Diary of a Somebody

Product Information

Full of fire and brightness, he got away with looking more modern and less outlandish than Gary Oldman does in the film of Prick Up Your Ears. Before signing off, it should be mentioned that Diary of a Somebody is filthy (Orton would have loved that). Or it may be a novel that starts out as comic before turning altogether darker, such as JG Farrell’s Troubles. But here it is, I did manage to irritate the daylights out of anybody within hearing distance while I read this, which is extra points right there. Girl friends – like nouveau-leftist Victoria or ever plainer Jane – seem less than wild about his charms.

Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston review – a spoof too far

This was not during hostilities, as it turns out, but falling off a cliff while attempting to photograph a colony of rockhopper penguins. Joe Orton created a stir in the late sixties with a flurry of black comedies that both enthralled and shocked the London theatre scene, and plays like Loot and What The Butler Saw continue to draw audiences when they are revived.

His ex-wife has taken up with a new man, a marketing guru and motivational speaker who seems to be disturbingly influencing his son, Dylan.

Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston - Pan Macmillan Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston - Pan Macmillan

The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Staged for the first time in 35 years, Diary of a Somebody is a deep dive into the mind of one of the most witty, rebellious, and acclaimed artists of his generation. We've learned a lot more about 'White Privilege' in the 30 years since that conversation and I think I would agree with that conclusion more readily now.

But as the months go by Brian steadily finds his own voice and, though the plot may be slight and over-extended, this fun, charming novel is a fine showcase for Bilston’s irrepressible creativity. Kemp masterfully engages with the audience, meaning that even in Orton’s least salubrious moments, we feel more inclined to side with Joe. Stuart Mould is a motivational speaker who trumpets his charity on social media and impresses Brian’s son Dylan with Maseratis and macho success. There are 384 pages of this and Bilston’s writing doesn’t have the bite nor well-sprung wit to cut through the sheer depressing Britishness of it all.