Book description
The complete memoirs of a man of many talents and faces - the late,
great Spike Milligan - affectionately recounted by his close friend and
agent for 35 years, Norma Farnes.
'What's he really like?' Wherever I went and was introduced as Spike
Milligan's manager I waited for the inevitable question. In not far
short of thirty-six years it never altered. It wasn't one that could be
answered in a few words so I generally made do with 'Interesting' or
'don't ask'…
After chancing on an advertisement for a secretarial position, Norma
Farnes found herself initiated into the world of Number Nine Orme Court
where Spike and some of post-war's other greatest comedy writers like
Eric Sykes, Johnny Speight, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson had formed a
writers' cooperative. Soon promoted to be his manager, Norma was working
for a man with a reputation for being brilliant and difficult in equal measure.
In this affectionate yet true account, Norma Farnes looks at the whole
of Spike's life from his childhood and extraordinary family in India,
his ongoing battle with his restless mind, his numerous affairs and his
heartening struggles with many varied causes. She gives a mass of
wonderful anecdotes and revealing insights into Spike and his circle,
including, of course, his often fraught but deep friendship with Peter Sellers.
In Spike, Norma Farnes has written a moving portrait of her greatest
friend. Above all, Spike's fascinating, very human character is brought
to life on every page.
Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content
that appeared in the original print version. 'Compelling… you cannot
stop reading, so revealing is it of the tortured individual that lurked
behind the public facade.'
Sean O'Hagan, Observer
'Written with infectious verve… a cheery book.'
Humphrey Carpenter, Sunday Times Norma Farnes has been Spike
Milligan's agent, manager and friend for over 35 years. She lives in
Yorkshire and London.
