Funny Cow

Now retired from a 45 year career as a stand up entertainer, I was compelled to watch this transfixing film. Having watched many struggle to find a place in the entertainment world, and seen an emergence in the mid 1970s began with more female specialty acts, moving into the male domain (it was great to witness) I think this film is loosely based on the life of Marty Cain (who I was lucky to work with). Great acting, and production. A real pleasure and a very nostalgic trip for me.

Funny Cow is one of those British gems. Brutal, bleak, tender and comic. Only we can do this.

Set in the 1970's working men's clubs. It's a world of sweat, smoke; racism and sexism. We also have flashbacks to a 1950's childhood of poverty and domestic violence. Funny Calf (love that) is full of energy, mischief and defiance..

Men do not fare well in this film. Either beer-stained and openly violent, or sophisticated, affluent and weak Considine.

My favourite moment are the auditions for a "Search For A Star." Great cameos from John Bishop and Vic Reeves. The film's climax where she swears and tells racist, homophobic jokes is shocking. But it shouldn't be diluted, and the audience is delighted to hear her just as coarse and aggressive as any male comedian of the period.

Not everything works.The storyline is choppy and episodic, leaping randomly back and forth in time. It's disconcerting to see Stephen Graham as nasty father one moment, net curtain-twitching brother the next. Even Funny Cow seems remote at times, but it's great stuff from Peake.

Maxine Peake is on top form as a conflicted maverick in seventies Yorkshire who rails against the endless stream of male violence ,human indifference and suffering with her dry wit. The film tips a huge nod to kitchen sink dramas like Saturday night Sunday morning and there's no flinching away from the racist /sexist/homophobic jokes of the era. This film is not for everyone but does provide lots of humorous lines and moments amid the relentless misery. Cameos agogo - even Corrine Bailey Rae gets a look in !

A Gritty grim film about the school of hard knocks which leads to the eventual success (obviously) of funny cow. Some lovely cameos from various faces from British tv. Kevin Rowland to name but one. Music by Richard Hawley, he also is seen taking part in s talent show and later singing on stage in s working man's club with "coffee" played by Corine Bailey Rae.

It's a great film Maxine Peake is immense, likewise Alun Armstrong is wonderful as the bitter ageing comedian I'm not sure if this was originally a stage play, it does have that feel but don't let that put you off.

It's about a comic but it's not a comedy

Can't say enough good about this film... other than why have I not heard about it or seen it in theatres!? Maxine Peake is just beyond brilliant in this work. She forces you to fall in love with this beautifully damaged hot mess of a character. Peake layers every nuance and subtext possible around this tortured soul for you to see and excruciatingly feel. The directing by Adrian Shergold was exceptional and clever, the screenwriting by Tony Pitts superb. The supporting cast is fantastic, most especially Tony Pitts brutally intimidating in the role of Bob. While this genre and storyline with actors nearly unknown to me would not be something, I wouldn't typically watch. But I'm so very pleased I did. Funny Cow had me from start to finish. An outstanding piece of work tragically overlooked and underappreciated by the British critics and audiences and invisible to American audiences until now... thank you Amazon Prime!