated to an enthralling biography of the clown himself, with stories illustrating the theatrical and social scene around him adding extra colour. At the end, for further interest, pantomime "Mother Goose" is reproduced in full from an 1807 printing and the "Notes" section contains famous extracts of verse including Joe's own "Hot Codlins," written for him by Dibden.

Deciding to take this broad view is a wise one. With few solid records and so many anecdotes abounding (the "go see the great clown to cure your depression - I am that clown" story is here weighed and rightly fast dispatched) lesser authors might become mired in probably irrelevant details. Instead, placing Grimaldi in his favourite environment allows us to enjoy the intrigues of the artistes' "Green Room" and managers' offices; with excursions into the auditorium, Parliament and the homes of gentry and commoners alike to balance out the biographical insights.

Best of all, Stott's text is as light as Harlequin's moves, his eye for humour and the need to clarify details for those unschooled in that period always as deft and sure. Not a single passage drags, and it is both the facts and the atmosphere of the era that the reader will absorb by the end.

For those like the monkey, who know little about that theatrical period, this proves an excellent guide. Those interested in the history of comedy will find it a "must purchase" if only to discover who invented "huge clown shoes" and other comedic elements now taken for granted. Taken simply as a biography, for those who enjoy the genre, the monkey opinion is that this is one strongly deserving of a place on your bookshelf.


Very generously, Canongate Books have agreed to provide 4 hardback copies of this book as prizes for the winners - the monkey thanks them once again.

To win a copy, simply answer the following question:

What was the title of the special verse Dibden wrote for Joe to perform?
A) Hot Chocolate
B) Hot Codlins
C) Hot Cheeks

(for a clue, read the text above...)

Once you think you know, simply send an email with the letter of your answer - "A", "B" or "C" - in the "Subject" line to:



Please include the address you'd like the prize sent to, should you win, plus a daytime telephone number if possible (though not essential). The lucky FOUR winners will be drawn at random, after the closing date, from all correct entries received. The closing date for entries is that they are time marked before 3pm (U.K. time) on TUESDAY 30th MARCH 2010. Please remember that by entering, competitors agree to abide by the competition rules.

One entry only per email / household address, please. Multiple entries will not increase your chances! Please also DO NOT include any other enquiries within your competition entry email.

Please be assured that your email / personal address will NOT be passed to any third party, NOR will it be used by either Theatremonkey or any other organisation to contact you for any reason outside winning this current competition.

GOOD LUCK!

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Full Rules:

1) The decision of the Theatremonkey webmaster is final. No Correspondence will be entered into.

2) The prizes are as stated. One copy of the book per winner. No variation can be made, and no substitution for cash or other goods can be provided.

3) Postage of the book is included. Theatremonkey CANNOT take responsibility for non-delivery or the item being damaged in transit. Entrants are personally liable for any locally levied charges, import taxes or other duties payable, and any actions taken by their national import control agencies.

4) Theatremonkey reserve the right to withhold either prize at any time, should any outside enforcement agency direct the organisation.

5) The closing date and time for entries is as stated, and no responsibility can be taken for lost or mislaid entries under any circumstances.

6) Only one entry per email address / household address is permitted. Entry by either method provides equal chance of winning. Theatremonkey reserves the right to disqualify multiple entries, and also to refer "spamming" to the sender's Internet Service Provider.

7) The winners shall NOT be required to participate in any form of publicity at any time.

8) This competition takes place under the jurisdiction of English Law, which shall always prevail. The promoter reserves the right to vary rules should legislation or circumstance make it necessary. Liability is limited to the provision of the prizes ONLY, and no responsibility can be taken for subsequent use or misuse. Financial liability is limited to the cost of the item until supplied to the winner ONLY.

9) This competition is the sole promotion of Theatremonkey.com. It is not connected with the management or staff of any other company, venue or organisation.

10) Entry to this competition is deemed to be acceptance of these rules by the entrant.
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