The Black Dog: The life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians

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On the surface, Declan and James have little in common – they grew up in the same town, sure, but one is an internationally known writer/director/actor, and the other is cruising through college and nights in the pub. They are both at crossroads in their lives, but whether they are taking the right path remains to be seen. Kevin Bridges reveals gambling problem: News 2014: Chortle: The UK Comedy Guide". Chortle.co.uk. 5 October 2014 . Retrieved 6 December 2015.

Comedian Kevin Bridges shares first glimpse of son and reveals baby's sweet name". MSN . Retrieved 20 December 2022.The story itself is well told and is full of Bridges' trademark wit and humour. I enjoyed the fact that, despite some of the language, it was a subtle story of one young man's search for himself in a place where he does not fit in with the crowd. There is no sensationalism or glorification of drugs, crime or violence in the way that some portray in Glasgow in film, TV and novels and there are some excellent characters in the book who act as true friends to Declan. The language used is very Glasgow but not over done, it is one the few books set Glasgow that uses language that is widely spoken in Glasgow. I love this book. Brilliantly drawn, believable characters of raw heart and honesty. Cannot recommend enough.' Matt Coyne And you don’t have to look too far to see parallels with this fiction and Bridges’ own life, from his own working-class roots in Clydebank to fame and acclaim in stand-up. Indeed, he’s spoken about his mental health struggles as part of the pre-publication publicity for this title. Bridges appeared on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow on the BBC, where he performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse. [3] [4] Bridges returned to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2009 with his show 'An Hour to Sing For Your Soul'. He was nominated for best newcomer in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. [5]

And although I was eager to find out the fate of our characters, the plot sometimes felt as though it dragged along without purpose. A strong start and an excellent ending, but somewhere in the middle I began to lose concentration. I’ve never enjoyed a scene involving a running race quite as much as in this book! I genuinely cried with laughter. Get all the latest Glasgow news and headlines sent straight to your inbox twice a day by signing up to our free newsletter.This book was written, like many from people who are not considered novelists, during the pandemic when many people had nothing else to whilst at home so I am not sure whether we will get any more from Mr Bridges but I certainly hope we do and I would love to follow Declan on his journey ahead. Immensely readable, fast moving and an insight into two sides of Kevin Bridges, I really enjoyed it. Kevin's warmth and wit shine through in his first novel. Never a dull moment and an array of engaging, quirky characters. A funny and absorbing read with some great insights into the world of negotiating being famous.' Jo Brand While an edit wouldn’t go amiss, this is an engaging read and – as with Declan himself – Bridges’ will to write should be encouraged. Kevin Bridges What's The Story: Referendum Special". BBC. 14 September 2014 . Retrieved 29 November 2018.

I’m a huge fan of Kevin Bridges’ comedy, which tends to feature comedic tales. Based on his stand up, I viewed him as a gifted storyteller. So I was beyond excited to read his first work of fiction and I was not disappointed! There’s been a lot about Kevin Bridges in the press at the moment, thanks to the release of this, his debut novel, and he has been very upfront in talking about his own struggles with poor mental health, so that perhaps gives you an indication that this book features mental health very heavily as the motivation behind much of what the main characters do. At face value, their lives couldn't be more different, but perhaps fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together - and perhaps each holds the other's redemption in their hands. James Cavani - Declan's idol and his hometown's claim to fame - is a renowned writer, director and actor. But despite his success, his past hasn't relinquished its hold of him, and through his younger sister's battle with drug addiction, he finds himself returning to a world he thought he had escaped. Declan was just a wee lamb! Trying to hold it all together but struggling with anxiety and doubt. I loved his character growth. His mum and sister were amazing too. Doof Doof was the friend that everybody needs! He was just such an amazing character and supportive friend. I know he was more of a side character but he was my favourite character and I want only amazing things for him. Even the ‘baddies’ felt realistic. It would have been so easy to make them caricature gangsters.In 2010, Bridges took part in Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show held in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, filmed live at the O2 Arena in London. [6] Bridges won the breakthrough award at the 2010 Chortle Awards. [7] As I said, there is a focus on mental health, and especially the kind of poor mental health that comes out of modern life – I will leave you with the quote from the book that I felt most distilled what I’ve often tried to articulate: A truly brilliant book, the best ARC I’ve read this year, a sure in for my top 10 books of the year. He has appeared on many television panel shows including Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News for You and has performed on Live at the Apollo and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. The release of the book will coincide with Bridges’ new stand-up tour, The Overdue Catch-Up, which starts in Liverpool on July 13. Kevin Bridges tour dates.

He has his pet Labrador for companionship and his best friend-turned-mentor, a pseudo-intellectual who works as greenskeeper at the local municipal golf course, both of which help keep the worst of his anxieties at bay. But following a drunken row with local gangsters, Declan's worries threaten to spiral out of control. Three new BBC One specials commissioned with Scottish comic Kevin Bridges". BBC. 6 June 2014 . Retrieved 29 November 2018. Four years have passed since his last show, and he’s gotten married, had a baby, and migrated to a middle-class neighbourhood. He stops short of admitting that he might now be middle-class himself, but will concede that he’s been “granted citizenship” by his son, who is attending baby yoga class, surrounded by kids with posh names who care about who’s the best swimmer. Very different from Bridges’ day, when playground status could only be secured by being “good at football, good at fighting, or f—ing mental.” Kevin married Kerry Monaghan in 2019. In December of 2022, Bridges announced the birth of his first child, a son named Liam, born in May of that year. [30] Filmography [ edit ] List of acting performances in film and televisionA life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges - exploring dysfunctional friendships, family, and how to face your problems head on. Also, the final scene is beyond words. An absolutely, unexpected but hilarious ending which is just what the book required. Some the observations made are bang on and further show that Kevin has far from forgotten where he is from I particularly like the c##t comment and irony about the westend. The more deeper observations about the male mental health struggle, the social mobility in our society, the moral issues of crime and general state of Scotland are subtle but make the point clear, this for me a real skill and is hard to achieve for even well established authors. I felt that the whole thing was very visual – perhaps intentionally because of James’ occupation and Declan’s ambitions – but for every bit of part 6, I could see it all being played out on screen in all its sad and hilarious glory. It’s definitely something that would work well on TV. He has his pet Labrador for companionship and his best friend-turned-mentor, a pseudo-intellectual who works as a greenskeeper at the local municipal golf course, both of which help keep the worst of his anxieties at bay. But following a drunken row with local gangsters, Declan's worries threaten to spiral out of control.